oppo 981 vs. Denon 1600

[tcm5]

I have been using a Denon 1600 for DVD-A, CD and DVD Video playback for the past few years. Recently I upgraded my display to a Panasonic Plasma and my DVD player to an Oppo 981. I am still using the Denon for DVD-A playback. The question is which player, given the analog output, is best for DVD-A? I have assumed the Denon has better DACs than the Oppo due to cost. Both players have stellar reviews. Any opinions?

 

[j_garcia]

If you have both, why not just try both and determine for yourself? My 980 sounds almost as good as my 2900. The 981 is not quite as good as the 980/970 in terms of audio, but I would expect it to be at least as good as the 1600.

 

[tcm5]

you're right

I should compare myself and I will, but someone agreeing with my choice is always better. It is difficult to compare when you have to unplug 6 cables and balance the system.

 

[j_garcia]

The speaker calibrations are handled in the players when using analog, so you should only have to do that once. IMO, they are going to be pretty close. I don't know how the bass management is on the 1600, and even my previous 2200 had better bass management than the 2900, so that could be a factor as well. The 980 and 981 have pretty good bass management.

 

[Alex2507]

On my Denon 1920 the bass management allows for large or small. Small being 100 Hz. Then I leave the gains set to 0 on the Denon and use my receiver to calibrate the speakers. Anyways what I'm wondering is, is that the best way to listen to DVD-A? Via the 6 channel out? I never really crank the volume and think I prefer listening with the speakers set to large even though my speakers can't handle anything below 60 Hz. If I use anything other than the 6 channel out my receiver tells me it's only getting 2 channels of audio. I'm asking this here because there is already a dialogue regarding Denon players and DVD-A. Hope it's okay to do so.

 

[tcm5]

Bass management

I actually own an Outlaw Bass Management System. It allows me to set different crossovers for each speaker set and mix the output with the LFE signal. Outlaw stopped making it, probably because most Players have bass management now.

 

[tcm5]

You can only access DVD-A High rez through your 6 analog out jacks, unless you have a HDMI out that supports DVD-A and an A/V receiver that has HDMI in. I also balance through my receiver using the DVE disk and a radioshack SPL meter. I don't know whats happening when you don't use the 6 analog out. I think if you use the optical or coax out you should get surround in Dolby. Maybe your getting the high rez stereo mode. Try selecting the 5.1 mix.

 

[j_garcia]

All of the Denons and Oppos use an 80Hz x-over.

Some players from Denon have "Denon Link", an alternative digital link for DVD-A and SACD, but the 1920 isn't one of them.

 

[Alex2507]

On my Denon 1920 the bass management allows for large or small. Small being 100 Hz.

All of the Denons and Oppos use an 80Hz x-over.

We have a difference of opinion. At least as far as the 1920 is concerned. I wish it was 80Hz. Just thought you would appreciate the info is all.

 

[smurphy522]

I imagine you will find that there is little to no discernable difference in the two players, especially with DVD-A playback. However the only real way to decide is to demo it within your system. I suggest even then if there was a small lean towards the Denon, to Ebay it and put the money towards DVDs or bank it towards a HD player.

Good luck!

 

[j_garcia]

We have a difference of opinion. At least as far as the 1920 is concerned. I wish it was 80Hz. Just thought you would appreciate the info is all.

I wonder why they would change that? My 2200 and 2900 were both 80Hz, so why would they remove that 2 generations down the road? The 2910 and 3910 did also.

 

[tcm5]

I wired up the 981 for DVD-A and I was not disappointed.Sound is very smooth. Can't say if it sounds better than the Denon though. The bennifit is I now have SACD. Can't wait to pick up "Dark Side of the Moon."