What kind of player?

[audiobliss]

I was all set to get a Cambridge Audio Azur 640D sometime next year as my next upgrade. It plays CDs, DVDs, DVD-A discs, and MP3s (I think). However, after reading about SACD and DVD-A and dual discs, and high-definition DVDs coming out, I think I'm more confused than before....lol. I now think that I would like to have a universal player that plays both DVD-A and SACD. This way I could compare the two and I would also have access to a wider range of music.

Upon reaching this conclusion, I began to think that perhaps a $100 universal player would be the next step, so that I could play with the format for a year before plunking down some real money. However, then I remember how easy-to-please my ear is. Since I'm very far from a critical listener, wouldn't something like Yamaha's DVD-S1500 suit my needs just fine? Yeah, I'm sure the CA 640D would sound better, and I'd rather have it; but mainly because it say CA on it and I could say, "I have a CA player."

Looking at this practically, does someone think that the Yamaha DVD-S1500 would be a bad move for me? Other suggestions in this same range? Should I re-think my position and take a different route?


Also, I've heard that Cambridge Audio is coming out with a universal player next year....if that's true....and it's not too expensive...I think that's what I'd like.

Thanks!!

[steveinaz]

If you're not a critical neurotic listener like me, then a universal player should be fine. Yamaha has a good reputation and their equipment is very solid in construction.

...all that being said....I did notice that the new Yamaha player has a teeny-tiny sticker on the back that reads "Made in China."
It's the first Yamaha piece I've ever seen with that sticker so I can't speak about the quality of that piece.

Keep in mind, just about everyone is having stuff manufactured in China these days, to include Polk Audio, Cambridge Audio, Creek, Music Hall, and I'm sure many, many more.

[audiobliss]

ehh,...that's dis-heartening.....

How much do you reckon Cambridge Audio would be selling their universal player for? It seems to me that they are of a lot better quality while not being much more expensive; depending on the price, I'm thinking I may just wait for that to come out.....

[steveinaz]

Probably be in the $300-$600 range, but don't know for sure. Check Audio Advisor.

[Early B.]

...perhaps a $100 universal player would be the next step, so that I could play with the format for a year before plunking down some real money.

There's your answer.

[steveinaz]

Good "eye" Early! ;)

[audiobliss]

Well, when I said that, I was thinking I was going to buy a SACD player OR DVD-A player; not a universal. So, I would have experience with both formats and then know which I like better. However, if Cambridge Audio is coming out with a not too expensive universal player next year, don't you think I'd be better off waiting for that? Or would recommend getting the $100 universal player now and then still get a better one? Or just live with the $100 one?

Thanks!

[Danny Tse]

Where can you get a $100.00 universal player? Is this a new one? The Pioneer 578a?

By most accounts, the $150 Sony SCD-595 SACD/CD changer, which you can get now for $120.00, is must better than the Pioneer in both SACD and CD playback. Same goes for the $120.00 Panasonic F87 DVD-A changer and it has HDCD-decoding for CDs.

If Cambridge Audio does come out w/ an universal player, I expect it to retail for about $500.00. At least.

At one point, I intended to assemble a complete "Made In China" system....until my purchase of the Energy C-3 speakers. Those damn Canadians :D So now I just have one Chinese-made component, my Cambridge Audio A500 amp.

[steveinaz]

My speakers (Athena), my CD Player (CEC), and my XM tuner (Polk) are all made in China.