Hi End DVD Players

[photoeye]

Hi,

I currently have the Sony DVP-NC685V.

specs are:
108MHz/12-bit video D/A converter
192kHz/24-bit audio D/A converter


For the Pioneer Elite and Denon players,
the specs seem the same for the video.

Pioneer Elite DV-47Ai
108 MHz/12 bit
Triple 192KHz/24-bit (3x2 channel)
for Superior Sound Quality (Burr Brown)

Denon DVD-2900
12 bit/108 MHz
DENON designed, Burr-Brown 24-bit,
192-kHz DSD-1790 Audio DACs

would the audio/video really be
noticable if I upgrade to either the Elite
or the Denon? Why the Denon over the Elite?

for multi channel input using SACD, there are connections
on this hi end dvd players for Surround Back. Are there
any Surround Back SACD material out there or this is just
for future use?


thx...

 

[Murrayb]

I'm not familiar with your current player, but IMHO the Pioneer Elite beats out the Denon. I compared the two when I purchased and I thought the Elite had a nicer picture (sharper, more detailed) and was noticeably better on the audio side. Also, I believe the Denon's i-link is a proprietary one whereas the Elite is not.

 

[Dan]

I auditioned both of these when chosing a player. I did not compare video performance which was secondary to me. I listened through a Krell amp and preamp ( I Believe) and Vandersteen 2ce speakers without a subwoofer in the store. I did a lot of nonblind A/B comparison of 2 channel high quality (Mapleshade) redbook and SACD recordings using the D/A in the players of course, not the preamp. The salesman was very good not to provide his bias in advance.

I felt there was a clear difference in bass response with the Denon superior. All differences between disc players are subtle to me- perhaps I have tin ears. But I could hear it and it was as obvious as anything I've heard comparing CD players previously.

 

[mike_p]

I've got a 2200 serving duty in my system. I bought it based on the sound quality, picture was secondary. I cannot compare to the Elite, never heard/seen it... but I can tell you that the 2200, which is supposedly very similar to the 2900 (but with newer DACs), does a fine job.

SACD and DVD-A playback is also superb, the primary reason I bought it.

I'd suggest you go back and compare again, but this time turn-off all bass-mgmt for SACD/DVD-A playback. There should be a "filter" setting in the audio menu, turn it off. Denon (and probably everyone else) did a crappy job, in my opinion, with bass mgmt.. I'd steer clear form it.

mike