Hi,

I`m looking for a stand alone, sacd player, with multi channel out (5.1) but the only sacd player I can find is the NAD M5. Why are manufacturers (marantz, denon, etc..) are opting for a 2 channel sacd playback against a 5.0 or 5.1 playback?

Cheers!

because most hard core audiophiles (their target market) are strictly two-channel (some even say they only have two ears, unlike us multichannel mavericks who have 6 or even 8)

besides, if you care about hi-rez audio, shouldn't you also want a DVD-A player? two dedicated multichannel players were tough to hook up BH* you'd have needed two multichannel analog inputs or a relatively high end (and limited to certain brands firewire/ilink connection)



* before HDMI

It could also be pure economics. Not really a big market out there plus nobody wants to support a dying format. Also, everybody is turning to HDMI for mul-channel connection.

Hi,

I`m looking for a stand alone, sacd player, with multi channel out (5.1) but the only sacd player I can find is the NAD M5. Why are manufacturers (marantz, denon, etc..) are opting for a 2 channel sacd playback against a 5.0 or 5.1 playback?

Cheers!

Oppo 980 is by far your best value, though some folks will fault it's analog section. the newer Oppo BDP-83 is an all-in-one-box solution that will have improved analog quality.

Glad I got my Pioneer player that does both SACD and DVDA when I did.

Glad I got my Pioneer player that does both SACD and DVDA when I did.

They are becoming collector's item. I have heard that some SACD titles are selling for over $50. The most I paid was around $20 I believe for the Telarc 1812 Overture.

They are becoming collector's item. I have heard that some SACD titles are selling for over $50. The most I paid was around $20 I believe for the Telarc 1812 Overture.

Some SACD titles are exchanging hands at way above $50.00....such as the SACDs of the Scorpions, Talk Talk, Spandau Ballet, etc.

Denon offers the DVD-1940CI SACD/DVD-A player for $369 retail. There are also a few higher priced models.

Lee

Denon offers the DVD-1940CI SACD/DVD-A player for $369 retail. There are also a few higher priced models.

Which you can buy brand-new for $110.00 shipped with no sales tax from an authorized dealer (http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/486016131/denon-dvd-1940ci)

I just grabbed a DVD-1940CI from an authorized dealer for about $100 shipped.

Now I just need to grab a digi-optical connector as I've already used up the HDMIs on my Denon AVR-888.

Am I correct to assume that on DVD-As and SACDs, there will be no sound quality difference between optical digital and HDMI?

I bought this strictly to use for SACDs and DVD-As, already have a DVM-745 that we use for DVD watching. Probably can't convince my wife to give up the changer for the single disk unit for daily use.

Am I correct to assume that on DVD-As and SACDs, there will be no sound quality difference between optical digital and HDMI?



Incorrect. Optical will deliver only 2-ch PCM from high-res discs. Best option is to use HDMI for the SACD player, and optical for DVD player.

Am I correct to assume that on DVD-As and SACDs, there will be no sound quality difference between optical digital and HDMI?No

Incorrect. Optical will deliver only 2-ch PCM from high-res discs. Best option is to use HDMI for the SACD player, and optical for DVD player.I think he means HDMI for SACD and DVD-A. And if you are going to connect a player via HDMI, there would be no reason to use an optical connection for standard DVDs. You'd just want to use the same HDMI connection you'll use for SACD/DVD-A for that, too.

Hi guys, thanks for feedback, here is some clarification -

I didn't realize that optical audio was only 2 channel - or is that just for the high resolution versions?

Once I get the Denon 1940 I will have 3 "Hi Def" sources going to my Denon AVR-888 (which only has two HDMI inputs):

1. Denon 1940 (for SACD and DVD-A playback, maybe the occasional CD)
2. Denon 745 Upconverting DVD changer
3. TiVo HD (currently outputting Dolby Digital via it's HDMI connection)

I can run the TiVo using Component/Optical as well. That's what I'm leaning towards.

Incorrect. Optical will deliver only 2-ch PCM from high-res discs. Best option is to use HDMI for the SACD player, and optical for DVD player.

Or just use the 5.1 Analog RCA Outputs/Component Video from the 1945 to my AVR? Any drawbacks to this?

Thanks guys.

Hi guys, thanks for feedback, here is some clarification -

I didn't realize that optical audio was only 2 channel - or is that just for the high resolution versions?

Once I get the Denon 1940 I will have 3 "Hi Def" sources going to my Denon AVR-888 (which only has two HDMI inputs):

1. Denon 1940 (for SACD and DVD-A playback, maybe the occasional CD)
2. Denon 745 Upconverting DVD changer
3. TiVo HD (currently outputting Dolby Digital via it's HDMI connection)

I can run the TiVo using Component/Optical as well. That's what I'm leaning towards.

The 2-ch limitation over optical is part of the DRM/copy restriction crap and only applies to SACD/DVD-A.

You have 2 choices: Get an HDMI switch from Monoprice or use optical for the DVD changer or TIVO.

Hi guys, thanks for feedback, here is some clarification -

I didn't realize that optical audio was only 2 channel - or is that just for the high resolution versions?It can do MCH and stereo but not for any of the lossless codecs.

Once I get the Denon 1940 I will have 3 "Hi Def" sources going to my Denon AVR-888 (which only has two HDMI inputs):

1. Denon 1940 (for SACD and DVD-A playback, maybe the occasional CD)
2. Denon 745 Upconverting DVD changer
3. TiVo HD (currently outputting Dolby Digital via it's HDMI connection)

I can run the TiVo using Component/Optical as well. That's what I'm leaning towards.Yup. If all you get from it is DD, optical will do fine. OTOH, what about the Tivo video? :eek: So, I would vote for the Denon 745 since it had no HD capability, audio or video.

Or just use the 5.1 Analog RCA Outputs/Component Video from the 1945 to my AVR? Any drawbacks to this?


Yes, with most AVRs, M-Ch analog inputs are processed differently than digital or 2-ch analog inputs. You may lose all DSP, level and EQ type setup. Consult your manual and the Denon threads for specifics on your model.

OTOH, what about the Tivo video? :eek: So, I would vote for the Denon 745 since it had no HD capability, audio or video.

I haven't noticed much if any difference in video quality on my TiVo HD between the HDMI and Component Video connections.

I haven't noticed much if any difference in video quality on my TiVo HD between the HDMI and Component Video connections.I would not expect so. Same for the DVD changer, I'd guess.

Or just use the 5.1 Analog RCA Outputs/Component Video from the 1945 to my AVR? Any drawbacks to this?I would make that the option of last resort. As hinted, the AVR will offer much better bass (and probably time) management options if you use the HDMI connection.

I have a similar question. I have a 1940CI and a 2809CI AVR on order. I want the 1940 to play SACD and DVD Audio, but according to the owners manual I can only get surround for SACD by using the analog outs and not the HDMI. Am I understanding this correctly?

I have a similar question. I have a 1940CI and a 2809CI AVR on order. I want the 1940 to play SACD and DVD Audio, but according to the owners manual I can only get surround for SACD by using the analog outs and not the HDMI. Am I understanding this correctly?With that player, yes.

With that player, yes.

Whoa! - so to repeat/confirm the 1940 does DVD-A surround through HDMI, but SACD surround requires the analog outputs? That's good to know, as mine should arrive Monday.

rmplum: that's how I read it from the manual (http://www.usa.denon.com/DVD-1940CI-OM-E_107.pdf ).

This stuff seems pretty confusing to me, and hopefully it won't be too big of a PIA to switch the outputs on the 1940 when I wanna play SACD/DVD-audio and assign the right inputs on the AVR for each mode. Why everything just can't go over optical or HDMI is beyond me.

What HDMI version is the 1940ci?

If it won't do SACD via HDMI, I would try and pass everything else, including DVD-A, via HDMI if possible and only use the multichannel analog connection for SACD.

what hdmi version is the 1940ci?



hdmi 1.1

rmplum: that's how I read it from the manual (http://www.usa.denon.com/DVD-1940CI-OM-E_107.pdf ).



You are right (see attach). That's a crappy "feature".

You are right (see attach). That's a crappy "feature".

Well, it's an $80 feature. LOL.

I'm wondering, tho, if my ears will be able to tell much difference. I have an old, cheap Technics 5 cd rotary changer that must be close to 20 years old and have had numerous dvd/cd players since buying that Technics, yet to my ears it still sounds best for playing cd's. I have no idea why, but there it is.

I'm just hoping to be able to use the analog outs for SACD and the HDMI for DVD audio and be able to switch them easily, depending on the source.

I'm just hoping to be able to use the analog outs for SACD and the HDMI for DVD audio and be able to switch them easily, depending on the source.You'll be able to switch very easily at the receiver. You can assign an unused input device (such as VDP) to your ext. inputs so that whenever you switch the receiver to "VDP" (or whatever) your external inputs will be used.

I would suggest, however, returning the 1940 and getting something like the Oppo 980 that will pass everything via HDMI.

hdmi 1.11.2 or higher is required for DSD.

1.2 or higher is required for DSD.Yeah. 1.1 will pass multichannel PCM, including SACD, but I guess that this player will not pass SACD is a limitation of the player.

1.2 or higher is required for DSD.

Looking again at that attachment I posted, it says "This player is HDMI Version 1.3 compatible", but the tech specs on site say only 1.1.

Hi,

I`m looking for a stand alone, sacd player, with multi channel out (5.1) but the only sacd player I can find is the NAD M5. Why are manufacturers (marantz, denon, etc..) are opting for a 2 channel sacd playback against a 5.0 or 5.1 playback?

Cheers!

I've got a Sony SCD-CE595 and couldn't be happier. It only outputs the SACD content via 5.1 analog outs, but it'll push any CD content through an optical out. The sound is great (supposed to be three Burr-Brown DACs), and it holds five discs (and can exchange them while playing). Downsides are no remote power off (fine by me, I've got working legs), and lack of HDMI or optical SACD out, but beyond that it's a gem for ~$125 brand new.

I've also got a friend who recently bought a Denon Universal that does SACD and DVD-A formats. I can look up the model # if you want.

Best of luck. It's well worth stepping up to this sound format IMHO, and I can't wait to get more and more of these in my collection.

Looking again at that attachment I posted, it says "This player is HDMI Version 1.3 compatible", but the tech specs on site say only 1.1.That means it can be plugged into an AVR that is 1.3.

Well I got it, and installed it last night, did basic setup, including speaker distance and level matching for the multi-channel analog outputs (transferred applicable results over from the Audyssey setup on my AVR).

The 1940 does play both DVD-A and SACDs well, but you have to switch the units output between HDMI (for the DVDs) and Analog (for the SACDs). This wouldn't be a big deal if the unit could do this itself (or be set up to do so when it detects the disk type), or if there was a simple 1 button command on the remote to switch it. But there isn't (not that i can find).

I can't find any other way to do this switch other than going into the 1940's setup screen, scrolling over to options, down to audio, and then doing the switch. I didn't have a chance to try to program that sequence into my Harmony 880 last night (if it is even possible - it may not be).

It's not an insurmountable problem, but still bugs me enough to probably consider just going with the Oppo 981. As suggested by you guys...:o

Oh, and one more problem, when I go to "Play DVD" through my harmony 880, it turns on both Denon DVD players (the 745 changer and the 1940). I have the 1940 setup to "Play DVD-A" but it still turns both on as part of the activity. Annoying, but not surprising. Not sure there is any way around this.

Now if only my 3 week old my would start sleeping more so I could spend more time listening!

RP
-done venting. Hopefully this helps some of you other guys considering picking up the 1940CI at it's current cheap price. I got mine through Crutchfield and I think they have a pretty decent return policy.

I was literally a mouse click away from ordering the 1940CI last night after a few too many cocktails. I have never considered buying a dedicated sacd/dvd-a player before due to the limited number of titles available in my genre of choice. BUT for $90 shipped, I decided to look into it anyway. To make a long story short, I am now thoroughly confused. I would love to use HDMI and be done with it, but apparently that will only work for dvd-a. SO, if I use the multi-channel outputs into my Denon 3808CI, will I be able to hear both formats IN SURROUND with proper bass management control???

There is simply no reason for things to be this complicated. This went from being a simple drunken purchase (which I tend to enjoy from time to time) to me having to quickly earn my master's degree in dsd technology and application.

BTW, I also have the Pioneer dv-48 but that is being used as a normal DVD player in my upstairs system. I guess I could pull that player out and use it downstairs as my dedicated sacd/dvd-a player and then buy a new DVD player to replace it upstairs. So, are there any suggestions? Help would be greatly appreciated.

Answered several times already. You will have to use the bass management in the player for SACD (or anything output via analog) and the bass management in the AVR for anything output via HDMI.

Understood. I apologize, but I did read through this thread (and other threads) and I am still looking for a straight forward answer. What I want is basically someone to give me the "thumbs-up" on this purchase for my specific setup or to inform me if my current Pioneer Elite would be a better option. I would like to use the analog outputs in the 1940 for BOTH sacd and dvd-a to minimize connections. Now if I have to use the bass management in the player, are there any drawbacks to this.... or in the way that I plan to connect the player to my 3808?

You will find the the bass and time management adjustments/setting that you can make in the DVD-1940CI are similar, but less "precise" than what your Audyssey receiver can do.

For example, front speaker distance was in 5' increments (IIRC). Same for surrounds I think. And the level controls for individual speakers are also different, but with a little common sense, you can make them work.

The Analog/HDMI autio output setting is a major bummer right now. I'm trying to figure out how to get my Harmony to do it as I type this, but I don't think it's going to work (as far as macros go).

If I had it to do all over again, I'd get the Oppo. I still may return this 1940 to Crutchfield and go that route.

Understood. I apologize, but I did read through this thread (and other threads) and I am still looking for a straight forward answer. What I want is basically someone to give me the "thumbs-up" on this purchase for my specific setup or to inform me if my current Pioneer Elite would be a better option. I would like to use the analog outputs in the 1940 for BOTH sacd and dvd-a to minimize connections. Now if I have to use the bass management in the player, are there any drawbacks to this.... or in the way that I plan to connect the player to my 3808?

If you want to run HDMI and be done with it, as you posted earlier. Then get the Pioneer Elite DV-48/49 or the DV-59. All can pass SACD over HDMI either as DSD or LPCM to your 3808.

I use a DV-48 with my 3808, DSD over HDMI and think it sounds fantastic.

Well I got it, and installed it last night, did basic setup, including speaker distance and level matching for the multi-channel analog outputs (transferred applicable results over from the Audyssey setup on my AVR).

The 1940 does play both DVD-A and SACDs well, but you have to switch the units output between HDMI (for the DVDs) and Analog (for the SACDs). This wouldn't be a big deal if the unit could do this itself (or be set up to do so when it detects the disk type), or if there was a simple 1 button command on the remote to switch it. But there isn't (not that i can find).

I can't find any other way to do this switch other than going into the 1940's setup screen, scrolling over to options, down to audio, and then doing the switch. I didn't have a chance to try to program that sequence into my Harmony 880 last night (if it is even possible - it may not be).

It's not an insurmountable problem, but still bugs me enough to probably consider just going with the Oppo 981. As suggested by you guys...:o


A check, just now, of www.oppodigital.com does not show Oppo 981 as a current unit (I have one). Oh well, it's audio out on analog 5.1 RCA wasn't that great, so no big loss.

Oh, and one more problem, when I go to "Play DVD" through my harmony 880, it turns on both Denon DVD players (the 745 changer and the 1940). I have the 1940 setup to "Play DVD-A" but it still turns both on as part of the activity. Annoying, but not surprising. Not sure there is any way around this.

Now if only my 3 week old my would start sleeping more so I could spend more time listening!

RP
-done venting. Hopefully this helps some of you other guys considering picking up the 1940CI at it's current cheap price. I got mine through Crutchfield and I think they have a pretty decent return policy.


I just ordered mine from www.vanns.com at just under $90 with free shipping (from post#9 above). Thanks for this thread. :)

Hopefully the 5.1 RCA out will be better with this Denon 1940CI than with either of the Oppo 980/981 units, because 5.1 RCA out is how I want to get the audio from it, with video straight to the TV (via HDMI).

Cheers

If you want to run HDMI and be done with it, as you posted earlier. Then get the Pioneer Elite DV-48/49 or the DV-59. All can pass SACD over HDMI either as DSD or LPCM to your 3808.

I use a DV-48 with my 3808, DSD over HDMI and think it sounds fantastic.

I already own the DV-48 but I don't have any DVD-Audio or SACD discs as I currently just use it for watching movies. It passes DSD over HDMI for SACDs, but does it do the same for DVD-Audio discs?

It sounds ridiculous to say that many acronyms in one sentence. :D

If you want to run HDMI and be done with it, as you posted earlier. Then get the Pioneer Elite DV-48/49 or the DV-59. All can pass SACD over HDMI either as DSD or LPCM to your 3808. Also, the Oppo 980H.

It's not an insurmountable problem, but still bugs me enough to probably consider just going with the Oppo 981. As suggested by you guys...:o

Not the 981, the 980H.

I already own the DV-48 but I don't have any DVD-Audio or SACD discs as I currently just use it for watching movies. It passes DSD over HDMI for SACDs, but does it do the same for DVD-Audio discs?

It sounds ridiculous to say that many acronyms in one sentence. :D

I'm not sure about the bit rate/frequency it gets sent at, but yes, they all pass DVD-A via HDMI. As Kal points out, so does the Oppo 980.

A check, just now, of www.oppodigital.com does not show Oppo 981 as a current unit (I have one). Oh well, it's audio out on analog 5.1 RCA wasn't that great, so no big loss.




I just ordered mine from www.vanns.com at just under $90 with free shipping (from post#9 above). Thanks for this thread. :)

Hopefully the 5.1 RCA out will be better with this Denon 1940CI than with either of the Oppo 980/981 units, because 5.1 RCA out is how I want to get the audio from it, with video straight to the TV (via HDMI).

Cheers

i can tell you that the 1940 analog out is very good. cant say for the oppo--never heard one but I did have a pioneer dv45a (a predecessor of the dv48)which also sounded quite good (but i prefer the denon). that price for a 1940 is one of the best buys in a/v imho.

i can tell you that the 1940 analog out is very good. cant say for the oppo--never heard one but I did have a pioneer dv45a (a predecessor of the dv48)which also sounded quite good (but i prefer the denon). that price for a 1940 is one of the best buys in a/v imho.

That's how I am running mine in both DVD-A and SACD modes right now (going into the menu each time and switching analog/hdmi was a pain). Plus I already did the multi channel speaker management setup anyway.

i can tell you that the 1940 analog out is very good. cant say for the oppo--never heard one but I did have a pioneer dv45a (a predecessor of the dv48)which also sounded quite good (but i prefer the denon). that price for a 1940 is one of the best buys in a/v imho.


Agreed on "one of the best buys in a/v" and also on "imho" :)

There seems to be a plethora of new players that companies are busy dumping. Which is OK by me as it won't be long before they stop (one way or another it will come to a stop).

I mean, I already have 6 players/recorder connected at the moment, so odds are that I'll replace one with the Denon 1940 player, as I'm not really sure that I want to extend my equipment mountain to 7 disc units. :)

Also, it got me to start looking again on disc players showing up (new/demo/open-box stuff) on Audiogon. Wow, unbelievable what is showing up!

It's one thing to flippantly spend $90 with minimal checking, but I'm starting to look at what I might be able to get if I spend more than $1k. :)

Cheers

Not the 981, the 980H.

Aren't they similar, the discontinued 981 model just lacks the 980H's multichannel analog outs (which are not highly thought of here anyway)...right?

Aren't they similar, the discontinued 981 model just lacks the 980H's multichannel analog outs (which are not highly thought of here anyway)...right?The 980 is considered to have a better analog section. I would think that both players have multichannel analog outputs.

There is nothing really wrong with the 980's analog outs. But it does have a bass management bug with 96kHz and higher DVD-A tracks. It is partially fixed with a firmware upgrade, but the player still doesn't bass manage the surround tracks of DVD-As if they are 96kHz or higher. With the firmware upgrade, the front and center channels are now bass managed properly.

i can tell you that the 1940 analog out is very good. cant say for the oppo--never heard one but I did have a pioneer dv45a (a predecessor of the dv48)which also sounded quite good (but i prefer the denon). that price for a 1940 is one of the best buys in a/v imho.The 1940 also (probably) has a bass management issue with the multichannel tracks of DVD-As.

The Pioneers apply a 200Hz crossover when bass managing, which is way too high. Whether they also have some sort of bass management bug with DVD-As, I do not know.

Aren't they similar, the discontinued 981 model just lacks the 980H's multichannel analog outs (which are not highly thought of here anyway)...right?They are all similar. OTOH, the 980 will output DSD or PCM via HDMI from SACDs. The 981 only did PCM. There are other differences.

Anybody want a cheap, 1 week old DVD-1940?

I should have the Oppo 908H on Wendesday!

Anybody want a cheap, 1 week old DVD-1940?

I should have the Oppo 908H on Wendesday!


Will you take $20 for your Denon 1940? (+ shipping of course)

If not, forget it.

Out of honest curiosity, what don't you like about the Denon 1940 disc player???

FWIW, I bought an OPPO 980 disc player as a gift. Why on earth do you think that it is going to be any better than the Denon 1940 disc player???

Odds are that it won't be as good, but I've yet to get my Denon 1940 disc player.

Odds are that you've got a lot to learn about disc players. I've one OPPO (the 981) and don't plan to buy any more.

Cheers

Out of honest curiosity, what don't you like about the Denon 1940 disc player???

FWIW, I bought an OPPO 980 disc player as a gift. Why on earth do you think that it is going to be any better than the Denon 1940 disc player???

Odds are that it won't be as good, but I've yet to get my Denon 1940 disc player.

Odds are that you've got a lot to learn about disc players. I've one OPPO (the 981) and don't plan to buy any more.


Well, I got my Denon 1940 disc player yesterday.

Getting it setup for 5.1 movie playback (i.e. the 5.1 audio) has not been simple.

OTOH, just for the playback of 5.1 audio (SACD and DVD-A) as well as 2 channel (CD and SACD and DVD-A), it is a winner for $90. :)

Cheers

Edit: I've so far only used it for audio via it's 5.1 RCA outs.

Out of honest curiosity, what don't you like about the Denon 1940 disc player???No SACD out via HDMI.

Out of honest curiosity, what don't you like about the Denon 1940 disc player???

No SACD out via HDMI.


I only use audio from my Denon 1940 via the analog 5.1 RCA outs.

But my question to rmplum was not addressed to you Kal.

It remains unclear to me what rmplum's issue is with the Denon 1940 disc player.

Given the $90 price that I paid for my 1940, it is quite a deal so long as you have at least one other player that will cover any bases that it doesn't cover. :)

Cheers

I only use audio from my Denon 1940 via the analog 5.1 RCA outs.

But my question to rmplum was not addressed to you Kal.

It remains unclear to me what rmplum's issue is with the Denon 1940 disc player.


ok, hold on to your hat:

I thought it was pretty clear (as Kal correctly summarized), I thought it was ridiculous (and inconvenient) that it won't send multi-channel SACD through HDMI. I tried it via multi-channel analog for a few days - it bugged me.

And if you could push/program one simple button to switch it (the 1940) between multi-analog and HDMI output, that would have helped greatly. As it is, you have to jack around with the setup menu every time you want to switch it back and forth. That's a huge pain in the a$$. It only outputs one or the other at a time. Thumbs down.

Plus, the remote codes were the same as with my DVM-745, so that was a pain as well (having them both turn on, getting setup functions mixed up when the both respond to inputs, etc).



Given the $90 price that I paid for my 1940, it is quite a deal so long as you have at least one other player that will cover any bases that it doesn't cover. :)


I got mine for $100, and sold it for that same amount to a very satisfied friend today. Meanwhile I have my Oppo 980h fully and cleanly integrated into my system using HDMI, and taking full advantage of the Audyssey setup that was wasted on the 1940. It was worth the few extra bucks.

For $100 the Denon is a good player, but it has a few numbskull "features", the Oppo was worth the extra $ to me.

Getting it setup for 5.1 movie playback (i.e. the 5.1 audio) has not been simple.

OTOH, just for the playback of 5.1 audio (SACD and DVD-A) as well as 2 channel (CD and SACD and DVD-A), it is a winner for $90.:confused:

Why has it not been simple to set it up for movie playback? That should be the simplest if you are passing the audio to the receiver digitally.

I'm very interested in this Denon(1940) unit, as I want it only for SACD, and maybe DVDAudio. My system uses separate amps and an EP9ES or a Technics SH-AC500D. My main speakers are almost full range(bass shy), but that Sony allows the upper ranges to go into the .1 channel so I never use the subwoofers for music. Life intervened when I was going about buying/building an active crossover. The last time I investigated this you could only use analog outs for any high resolution formats(with messed up bass management issues). I take it things have changed. The only problem I really have with the Denon is the fixed 100 hz crossover point. And maybe the iffy? playing of DVDAudio through the analog outs. Is there another player that has more flexibility in regards to the bass management crossover, i.e. different crossover points, adjustable slopes and even different frequencies for the .1 channel and the associated speakers. I cannot afford a fancy processor at this time.

I'm very interested in this Denon(1940) unit, as I want it only for SACD, and maybe DVDAudio. My system uses separate amps and an EP9ES or a Technics SH-AC500D. My main speakers are almost full range(bass shy), but that Sony allows the upper ranges to go into the .1 channel so I never use the subwoofers for music. Life intervened when I was going about buying/building an active crossover. The last time I investigated this you could only use analog outs for any high resolution formats(with messed up bass management issues). I take it things have changed. The only problem I really have with the Denon is the fixed 100 hz crossover point. And maybe the iffy? playing of DVDAudio through the analog outs. Is there another player that has more flexibility in regards to the bass management crossover, i.e. different crossover points, adjustable slopes and even different frequencies for the .1 channel and the associated speakers. I cannot afford a fancy processor at this time.


My Denon DVD-1940CI universal disc player (only used so far via the 5.1 RCA outputs on the rear panel) is very very good for 5.1 SACD and 5.1 DVD-A discs.

I give it a small edge in comparison to a Pioneer Elite DV-58AV universal disc player (out of production, but $500 new price back when they were in production and not being kicked out the rear door).

I've yet to use it via either digital-coax (RCA) or digital-Toslink.

Also, I felt the cones on my two subs (daisy-chained in a 5.2 setup) and indeed they are moving. :)

Cheers

Also the 1940 plays CD discs up to 80 minutes long. :) i.e. commercial pressing, as I've yet to burn a CD over 74 minutes.

Thanks. It sounds like the quality from the analog outs is good, which is what I need right now. I guess I can move the speakers around, and use other tricks to try and get a smooth blend with a locked in 100 hz crossover. After all, most systems have wildly uneven frequency response down there and still sound good.

Thanks. It sounds like the quality from the analog outs is good, which is what I need right now. I guess I can move the speakers around, and use other tricks to try and get a smooth blend with a locked in 100 hz crossover. After all, most systems have wildly uneven frequency response down there and still sound good.


I let my disc players do whatever bass-management/crossover that they can do. I run mainly analog (three 5.1 players and a single stereo player) into my prepro. I've got a 5.2 speaker setup, so I have the sub crossover set at 50 Hz and that seems to be OK using the THX 5.1 bass sweep (from 200 HZ down to 20 HZ using L/C/R/sub to check response below 200 HZ; my prepro (Cary Cinema 8) has a big clunky remote with 8 volume buttons (4 pair) for easy control of all/sub/center/surround).

I've also got a decent 30 band digital equalizer and plan to get around to setting it up with the prepro .1 LFE output to the sub. That way it won't affect the SQ of my L/C/R speakers. :)

At least that's my plan, but I'm a great procrastinator. :)

Cheers

My Denon DVD-1940CI universal disc player (only used so far via the 5.1 RCA outputs on the rear panel) is very very good for 5.1 SACD and 5.1 DVD-A discs.

One other thing about the 1940 is that it is a real lightweight type of tin can. :(

I hope that none of the "empty box" AVS people here never open this one up. :)

But for $90, I have no complaints.

I give it a small edge in comparison to a Pioneer Elite DV-58AV universal disc player (out of production, but $500 new price back when they were in production and not being kicked out the rear door).


On the other hand, I like the build quality of the PE DV-58AV. :)

Cheers

I'm very interested in this Denon(1940) unit, as I want it only for SACD, and maybe DVDAudio. My system uses separate amps and an EP9ES or a Technics SH-AC500D. My main speakers are almost full range(bass shy), but that Sony allows the upper ranges to go into the .1 channel so I never use the subwoofers for music. Life intervened when I was going about buying/building an active crossover. The last time I investigated this you could only use analog outs for any high resolution formats(with messed up bass management issues). I take it things have changed. The only problem I really have with the Denon is the fixed 100 hz crossover point. And maybe the iffy? playing of DVDAudio through the analog outs. Is there another player that has more flexibility in regards to the bass management crossover, i.e. different crossover points, adjustable slopes and even different frequencies for the .1 channel and the associated speakers. I cannot afford a fancy processor at this time.The more expensive Denons will do it, beginning with the 2930.

Thanks Kal. I just found out the frequency for the Oppo 980 is 80 hz. Does anyone know the slopes for that unit, and for the Denon(100 hz crossover).

On another note. Kal, do you keep a list anywhere of your favorite classical surround sound recordings?

Thanks Kal. I just found out the frequency for the Oppo 980 is 80 hz. Does anyone know the slopes for that unit, and for the Denon(100 hz crossover). Not off hand but you can ask Oppo technical service. Note, though, that it is a fixed filter.

On another note. Kal, do you keep a list anywhere of your favorite classical surround sound recordings?Nope but all my past "Recordings in the Round" are posted at the website in my sig.

..............and for the Denon(100 hz crossover). Why do you think the Denon's crossover point is 100Hz? The specs listed at the website say 80Hz. It also says that the high and low pass slopes are 12dB/octave and 24dB/octave, respectively.

:confused:

Why has it not been simple to set it up for movie playback? That should be the simplest if you are passing the audio to the receiver digitally.


1st day I didn't do the setup menus right for my 5.1 RCA interconnects. That and I wasn't familiar with the remote unit. 2nd day 5.1 movies suddenly had 5.1 sound. :) (And I still haven't opened the manual. :) )

That said, the analog DD5.1 and DTS5.1 (via 5.1 RCA) sounds similar to my OPPO 981, which is to say OK but not good. I'll try setting this unit up with both a digital coax interconnect (for movies) as well as the 5.1 RCA (for sound).

To me it's odd that the analog 5.1 movie sound is marginal; whereas the 5.1SACD and 5.1DVD-A are pretty good (same with 2 channel SACD/DVD-A); with CD's the analog sound is still better than OK and I'm happily using it right now for CD music that I like as background.

Pretty good closeout unit for the cost (latest: $85).

Cheers

"Why do you think the Denon's crossover point is 100Hz? The specs listed at the website say 80Hz. It also says that the high and low pass slopes are 12dB/octave and 24dB/octave, respectively."

Thanks. I assume we're talking about the 1940? I got 100 from the link towards the beginning of this thread(manual). It said only that if your speakers couldn't handle below 100 to set them to small(or something like that), and nothing that I saw about slopes. Of course those two wouldn't necessarily be mutually exclusive(at 80 you're at least 3 db down). Thanks again. I'll try the web site. I'd tried Oppo's with no luck.
__________________

Why that didn't appear to be in the manual is beyond me(Denon 1940). What I did take notice of while examining the bass issues was that apparantley the delay settings for dvd won't work for SACD. Did I interpret that right. Now I'm not looking for a ping pong effect in my music listening, and I personally doubt it would much matter, but is this a concern?

What I did take notice of while examining the bass issues was that apparantley the delay settings for dvd won't work for SACD.Except for perhaps SONYs (why I think SONYs are an exception, I can't remember), this is true of all SACD passed via analog outs.

Unless there is a huge disparity in your speaker distances, you probably will not even notice it.

Thanks for the response. That's my bet as well - won't notice it - especially since I'll be listening almost exclusively to classical recordings. And even if they decide to go too closely miked antiphonal(yech!) on me, I doubt any sort of delay could make it better.

Kal, If forced to pick one, I'd love to know who you think has the the biggest, most spectacular, goose flesh inducin', spine tinglin', late romantic 5.1 extravaganza out there now. You know - Mahler 2, The Poem Of Ecstasy, Scheherazade, etc. Reading your reviews I saw a piece by Schmidt about the Apocalypse I'm going to have to investigate.

Kal, If forced to pick one, I'd love to know who you think has the the biggest, most spectacular, goose flesh inducin', spine tinglin', late romantic 5.1 extravaganza out there now. You know - Mahler 2, The Poem Of Ecstasy, Scheherazade, etc. Reading your reviews I saw a piece by Schmidt about the Apocalypse I'm going to have to investigate.Yes, it is spectacular but episodic and, imho, does not hang together as the other pieces listed. Another suggestion is Messiaen's Turangalila-Symphonie in this recording: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Messiaen-Turangal%C3%AEla-Symphony-DVD-AUDIO-Beroff/dp/B00005B8A6

Thanks Kal. My listening knowledge of Schmidt leads me to think I'll probably agree with your assesment of the piece. Nevertheless, I'm still gonna have to give it a whirl. Again, thanks for the recommendation. I like the Turangalila.

Thanks Kal. My listening knowledge of Schmidt leads me to think I'll probably agree with your assesment of the piece. Nevertheless, I'm still gonna have to give it a whirl. Again, thanks for the recommendation. I like the Turangalila.

Check http://rover.ebay.com/ar/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?mpt=702992367&adtype=1&size=1x1&type=3&campid=5336055023&toolid=10001 this (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FMahler-Symphony-minor-Hybrid-SACD%2Fdp%2FB000GPIBOG&tag=5336055023-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)one out for Mahler's 2nd, I have 4 others (I know, it is crazy, but they are all different), it is the best by far, better than MTT (2nd place), the mediocre Gilbert Kaplan (I am rich so I can hire an orchestra and commission a recording) amateur hour on DG, David Zinman's on RCA Red Seal (what is the deal with 4 channels?) and Valery Gergiev's (tied for 2nd). DG as usual, for their brief foray into SACD, comes in at the bottom for the recording quality.

Check http://rover.ebay.com/ar/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?mpt=702992367&adtype=1&size=1x1&type=3&campid=5336055023&toolid=10001 this (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FMahler-Symphony-minor-Hybrid-SACD%2Fdp%2FB000GPIBOG&tag=5336055023-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)one out for Mahler's 2nd, I have 4 others (I know, it is crazy, but they are all different), it is the best by far, better than MTT (2nd place), the mediocre Gilbert Kaplan (I am rich so I can hire an orchestra and commission a recording) amateur hour on DG, David Zinman's on RCA Red Seal (what is the deal with 4 channels?) and Valery Gergiev's (tied for 2nd). DG as usual, for their brief foray into SACD, comes in at the bottom for the recording quality.Agreed. The Fischer is an outstanding performance and the sound is the best of any M2 I have. (Dunno how many but many.)

Agreed. The Fischer is an outstanding performance and the sound is the best of any M2 I have. (Dunno how many but many.)

I have a bunch on CDs too, though they are in a box somewhere at this point.