Upgrading Denon 2200

[ronrags]

I currently own the Denon 2200 and I am considering upgrading to another Denon universal player. I tried the Oppo player and I didn't see any difference in picture quality on my Sony 55" rptv. My main reason for upgrading is more for the DACs. I had the opportunity the buy a used Denon 3910 but I decided to wait for the newer players like the 2930ci or 1930ci. I read some not so good reviews on the 1930ci so I'm considering the 2930ci.

I was wondering if these newer players from Denon are much better than my 2200 or the 3910 in both picture and sound.

I appreciate any comments and suggestions.

Thanks, Ron.

 

[arftech]

The 3910 is a great universal player as I got mine for $799 new. It doubles as a CD player as well and all of my CDs are alive! The soundstage is breathtaking with some great imaging. Vocals are of the best clarity. I don't hear a sense of harshness at all. By the way, I'm using B&W speakers throughout my HT system and a Samsung 50" DLP.

Originally, I had purchased the Denon DVD-557 but performance wise it was lacking in certain areas. I began to see some artifacts that was just driving me nuts! In this industry, you get what you pay for!

The colors are vibrant with great blacks and there is a huge improvement as far as audio from DVDs are concerned. Installing the new firmware to enable Denon Link III was not really a breeze but the install was successful. My next purchase is going to be the Denon 3806 in the next couple of weeks as this will take care of my two core pieces in my HT.

Even with my old Sony HT receiver, there is an appreciable level of performance.

I have decided to not wait for Blu-Ray or HD-DVD because these are first generation machines and they will improve with each generation.

If you can get your hands on a 3920 go for it especially at the discounted prices!

It's a wonderful universal player and at a almost 50% cost reduction compared to the newer 3930CI it's a bargain to say the least!

Al

 

[j_garcia]

I went from a 2200 to a 2900 because of the upgraded DACs. I have to say the difference was only subtle - both hires formats were improved, but I did find that redbook CD actually seemed much improved. Video wise, only the slightest of difference.

Does your TV have HDMI/DVI? If not, you are missing out on the upconversion of the Oppo, as will be the case with the newer Denons also.

 

[corysmith01]

Just came across this and glad I did as I was about to pose a similar question. I also have a Denon 2200 and am considering getting either a 1920 or a 2910 since they can be had a little cheaper with the new models out now. But I'm wondering if it's worth it. I'm about to buy a tv in the next month or so, and will finally get an HD set with HDMI input (my current set is from 1998). The 2200 doesn't have HDMI out. However, I can't say I'm 100% convinced I'll use HDMI on the new set...may just stick with component. But who knows. So is going 1920/2910 over a 2200 worth it...or is it really just a lateral move, or perhaps even a step back if going from 2200 to 1920?

 

[Rob Babcock]

My '2200 is getting long in the tooth. My notion was to get a 3930CI. Not exactly cheap but not too bad.

 

[MACCA350]

The only thing I'd upgrade My 2200 to is the 3930CI, HDMI, Denon Link III, 1080p, Realta T2 HQV processing(same as 5930CI) If I did, the 3930CI would be the last DVD player I ever buy before the Hd formats.

cheers

 

[ronrags]

Thanks for your responses.

It seems I would have to step up to the 3930 if I'm going to see or any significant difference over the 2200. The 3930 is out of my price range. As I said earlier, I didn't notice any difference between the Oppo and the Denon on my Sony LCD RPTV. I used HDMI cables with the Oppo and component cables with the Denon and there was really no difference. I also compared the 2200 vs. a borrowed 3910 and again found no real difference in picture quality. I guess the Sony uses it's own conversion no matter what player or input.

The 3910 did sound better than the 2200. But as I was originally inquiring, I was hoping the newer Denon models 1930 or 2930 had better DACs than the 2200 which are a lower priced than the 3910.

By the way, I saw the Toshiba HD-DVD on display this weekend and was not impressed with the picture quality. It was playing on the newest Mitsubishi DLP and the picture looked no different than a standard dvd player.

 

[ronrags]

Denon 2930 or 3910

I'm upgrading my Denon 2200 and narrowing down my purchase to either the Denon 2930CI or the 3910 since I can purchase either for around $800 in NJ. My dealer stated each has the same DACs and the basic difference is the 1080p output for video. I have a Sony RPTV LCD with 1080i.

Any suggestions or recommendations concerning either player?

Thanks, Ron

 

[j_garcia]

If you don't plan on moving to a 1080p set soon, then I'd go with the 2930Ci.

 

[WeAreSurrounded]

If you don't plan on moving to a 1080p set soon, then I'd go with the 2930Ci.

WHY ??? I don't follow your logic It's 3910 who has better audio DACs, on the other side it's 2930CI who outputs 1080p (and 3910 doesn't).

 

[ronrags]

WHY ??? I don't follow your logic It's 3910 who has better audio DACs, on the other side it's 2930CI who outputs 1080p (and 3910 doesn't).

I thought the 3910 and the 2930 have the same DACs. I'll have to check the Denon website. Either way I assume the DACs on both players are better than my 2200.

Besides that, will there be any difference in PQ between both players? Also I could get the 2930 for $679 delivered from an authorized Denon dealer.

I appreciate any further comments or opinions.

Thanks, Ron

 

[ronrags]

I thought the 3910 and the 2930 have the same DACs. I'll have to check the Denon website. Either way I assume the DACs on both players are better than my 2200.

Besides that, will there be any difference in PQ between both players? Also I could get the 2930 for $679 delivered from an authorized Denon dealer.

I appreciate any further comments or opinions.

Thanks, Ron

I just checked the DACs on both players and found the 2930 has the same Burr-Brown 1791 as my 2200 while the 3910 has the 1796. Since this is the case, I see no reason to purchase the 2930 unless I'm missing something.

 

[MACCA350]

I just checked the DACs on both players and found the 2930 has the same Burr-Brown 1791 as my 2200 while the 3910 has the 1796. Since this is the case, I see no reason to purchase the 2930 unless I'm missing something.

The 2200 uses Burr-Brown 24-bit, 192-kHz DSD-1791 Audio DAC
The 2930CI uses Burr-Brown 24-bit, 192-kHz PCM-1791 Audio DACs (DSD/PCM Discrete)

Is there a difference? I don't know, but they have different model numbers.

cheers

 

[ronrags]

The 2200 uses Burr-Brown 24-bit, 192-kHz DSD-1791 Audio DAC
The 2930CI uses Burr-Brown 24-bit, 192-kHz PCM-1791 Audio DACs (DSD/PCM Discrete)

Is there a difference? I don't know, but they have different model numbers.

cheers

I spoke to a Denon tech yesterday and said these DACs are pretty much the same. In fact Denon is concentrating more on developing a better video portion than the audio on their new line of players probably to compete with HD. He stated the video portion is around 20% better on the 2930 compared to the 2200 or 3910 due to their new chips and circuitry. He recommended the 3930 if I wanted an improvement in both video and audio, but it is more than I wanted to spend.

So this puts me in an awkward position whether or not to upgrade the 2200 to the 2930 or even the 3910. The 2930 has better video and the 3910 has better audio. I mostly use the DACs in my Outlaw 950 especially for movies so I 'm leaning more towards the 2930. The one advantage of the 2930 is if I upgrade the tv to 1080p and right now I satisfied with my Sony lcd rptv. I did get a great price for the 2930 from an authorized online dealer for $679 delivered. It's a tough decision!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!