According to Denon's website, it seems as if three common DACs used in Denon's players are PCM1792 (5910CI), PCM1796 (3910 & 3930CI), and PCM1791 (5805, 5805MKII, 4806, 4306, 3806). If PCM1792 is better than 1796, is 1791 better than 1792? I cannot find the PCM1791 on Texas Instruments website, only PCM1791A. It seems as if TI bought out Burr-Brown so maybe part numbers changed?
In Systems 1, 2 and 3, Audioholics has 5805, 5910, 5900, and 3910. If you still have 5910CI and 3930CI, can you compare the audio performance of these players/receivers side by side, similar to your comparison of the DACs in 5805 and 5910CI? If you can hear a difference, is it worth the cost? Wouldn't you need a well treated and designed room (and ultra-expensive) room to hear any difference?
Your review basically says that if you can spend US$3800 on the 5910CI, then you should spend even more for a high end processor/receiver such as the 5805MKII. Couldn't you use a cheaper receiver and just keep the receiver in pure direct mode for audio and use the multi-channel analog outs? That's what I do with the 3910 and an Onkyo TX-SR701 receiver.
I give you the benefit of the doubt when you say the 5910CI can beat mega-buck players with fewer features from other companies; but the internet abounds with d-ck measuring forums (not this one) that claim other, more expensive, brands are better. It would be nice if Audioholics can obtain some ultra-expensive players, processors, or amplifiers from some of the more popular expensive brands such as Classe, Krell, McIntosh, Bryston, etc. to prove that good gear, while expensive, need not put you in the
poorhouse. Perhaps you could review one or two such products per year.
BTW, the System 2 webpage does not say if you updated the 3910 firmware. Did you? perhaps you can post an addendum to the 3910 review.
