Which do you prefer?

[Jack Dotson]

Looking for a best bang for the buck CDP. I would like to find one that does SACD as well, but it seems the really good ones don't. On my short list I'm looking at Rega Apollo, Arcam CD-192 and Naim CD5i.

I have no way of listening to these at the same time, and I probably wont be able to audition the Rega at all, but will have to go on recommendations. But, I did own the Planet 2000 and kind of regretted letting it go.

Would really like to hear from those of you who might be familiar with these units, or any other you might recommend in this price range (trying to stay under $1500).

Also, if you know of a good source for the Rega's.

Thanks.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Looking for a best bang for the buck CDP. I would like to find one that does SACD as well, but it seems the really good ones don't. On my short list I'm looking at Rega Apollo, Arcam CD-192 and Naim CD5i.

I have no way of listening to these at the same time, and I probably wont be able to audition the Rega at all, but will have to go on recommendations. But, I did own the Planet 2000 and kind of regretted letting it go.

Would really like to hear from those of you who might be familiar with these units, or any other you might recommend in this price range (trying to stay under $1500).

Also, if you know of a good source for the Rega's.

Thanks.

No need for such a high priced player for good sound.
You may want to consider a Universal DVD player, like the Pioneer S97

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/PanasonicDVDS97p1.php


Can be had for $250 delivered.

 

[Pyrrho]

No need for such a high priced player for good sound.
You may want to consider a Universal DVD player, like the Pioneer S97

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/PanasonicDVDS97p1.php


Can be had for $250 delivered.

That is a Panasonic, not a Pioneer, and it doesn't play SACDs.

However, the principle of getting good sound for much less is sound; he may wish to consider the Yamaha DVD-C750:

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/YamahaDVD-C750DVDChanger1.php

 

[Jack Dotson]

Sorry guys, I have to disagree. I already have a sony NS999ES and a Sherwood SD-860. But, I'm looking for something with better audio performance than these DVDP's provide.

The three I listed are much better, and the one's you guys showed me aren't even in the same league.

Please don't take this the wrong way. I appreciate your responses, but I guess I should have been a little more clear on what I was after.

Thanks.

 

[nm2285]

The only real audible difference among CD players is the DAC. Even in the case of the DAC, there has to be large differences/advancements to make minor audible changes. These guys are recommending these units based on those facts. If you use a digital receiver, you can connect via a digital out and use that receiver's internal DACs (if you're happy with them). If not, the Yamaha has great DACs.

If you're still worried about it and want SACD, I'd recommend getting a budget-minded universal unit and an external DAC. Then you get all the options you want, with the "sound" you want.

EDIT: I read your other post on this forum. Getting a universal player with a reputation for great video as well (eg: Yamaha DVD-2300MKII, Denon DVD-2900...) and an external DAC will offer you everything you've been looking for.

 

[Jack Dotson]

The only real audible difference among CD players is the DAC. Even in the case of the DAC, there has to be large differences/advancements to make minor audible changes. These guys are recommending these units based on those facts. If you use a digital receiver, you can connect via a digital out and use that receiver's internal DACs (if you're happy with them). If not, the Yamaha has great DACs.

If you're still worried about it and want SACD, I'd recommend getting a budget-minded universal unit and an external DAC. Then you get all the options you want, with the "sound" you want.

EDIT: I read your other post on this forum. Getting a universal player with a reputation for great video as well (eg: Yamaha DVD-2300MKII, Denon DVD-2900...) and an external DAC will offer you everything you've been looking for.

I respectfully have to disagree. I do agree to some extent that a digital input to the processor will be very close, but I do also believe there are differences between transports, etc. which are audible.

But what I'm talking about is a CD or SACD that will be using the analog outputs, and therefore the sound on the source unit. My goal is surpass the quality of audio provided by my processor using a digital input.

My AVP had a direct analog throughput so I need to find the best sounding machine within my budget. DAC's do indeed sound very different, but, there are other factors as well. Such as transport, output devices, caps, circuit boards, contact, cables, etc., etc.

It's not very hard to realize the difference between various CDP's and you don't have to have a golden ear. Just find a good pre-amp with a true analog throughput and try several different machines and see what you hear.

Anyone on this forum agree there is difference in sound between CDP's, and if so I'm still looking for suggestions.

Thanks.

 

[mtrycrafts]

That is a Panasonic, not a Pioneer, and it doesn't play SACDs.

However, the principle of getting good sound for much less is sound; he may wish to consider the Yamaha DVD-C750:

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/YamahaDVD-C750DVDChanger1.php

They both start with a P Must have had Pioneer on the brain. A great demonstration how the brain can do what it wants with interesting outcome

I guess he needs to switch to DVD-A only. But, it does have prologicII/x built in.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I respectfully have to disagree. I do agree to some extent that a digital input to the processor will be very close, but I do also believe there are differences between transports, etc. which are audible.

But what I'm talking about is a CD or SACD that will be using the analog outputs, and therefore the sound on the source unit. My goal is surpass the quality of audio provided by my processor using a digital input.

My AVP had a direct analog throughput so I need to find the best sounding machine within my budget. DAC's do indeed sound very different, but, there are other factors as well. Such as transport, output devices, caps, circuit boards, contact, cables, etc., etc.

It's not very hard to realize the difference between various CDP's and you don't have to have a golden ear. Just find a good pre-amp with a true analog throughput and try several different machines and see what you hear.

Anyone on this forum agree there is difference in sound between CDP's, and if so I'm still looking for suggestions.

Thanks.

Disagreements are fine, but reality is reality.
You will not surpass your goal if you compare properly, controlling for your biases and beliefs. That requires a different listening method and setup.

And, in reality, what you perceive may not be what you think it is. The brain is a marvelous organ but it can fool your senses. this is demonstrated at will.

You may need to look for answers to your quest at another website where imaginations are valued gifts.

 

[Jack Dotson]

Disagreements are fine, but reality is reality.
You will not surpass your goal if you compare properly, controlling for your biases and beliefs. That requires a different listening method and setup.

And, in reality, what you perceive may not be what you think it is. The brain is a marvelous organ but it can fool your senses. this is demonstrated at will.

You may need to look for answers to your quest at another website where imaginations are valued gifts.

We're going to have to agree to disagree. I've been into this hobby for over 30 years and I know what is snake oil and what is not. BTW, what is your set-up? If you can't hear the difference it may very well be you don't have other components in your system that can bring out these differences.

For example, I've been using a Sony NS999ESDVDP as my primary source for the past two years and recently I bought a Sherwood SD-860. I use the same interconnects on both, going through the same processor, etc., and they sound completely, and I do mean completely, different. Size of soundstage, bass detail, etc.

My son and my wife both hear the difference and neither of them could care less.

Anyhow, your lucky. You jut go buy the cheapest player on the market with the features you want and your in 7th Heaven.

 

[mtrycrafts]

We're going to have to agree to disagree. I've been into this hobby for over 30 years and I know what is snake oil and what is not.

Are you sure you know? Or, perhaps only the gross ones are obvious.

BTW, what is your set-up? If you can't hear the difference it may very well be you don't have other components in your system that can bring out these differences.

Actually, that is irrelevant. My hearing ability is irrelevant to what you can differentiate and what others can differentiate, yes?
After all, you seem to be making testable claims, no?


For example, I've been using a Sony NS999ESDVDP as my primary source for the past two years and recently I bought a Sherwood SD-860. I use the same interconnects on both, going through the same processor, etc., and they sound completely, and I do mean completely, different. Size of soundstage, bass detail, etc.

Of course you level matched to .1dBspl, conducted a 20 trial DBT, right? How many correct guesses?

My son and my wife both hear the difference and neither of them could care less.

Yes, I know all about this kind of stories: wife could tell the difference driving up the drive way.
Did they do a DBT as well? If not, well, it was a good story

Anyhow, your lucky. You jut go buy the cheapest player on the market with the features you want and your in 7th Heaven.

Yes, I am, thanks. My two boomboxes are great.

 

[genesis471]

Lol... that last poster is not helping much here, so lets try to help Jack out.
Jack, perhaps you may consider the Denon 3910. It plays SACD/DVD-A, as well as DVD's (which you may not need). The DAC's on that unit are outstanding from this point of view, and I'm sure many others would agree.
It also fits your budget.

Good luck!

Mike

PS my apologies that I'm suggesting something else but I have no experience on the forementioned units you listed.

 

[Jack Dotson]

We're going to have to agree to disagree. I've been into this hobby for over 30 years and I know what is snake oil and what is not.

Are you sure you know? Or, perhaps only the gross ones are obvious.

Very sure, how about you?

BTW, what is your set-up? If you can't hear the difference it may very well be you don't have other components in your system that can bring out these differences.

Actually, that is irrelevant. My hearing ability is irrelevant to what you can differentiate and what others can differentiate, yes?
After all, you seem to be making testable claims, no?

Oh, it's relevant alright. Being evassive are we?


For example, I've been using a Sony NS999ESDVDP as my primary source for the past two years and recently I bought a Sherwood SD-860. I use the same interconnects on both, going through the same processor, etc., and they sound completely, and I do mean completely, different. Size of soundstage, bass detail, etc.

Of course you level matched to .1dBspl, conducted a 20 trial DBT, right? How many correct guesses?

No need to level match, etc. When you hear one and the instruments seem to come from five feet behing the speakers and on the other everything is dead flat with no depth and at any volume, then what doesn it matter?

I really wish I could do a DBT with everything perfectly matched, etc. because there is not doubt in my mind I cold pick the difference between these two every time.

BTW, I once participated in a controlled DBT that was put on by a hi-end store in Honolulu when I was youg. They had 10 volunteers test two different amps. Eight people were wrong almost every single time, but me and one other guy nailed it every time.

Been there and done that. BTW, all amps do not sound the same.

My son and my wife both hear the difference and neither of them could care less.

Yes, I know all about this kind of stories: wife could tell the difference driving up the drive way.
Did they do a DBT as well? If not, well, it was a good story

Your just arguing, you have nothing to add.

Anyhow, your lucky. You jut go buy the cheapest player on the market with the features you want and your in 7th Heaven.

Yes, I am, thanks. My two boomboxes are great.

I bet they are, you should post pictures when you get the time. I bet their something to behold!

 

[Jack Dotson]

Lol... that last poster is not helping much here, so lets try to help Jack out.
Jack, perhaps you may consider the Denon 3910. It plays SACD/DVD-A, as well as DVD's (which you may not need). The DAC's on that unit are outstanding from this point of view, and I'm sure many others would agree.
It also fits your budget.

Good luck!

Mike

PS my apologies that I'm suggesting something else but I have no experience on the forementioned units you listed.

Thanks for the recommendation. I have heard very good things about the 3910 and if I didn't already have two multi-purpose machines I would try one for sure. However, I'm going to continue using my DVDP for multi-channel, SACD/DVDA and movies, so I was only looking to improved Red book CD performance.

I took the plunge yesterday and orded a Naim CD5i. I was really torn between it and the Apollo, but I've heard the Naim's and haven't the Apollo, so I forked out the extra bucks and got the one I really wanted so I would have no regrets down the road. Hopefully.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I bet their something to behold!

Actually, I try not to look at them, they are not art objects but it fills a purpose very well, indeed. If I want art to behold, I'd pick other objects, not my boomboxes, or other audio gear. So, to save everyone, I will not post a picture.