Sherwood SD-860

[Jack Dotson]

Anyone familiar with this model? Just ordered one today, but there just doesn't seem to be allot of info about it.

I'm currently using a Sony NS DVP-999ES, but went with the Sherwood because it also plays DVDA and figure it will fill the gap until the new HD players become reasonable in a year or so.

If/when I get one of the new players I can still use the SD-860 for my audio source if it works out. Have no idea how it sounds, just took a chance.

 

[Dan Driscoll]

I have one, you can read my comments here.

To follow-up, I am very happy with the SACD & DVD-A sound quality. I got this mainly for audio use, but the picture quality on film based sources in also pretty good. On video based DVD's it's not quite as good, but it's not bad, either.

 

[Jack Dotson]

I have one, you can read my comments here.

To follow-up, I am very happy with the SACD & DVD-A sound quality. I got this mainly for audio use, but the picture quality on film based sources in also pretty good. On video based DVD's it's not quite as good, but it's not bad, either.

Thanks for the observations, wish there were more. I already own a Sony NS 999ES DVDP. It has exceptional performance for SACD and video. RB CD playback is average at best.

I ordered the Sherwood P-965 to replace my Outlaw model-950 and the SD-860 as an addition to my 999ES. I would be really surprised if the 860's video performance is even close to my Sony. But, like you, this is not really what I bought it for. I bought it so I could also have DVDA, and the sony has a fixed 120Hz crossover whereas the 860 have variable from 70-120.

If it doesn't perform as well as my Sony for SACD I will be disappointed. Unfortunately, I only have one set of multichannel analog inputs. Therefore, if I want both SACD and DVDA I'm going to have to use the 860. But, on the other hand I can still use my Sony's SACD for two channel play back.

One of the reasons I chose the P-965 is because it upcoverts RB CD's. So my digital outputs from either player can be upcoverted, I have the Sony for two channel SACD and it's awesome video performance, and the 860 for multi or two channel SACD and DVDA with a variable crossover, plus another video source.

This will be my first experience with Sherwood Newcastle, but I've read plenty and rarely do you hear anything bad about this brand. And, their usually compared favorably to models costing much more.

 

[Dan Driscoll]

If it doesn't perform as well as my Sony for SACD I will be disappointed. Unfortunately, I only have one set of multichannel analog inputs. Therefore, if I want both SACD and DVDA I'm going to have to use the 860. But, on the other hand I can still use my Sony's SACD for two channel play back.

I would be somewhat surprised if the SD-860 did SACD as well as the NS-999ES. The S-N is a very good player in its class/price range and IMO is better than any player in Sony's standard product line. But the 999 is an ES model that streets for more than twice as much as the MSRP of SD-860. The 999 is at least 1 and probably 2 steps up in class and could be considered a high end gateway player.

Caveat: I've used other ES players, but not the 999.

One of the reasons I chose the P-965 is because it upcoverts RB CD's.

I've tried several CD up-converting paths and have never been very impressed. IME the analog outputs of a good player with quality DACs is as good as or better than any of the up-coverting players schemes I've heard. And a good transport and outboard DAC will just blow away any upconverting CD player or processor, IMO.

You don't have a dedicated CD player, right? In that case I would suggest trying it boths ways, listen with the P-965 passing the standard 16/44.1 and then to the various upconverting options that are available. But IMO you will get better performance with a dedicated CD player (with or without an outboard DAC) and putting the P-965 in analog pass-thru mode.

This will be my first experience with Sherwood Newcastle, but I've read plenty and rarely do you hear anything bad about this brand. And, their usually compared favorably to models costing much more.

Newcastle is an excellent mid-fi brand, IMO. There's a lot of value for the money in their equipment and IME it has always been very reliable. But Newcastle is not high-end and you shouldn't expect high end performance.

 

[Jack Dotson]

I would be somewhat surprised if the SD-860 did SACD as well as the NS-999ES. The S-N is a very good player in its class/price range and IMO is better than any player in Sony's standard product line. But the 999 is an ES model that streets for more than twice as much as the MSRP of SD-860. The 999 is at least 1 and probably 2 steps up in class and could be considered a high end gateway player.

Caveat: I've used other ES players, but not the 999.


I don't know we'll see. I don't get too caught up in what a component cost after a certain point. Having said that, the Sony blows away my Outlaw 950 and so I always use the analog outputs of the Sony, so you could very well be right.


I've tried several CD up-converting paths and have never been very impressed. IME the analog outputs of a good player with quality DACs is as good as or better than any of the up-coverting players schemes I've heard. And a good transport and outboard DAC will just blow away any upconverting CD player or processor, IMO.


If the source component is built better with better DAC's, etc., then this makes sense. As I said, I get much better performance using the analog outputs from my 999 ES to the analog inputs of my Outlaw model-950 then what I get using the DAC's of the Outlaw. So yes, I agree there is a difference, but it depends on which component has the better DAC's, path, components, etc. But, I also know that at least one of SN's cheaper CDP used some of the best Burr Browns out there. The quality of components these guys use is what got me looking at them to start with.

However, upconverting to me still makes sense. I'll reserve comment and go with what your telling me for now as I have never tried these. I'll let you know how it turns out. But, I have to tell you the Redbook CD performance of my 999 is not very impressive. Don't know why, as the SACD is very good. This is why I'm hoping up conversion will help as I've got to the point that I just don't like to listen to my RB CD's. Or, maybe I'll luck out and the 860 will do a good job, but I'm not really expecting it.


You don't have a dedicated CD player, right? In that case I would suggest trying it boths ways, listen with the P-965 passing the standard 16/44.1 and then to the various upconverting options that are available. But IMO you will get better performance with a dedicated CD player (with or without an outboard DAC) and putting the P-965 in analog pass-thru mode.


No, I don't have a dedicted CDP in my system right now. Got rid of my Rega Planar when I bought the Sony, mistake! Yes, I will try both for sure. And again, I agree with what your saying, but of course it all depends. I'll have to see if I can find a combination for good RB performance with my new SN gear, if not I'll have to search for a dedicted CDP. I have a huge CD collection and can't afford to let them go to waste.


Newcastle is an excellent mid-fi brand, IMO. There's a lot of value for the money in their equipment and IME it has always been very reliable. But Newcastle is not high-end and you shouldn't expect high end performance.

Dan, I think this statement depends on what you consider high end performance, becasue I do expect top tier performance from both of these units.

If your talking about matching the performance of best offerings from company's like Krell, AR, etc., then no, certainly not. But, I consider the vast majority of equipment out there as mid-fi, i.e., Sherbourn, Outlaw, Anthem, Rotel, Adcom, etc., and I also think there are some models from Arcam (AVP-700), Parasound (2500U), Krell (Showcase), etc. that are also mid-fi, and I fully expect the SN to compete with these units and will be very disappointed if it doesn't.

I've owned allot of equipment over the years, some considered true high end stuff, most falls into the mid-fi catagory. The one thing I've learned is that the real difference between good mid-fi and ture high end equipment is often minimal when it comes to electronics. And, I also know you can pay allot of money for a brand name. Take a look at when the Outlaw Model-950 first came out. Many trashed it right away comparing it to Bestbuy receivers, etc., but when it was discovered that some reputable mid-fi company's, i.e. Atlantic Technology, Sherbourn, etc., had rebadged the same processor and were selling them for twice the price of the 950 it gained instant credibility.

So yes, I fully expect the SN to compete very well with all but the very best of the mid-fi crowd, inclding Sony's ES line. I've been into this hobby seriously for over 30 years and I do know what good sound is, so I'll let you know honestly how this SN gear compares. If it falls on it's face in certain area's I'll admit it. If it doesn't live up to expectations I'll continue my hunt. Anyhow, that's what it's all about, right?

BTW, roperly executed DBT can be very revealing. I once participated in a receiver vs seperates shoot out and was very surprised at the results. Since that day I've learned to use my ears and not my eyes.

 

[Jack Dotson]

Dan, I made a post about this thread on another thread, but just wanted to let all who followed this post know that Dan was right. The Sony is better for SACD and by a pretty good margin.

The SW is not bad and when you consider the cost and everything it does, it's very good. As a matter of fact I like the video better than my Sony.

 

[Dan Driscoll]

Dan, I made a post about this thread on another thread, but just wanted to let all who followed this post know that Dan was right. The Sony is better for SACD and by a pretty good margin.

The SW is not bad and when you consider the cost and everything it does, it's very good. As a matter of fact I like the video better than my Sony.

I really wish I had been wrong about the SACD playback, but I'm glad to hear you like the video performance.

 

[Jack Dotson]

I really wish I had been wrong about the SACD playback, but I'm glad to hear you like the video performance.

Dan, I may have sold the 860 short. It seems to be opening up a bit as it burns in and is a little less harsh. Part of the problem was also operator error. I didn't realize my new AVP-700 had a +10 dB setting that needed to be engaged for DVDA.

I'm going to continue to tweak and let it burn in, but the bottom line is I'm glad to have it in my system.

BTW, ordered a Naim CD5i yesterday. We'll see how the SACD holds up against Red book CD's on this machine. I'm actually expecting the Naim to surpass the other two, even with SACD's.

I'll let you know.