Marantz DV9600 Flagship DVD Player w/ HDMI 1.1, I-Link, 1080p [Text View]

captain_video

08-19-05, 03:28 PM

Kurtis Bahr

08-19-05, 03:57 PM

ALL video tape formats are a pain but digital VHS is the worst. There's no search function available so finding an exact spot on the tape is a hit or miss proposition. The best you can hope for is to get somewhere in the vicinity. I used to have the Hughes D-VHS recorder with the Platinum DTV receiver. At the time it was the best recording device available for DTV and the only recorder anywhere that would record Dolby Digital audio. It was a real love/hate relationship that was quickly dissolved when the DirecTivos were introduced. I'll never go back to a tape format again after experiencing a DVR. Now I'm running two HDTivos and several standard definition models. It totally blows away any tape format for recording HDTV and even SD TV. It also outputs 1080i, 720p and 480p in addition to 480i and has an HDMI output, making it a perfect match for my Hitachi 60VS810 LCD RPTV.

Guess I should have been cleared with my impression. D-Theater pre-recorded tape are what blow DVD, Over the Air and Satellite away. D-Theater has less compression and you have to see it to believe it. The larger the screen the better D-Theater looks.

Using D-VHS as a recording device is not a friendly medium. As listed above searches and scan can only be done with watching the counter and hit or miss. But if you want to off-load off your DVR then D-VHS is not bad. You can put it back on the DVR later if you have a Firewire connection and not loose any quality.

I also prefer DVR for for recording off Cable.

Just wish the new High Definition DVD format would have the same low compression as D-Theater but I doubt it.

As for the 9600, I wish I would have waited for it but since my monitor only does 1080i I'll stay with the 9500.

Kurtis

Mac The Knife

08-19-05, 04:16 PM

Heck, no one even knows *if* the new BluRay and/or HD-DVD players will be able to play anything other than BluRay and/or HD-DVD discs. I bet it's quite a while until we see a high def *universal* player. So at least at the beginning, you will be forced to choose *between* at least BluRay and HD-DVD. Sorry, I'll wait. But I'll be enjoying pristeen std def DVD until that time. ;)

If HD-DVD/BD loaders can't handle DVD and/or CDs, then I'm sure they'll just add a SD-DVD loader to the box since SD-DVD loaders are dirt cheap.

jheoaustin

08-19-05, 04:39 PM

Heck, no one even knows *if* the new BluRay and/or HD-DVD players will be able to play anything other than BluRay and/or HD-DVD discs. I bet it's quite a while until we see a high def *universal* player. So at least at the beginning, you will be forced to choose *between* at least BluRay and HD-DVD. Sorry, I'll wait. But I'll be enjoying pristeen std def DVD until that time. ;)

Kevin,

Official brochures from both BD and HDDVD companies say that both guarantee compatibility with DVD-V at least. I am not sure about DVD-A/SACD, but DVD-A would be pretty easy.

Raistlin_HT

08-20-05, 12:45 AM

To my knowledge, the spec for HD-DVD and BluRay forces manufacturers to include DVD-V compatibility.

Since the new lossless iteration of Dolby Digital (MLP-based) is also part of both specs, one would assume DVD-A will be in many.

I wonder if that means we'll finally see a universal player from Sony? I would assume SACD will be in many of their BluRay players ... its in the PlayStation 3.

BIG ED

08-22-05, 05:20 PM

Hollywood really doesn't like homeowners to have a source as good as the theaters.

Look at D-VHS. I have the players and tapes and it is the best HD format I've ever seen with my eyes
Hello Kurtis,
I 'm not looking for a fight.
I would like to know why you say "Hollywood" will not give 'us' "good source(s)" and then comment on how great D-VHS is/was. As you saying D-VHS wasn't as good as it should have been? Or, as you saying D-VHS was "the best" and now "Hollywood" will not match that quality again in the home market?
Thanks.
But only Fox supported it and it died as a format.
I'm sure you know many more studio's than Fox, supported D-VHS. Please allow me to suggest that "it died as a format" because of lack of consumer support. I've never heard a story of a studio saying we only want to sell a small amount of any D-VHS release. I suggest the studio's would have been very please to sell as many copies of any released (or planned release) D-VHS that they could.
Has anyone heard of a studio not wanting to sell copies of a D-VHS title they released?

BIG ED

08-22-05, 05:28 PM

Just wish the new High Definition DVD format would have the same low compression as D-Theater but I doubt it.
Yes, Kurtis!
That's why I am a BIG fan of D-VHS. Without ever buying or planning to buy any D-VHS product. D-VHS has set the standard for home prerecorded HD playback for video and audio. I'm glad HD discs have stepped it up with DD & DTS audio. We'll have to wait and 'see' about the visuals.

pnichols

08-22-05, 06:23 PM

"I would like to know why you say "Hollywood" will not give 'us' "good source(s)" and then comment on how great D-VHS is/was."

The format on D-VHS tapes was 1080i (...1080 interlaced). As I understand it many Hollywood masters of films, if and when made/stored/remastered digitally are in 1080p (...1080 progressive) format.

There are many who believe, for various reasons, that us common types (i.e you and I - outside Hollywood's inner staff personnel circles) will NEVER be able to purchase for our home theaters 1080p duplicates of the Hollywood digital masters of their movies.

The best we can ever hope for probably will be HD-DVD as 1080i at [hopefully] very high bit-rates that result from as little compression as will still permit a full-length movie to fit on the disk.

Hence, we should all fight for HD-DVD players or displays that reconstruct our purchased 1080i movies back into 1080p form to at least try to get the smoothness and artifact-free look that 1080p gives. This will NOT be the full content of the 1080p Hollywood vault masters, but at least a step better than the 1080i we be able to buy. This will be the same path we went down in getting 480i SD material to show up as 480p on our home theaters via deinterlacing done in DVD players, video processors, or our displays.

Kurtis Bahr

08-22-05, 11:53 PM

Hello Kurtis,
I 'm not looking for a fight.
I would like to know why you say "Hollywood" will not give 'us' "good source(s)" and then comment on how great D-VHS is/was. As you saying D-VHS wasn't as good as it should have been? Or, as you saying D-VHS was "the best" and now "Hollywood" will not match that quality again in the home market?
Thanks.

I'm sure you know many more studio's than Fox, supported D-VHS. Please allow me to suggest that "it died as a format" because of lack of consumer support. I've never heard a story of a studio saying we only want to sell a small amount of any D-VHS release. I suggest the studio's would have been very please to sell as many copies of any released (or planned release) D-VHS that they could.
Has anyone heard of a studio not wanting to sell copies of a D-VHS title they released?

This is jusy my opinion. When I first got a D-VHS player and watched a pre-recorder D-Theater tape I was shocked at how good this looks. Better than DVD, cable, satellite and over the air HD. Picture is smoother. I love to watch the movies I have in D-Theater

Now I'm doubting the movie industry wants us to have anything personally that will look as good as the theater. There seems to be more concern about copy protection than quality.

I agree that we should fight for the new HD disc format to look at a minimum as good as D-Theater. This would mean high bit rates and low compression. The possibility is there, now will we get it. I certainly hope so.

I must also agree that part of the death of D-VHS was marketing, players were close to $1000 and HD had hit the market as heavy as today. Now everyone wants a disc and people are scared of tapes. It was probably going to eventually die anyway. It's a shame as the performance is the best HD picture I've ever seen in a consumer format.

I'm still waiting to see what happens the 1080i verses 1080p format.

Kurtis

ripclawsa

08-24-05, 10:11 AM

We seem to be going OT here. Has anyone heard any new info regarding the Marantz DV9600?

Kevin C Brown

08-26-05, 08:43 PM

Oct release.

oztech

08-26-05, 11:26 PM

i like my integra would consider upgrade to hd disc if one format wins the beta vhs dvd-a sacd wounds have not completely healed and i wonder if the disc are going to be 50.00 like laserdisc was when it came out which will make me stay with my comby player and 150 titles .

oztech

08-26-05, 11:31 PM

sorry put above in wrong thread

ac388

08-27-05, 12:40 AM

I am in tOKYO NOW. The 9600 will be coming out on Sept. n the retail price will about 151,000yen.

We seem to be going OT here. Has anyone heard any new info regarding the Marantz DV9600?

ry317

08-27-05, 04:34 PM

The 9600 looks really nice... but the big question for me is weather or not the 480P performance is any better. My guess would be no, so I'll probably stick with my 9500.

A little off topic but - It seems like some other 9500 owners have chimed in, and I want to ask a quick question. I seem to be having some problems with mine. On random scene changes the image splits in half, almost like it's dropping out of progressive for a second. The bizarre part is, it's totally random. It happen, I'll rewind and it won’t happen again. Anybody have any ideas for me?

Tom_Bombadil

10-25-05, 11:38 AM

Apparently the DV9600 is now making it to the USA. List price is $2099.

http://www.cinedream.be/pdf/cinedream_marantz_dv9600.pdf

http://www.avrev.com/cediawrap/marantz.html

rmlowz

10-25-05, 12:58 PM

Hello,

My friend went to CEDIA DVDO training. In the brochure from the DVDO coarse it shows a picture of the Denon 5910 and the Marantz 9600 stating ABT technology in the Marantz 9600 and as we already know the 5910. I called DVDO and the gentleman said he did not know of the agreement they had with
Marantz of what kind of ABT technology was in the player. Does anybody know ??

Thanks for your reply,

rmlowz

Kris Deering

10-25-05, 01:16 PM

They are using the same Pioneer de-interlacer that is in the 9500 (which is VERY GOOD by the way) but they are using the ABT 10 bit scaler that is the same as the VP-30 by DVDO and the Denon 5910. This player also adds full HDMI 1.1 support and 480i via HDMI. Should be a real winner from Marantz. I'm really looking forward to checking it out!

rmlowz

10-25-05, 04:06 PM

I already have a VP-30 on order. Would this player be a good match using HDMI 480i into the VP-30 then out to the Epson 800 projector (that's on order also) or is this overkill having the VP-30 already.

Thanks,

rmlowz

Kris Deering

10-25-05, 04:17 PM

Depends. If your PJ is already natively 720P, the DVDO may be overkill as the internals of the Marantz are already quite good, though not quite as good as the DVDO. But it would only be on small details. But the DVDO offers the oppurtunity for other sources to look real good as well such as TV, VCR, Games, etc, etc.

CKL

10-25-05, 04:41 PM

I have received a DV9600 from Marantz and will test it soon. I heard that it is using new version of Mitsubishi MPEG decoder and Pioneer I to P chips. I will open the case to check.

rmlowz

10-25-05, 09:27 PM

Thanks for your replies Kris,

The projector is native 720p. I ordered the VP-30 because of all the great reviews on the HD+ and I need it for its switching capabilities also. Maybe I will see if I can get a in house demo of the 9600 when everything gets here.

Thanks,

rmlowz

AlexPN

10-25-05, 09:45 PM

In this Spanish website, the price is 1400€. That's a really good price, but still too expensive to me... I'm buying the 7600 (600€). But first I want to read more reviews.

http://www.redcoon.es/redcoon/urwfilter/product/do/action/getProductDetail/product/34036/index.html

AlexPN

10-26-05, 09:59 PM

Are the dv6600 and 7600 good dvd players compare with Denon and pany s97?

xoba

10-27-05, 04:10 AM

AlexPN

10-27-05, 06:47 AM

is this web site reliable ?

They've got the best prices...but just for Spain. There is redcoon.de for Germany.
Xheck other product prices, I don't know how they get this rebates.

It's reliable, I know lots of buyers.

xoba

10-27-05, 08:30 AM

thanks a lot, I have friends in Spain, that's why I ask you.

mattburk

10-28-05, 11:42 PM

I have received a DV9600 from Marantz and will test it soon. I heard that it is using new version of Mitsubishi MPEG decoder and Pioneer I to P chips. I will open the case to check.

Whats the word?

CKL

10-29-05, 08:17 PM

The initial impression is that 9600 improves and eliminates most weaknesses at 9500. I will post a detail review next week.

Spizz

10-29-05, 08:55 PM

CKL- How does it perform against the Denon DVD-5910? Also when will you or AVBuzz get a play with the new Sony VPL-VW100?

CKL

10-30-05, 10:15 AM

I've run HQV benchmark DVD at both 9600 and A1XV (5910). A1XV beats 9600 at the areas of video deinterlace and noise reduction (but not a huge difference). A1XV is still the all around winner. But 9600 is half of A1XV's street price. I think 9600 has better value. I'm now testing its audio quality.

VW100 just arrive Hong Kong. We are contacting Sony HK to borrow this projector and hopefully watch it in the next week.

Jason Yeo

10-30-05, 09:09 PM

Hi CKL , have you tried out 9600 to Marantz 13S1/12S4 using hdmi 480i from 9600? How does the Gennum chip perform using the HQV disc especially on the jaggies 3 moving bar test ?

CKL

10-31-05, 09:51 AM

I've trid 9600 480i HDMI to S4. It works but I didn't have time to test its performance.
PMS's Crystalio II using Gennum chip will be released soon. We can realize the performance of Gennum chip soon.

ripclawsa

10-31-05, 10:12 AM

Since the Marantz DV9600 passes 480i over HDMI, it is logical that it will pass 576i (PAL) over HDMI as well.

Kris, can you please confirm?

akcampbell

11-01-05, 09:29 AM

I've pre-ordered the DV9600 mainly for the 480i output over HDMI for my S4. I imagine it will be nearly as good as the Denon 5910, but not quite as CKL suggests. My understanding is that it has the same ABT scaling as the DVDO iScan HD and HD+ and Denon 5910. I don't know what chip is uses to do the deinterlacing. Somebody told me it was an in-house Marantz design. Can anybody confirm that? I'm presuming the ABT scaling isn't the upgraded version 2 going into the new DVDO VP30. If that's the case it will be a pity but I imagine it might be an ABT licensing condition otherwise high end DVD players like this would eat into their external video processor market. It would be great if these high end DVD players had video input sockets so you could use their scaling for TV and console gaming. Luckily, my S4 has pretty good Gennum internal processing so I can get round that, but it I didn't I wouldn't like the fact that I'm paying a premium for 2-3 year old ABT scaling technology and can only use it with DVD's. Do any 9500 owners use their Dolby Headphone socket with high end headphones? I wondered how it compares to a 2 channel high end headphone and headphone amplifier setup. I've got Sennheiser 650's and a Musical Fidelity X-Can V3 amplifier. Another question I have relating to the DV9600 is will it's picture quality be as good as a budget or mid-price SDI modded DVD player and SDI modded external processor combination? I sold my SDI modded Philips 963SA and SDI modded iScan HD+ to part fund my DV9600 purchase. If the DV9600 doesn't at least match the picture quality I had, I'll be disappointed. How do people think the DV9600 HDMI 480i will compare to SDI? In theory, they should be of equal quality but my understanding is that in practice up until now this hasn't been the case. Is the HQV chip processing in the 5910 used for deinterlacing and noise reduction only? Does anybody know anything about the new MPEG decoder the DV9600 is using? Is it better than the 5910's MPEG decoder? I imagine the replacement for the Denon 5910 will get the VP30 ABT second generation scaling with Marantz continually playing second fiddle so it doesn't cut into it's market. I wonder if the DV9600 has fixed the criticisms levelled against the DV9500 in the Secrets review. Anybody know?

PooperScooper

11-01-05, 09:42 AM

How do people think the DV9600 HDMI 480i will compare to SDI?If they send the "raw" YCbCr over HDMI without dinking with it or converting to RGB, then it shouldn't be any different. With SDI you know it comes from the MPEG decoder (at least those kits soldering to the decoder chip, some players do offer SDI output options). With HDMI it's a guessing game unless you analyze the data somehow.

larry

Kris Deering

11-01-05, 10:19 AM

The 9600 uses a Pioneer de-interlacing solution, the same one that is in the 59AVi, DV-9500 and Lexicon RT-20. It is a great solution and should perform fine.

ssabripo

11-01-05, 11:34 AM

The 9600 uses a Pioneer de-interlacing solution, the same one that is in the 59AVi, DV-9500 and Lexicon RT-20. It is a great solution and should perform fine.

yup....PQ looked exactly like a 59avi, with similar color rendering (very good and vibrant) and same visible jaggies on video material. It looked like a very good unit overall.

Couj

11-16-05, 08:14 PM

Any new info/comments on the 9600? Things seem to have gone a bit quiet. I've been living in Japan for about 1 year now. What may surprise some of you is that I find it very hard to find places in and around Tokyo where you can properly demo these products side by side. Although top end products from Marantz, Pioneer, Yamaha and Denon are sold by most AV stores, properly set up demo rooms are very rare (as most shops are quite small). I certainly haven't found a shop where I can take in a few DVDs and spend some time comparing two decent DVD players side by side in a properly set up room. Anyway, I've seen the 9600 in shops (but not set up) but I haven't seen the 79AVI/989 yet. I'm very keen to know how these players compare. I note that the Denon 3910 seems to be the cheapest of these three products here at the moment but that may change as the other two become more readily available (the 9500 was usually advertised at or around the same price as the 3910).

CKL

11-21-05, 08:50 PM

Here is my review: http://www.avbuzz.com/audio-video/200511/marantz-9600/index.htm

Couj

11-22-05, 03:58 AM

Thanks for the review CKL. Very interesting reading. Have you had a chance to compare the 9600 to the new Pioneer 989/79avi?

CKL

11-22-05, 09:50 AM

989 is just released in HK. I have not reviewed it yet. I may borrow one later.

reincarnate

12-11-05, 05:36 AM

The 9600 uses a Pioneer de-interlacing solution, the same one that is in the 59AVi, DV-9500 and Lexicon RT-20. It is a great solution and should perform fine.
Quote:
"Like any newfangled player worth its salt, the DV9600 is sporting the trick video processing and scaling, with HDMI outputs connected to full 10-bit scaling and processing powered by Anchor Bay Technologies (ABT), creator of the vaunted DVDO line of video processing. In addition to 480p, 720p and 1080i outputs the DV9600 also outputs 1080p to support 1080p displays. Let me reiterate here that no matter what you read about "HD resolution" in the marketing lit for these upconverting DVD players, as long as standard definition DVDs are the source you're not watching true high definition video. What you're seeing is "upconverted" standard definition video, which can look excellent but is not true HD by another name."

http://www.guidetohometheater.com/news/120805marantzdv9600/

DASHREDDER

12-11-05, 08:06 AM

Has anyone actually purchased a 9600 and if so... how much did it actually cost to buy?

K2evergreen

12-27-05, 10:05 AM

I bought one from a local dealer for (roughly 15% off MSRP). It took about a week to arrive from MarantzUSA. \ 1080P out via HDMI to my HP MicroDisplay looks fantastic. Have not tried SACD/DVD-A yet as I'm awaiting a new processor.

Will_Morr

01-01-06, 10:02 AM

I got mine two weeks ago. I haven't totally put it through the paces yet. Something I noticed, though, is that it passes BTB when the HDMI is set to RGB but not when it's set to YCbCr. I haven't decided if it's a big deal or not. At YCbCr 4:2:2, the picture is fantastic! I haven't been able to balance the subwoofer channel with the internal test tones or a calibration disc either. I'll report back on that after I figure it out. My Denons (2900 and 5900) were the same way.

DJ_JonnyV

01-01-06, 10:53 AM

Do any 9500 owners use their Dolby Headphone socket with high end headphones? I wondered how it compares to a 2 channel high end headphone and headphone amplifier setup. I've got Sennheiser 650's and a Musical Fidelity X-Can V3 amplifier.

I thought I'd chime in on the Dolby Headphone question. I have a Marantz receiver with DH and have really enjoyed using this processing when my 11 month old son is sleeping in the evenings. I use the headphone out on my receiver to an amp, and then out to my Senn HD_595s. 595s do a very nice job with movies, and I'm sure you're 650s would sound stellar also. One thing to keep in mind is that the DH logic is only applied to the headphhone out, not on the analog outs. I would think the 9600 is the same way. I'm waiting on a new amp with a bass boost feature to see if I can get a little more low end out of my 595s when watching movies. Right now I'm using a Xenos 3HA amp because of it's independent treble and bass controls. The DH logic does do a very nice job and does a pretty realistic job of creating a surround sound field. You can hear distinct audio to the side of you, behind you (yes, behind you), and as sounds transition through the screen from left to right and vice versa. Really a nice compromise when you cannot use your "system".

Krobar

01-01-06, 02:42 PM

My uncle has one of these players plugged into a Pioneer 50" XDE plasma. It transmits 4:2:2 480I/576I over HDMI to the Plasma no problem at all. Quality wise there is very little I can see between switching between colour modes, I prefer 480I to 480P & 1080I.

It also works fine with DVD, SACD and DVD-A using Ilink to a Pioneer Reciever. The player is beautifully built and is quicker in the menus than my Pioneer 59AVI. It was chosen over the Pioneer for Dolby DH but it switches off the Headphone amp when it detects an I-Link connection.

Keung

01-12-06, 03:41 AM

Please read:
http://www.avbuzz.com/audio-video/200511/marantz-9600/index.htm

PooperScooper

01-12-06, 07:57 AM

Threads merged. I also made the title a bit more "current".

larry

Scott_R_K

01-21-06, 10:42 AM

Can anyone comment whether the addition of the ABT DVDO scaling will allow for "vertical stretching" of 2.35:1 AR DVD's for those of us with Anamorphic lenses and Scope Screens ?

This would be a big plus :D

Is the Manual posted on-line anywhere yet ?EDIT; manual is on-line here...
http://us.marantz.com/Products/1178.asp

Scott.................... :)

Scott_R_K

01-22-06, 10:09 AM

LesPaul

01-23-06, 08:34 PM

Kevin C Brown

01-23-06, 08:49 PM

Single, global crossover. Can't be adjusted.

Tmueller

01-23-06, 08:55 PM

Does anyone know for sure if this player is available (in the US) in colors other than black?

Thanks,

Ty

LesPaul

01-24-06, 08:17 AM

Do you know what is the cut off frequency?

Thanks,

Nick

Will_Morr

01-24-06, 08:51 AM

I have a 9600 and the picture looks great but I am have some questions on the base management funciton. Does anyone know how to set the crossover frequency? I know that you can select large or small speaker size but I would like to select large for the front and run any frequency below the cut off frequency also to the subwoofer. The Denon DVD players have a large and small selection and a crossover frequency. Any help would be much appreciated.

Regards

The 9600 isn't going to do that for you. You'll have to get your receiver or pre/pro to do it. You should investigate the Outlaw ICBM if you want that kind of control over your bass management. Actually, if you got a hold of an Outlaw Model 9500 pre/pro, the bass management scheme for the 6 channel analog input does exactly what you're looking for.

I believe the crossover frequency for the DV9600 is 80 Hz.

mimason

01-24-06, 11:30 AM

Does the 9600 suffer from the same deinterlacing issues and Y/C delay as the 79avi?

LesPaul

01-24-06, 08:17 PM

The 9600 isn't going to do that for you. You'll have to get your receiver or pre/pro to do it. You should investigate the Outlaw ICBM if you want that kind of control over your bass management. Actually, if you got a hold of an Outlaw Model 9500 pre/pro, the bass management scheme for the 6 channel analog input does exactly what you're looking for.

I believe the crossover frequency for the DV9600 is 80 Hz.

Thanks for your help and recomendation.

Regards,

Nick

insomniac99

01-24-06, 08:56 PM

I think the 5910 is just out of my budget, so I'm looking at the Denon 3910 or this Marantz DV9600. Can anyone offer some perspective on choosing between the two?

volvoguy

01-30-06, 04:59 PM

I am also looking to buy a new player. I just got a Optoma Themescene H79 and with it's super PQ it brutally shows the faults on the dvd source, so the ugly macroblocking on the 3910 began roaring it's head in almost every movie. For me it is totally unwatchable and I sold my 3910 today.

So the Denon DV-A1XV (5910) is too expensive but I could manage the Marantz 9600. BUT I saw on CKL's review that is still shows macroblocking? That made me very hesitant. How is this macroblocking compared to the 3910's? Is it just as bad?

Kris Deering

01-30-06, 05:10 PM

Kris Deering

01-30-06, 05:12 PM

Interesting . I downloaded the Manual but could not find a single reference to ABT or DVDO or any of the scaling advantages that are supposed to be present in this model . The Manual looks like a re-badged DV9500 manual .

Anyone with a DV9600 that can comment on the Manual , and the Video section in particular , for this model ?

Thanks ,

Scott............. :)

Like the Denon 5910 the ABT scaling and video processing is tranparent in this DVD player. In other words, there is no customization available. You can choose from the pre-set resolutions but nothing else. For the level of customization you are referring to you would need an outboard video processor like the VP30.

volvoguy

01-30-06, 05:37 PM

The macroblocking that CKL is talking about is different than the MB you see with Faroudja based players. All DVD players will show MB that is inherent in the source, though some will exaggerate more than others. The Marantz may show a more accurate image which means authoring shortcuts and bad transfers will not look very good. The MB associated with the Faroudja chip is an entirely different animal and not one you would have to worry about with the Marantz.

That makes me feel a little better even though I would like to know specifically how the Marantz "macroblocking" looks like compared to the Faroudja based players. One scene which was horrible on my 3910 was in Shrek, the first movie, when Shrek and Donkey lies on the rock and looks at the stars (when Donkey refers to stars as "little white dots". On the 3910 the sky was broken up in big blue blinking blocks. It was totally unwatchable. I wonder what that scene would look like on the 9600? Unfortunately I have no chance of viewing this player "live" so to speak. I need to find a player fast and the 5910 is way out of my budget so maybe the 9600 is still the way to go for me.

Scott_R_K

01-30-06, 06:55 PM

Like the Denon 5910 the ABT scaling and video processing is tranparent in this DVD player. In other words, there is no customization available. You can choose from the pre-set resolutions but nothing else. For the level of customization you are referring to you would need an outboard video processor like the VP30.

Thanks Kris , I thought that might be the case . I was hoping that some customization would be available (a.k.a. HD+ or VP-30 internals) , but this gives me the info I needed to choose wisely :D

Scott............... :)

Will_Morr

01-30-06, 09:23 PM

That makes me feel a little better even though I would like to know specifically how the Marantz "macroblocking" looks like compared to the Faroudja based players. One scene which was horrible on my 3910 was in Shrek, the first movie, when Shrek and Donkey lies on the rock and looks at the stars (when Donkey refers to stars as "little white dots". On the 3910 the sky was broken up in big blue blinking blocks. It was totally unwatchable. I wonder what that scene would look like on the 9600? Unfortunately I have no chance of viewing this player "live" so to speak. I need to find a player fast and the 5910 is way out of my budget so maybe the 9600 is still the way to go for me.

I checked the scene from Shrek to which you are referring. On a Samsung HLR5078 DLP RPTV, there is no macroblocking using the 9600 at 1080i, HDMI YCbCr 10 bit output. The player I had before this was the Denon 5900 and I'm very happy with the improvement the Marantz provides.

Bill

volvoguy

01-31-06, 05:35 AM

I checked the scene from Shrek to which you are referring. On a Samsung HLR5078 DLP RPTV, there is no macroblocking using the 9600 at 1080i, HDMI YCbCr 10 bit output. The player I had before this was the Denon 5900 and I'm very happy with the improvement the Marantz provides.

Bill

That sounds good. However I am not sure if I can use the 10bit output in my setup? The thing is I have the Optoma H79 which has only DVI input so I will use the DVI-DVI cable with a DVI-HDMI adapter at the player end. Do you think there will be much difference?

Edit: I put in an order for the 9600.

Will_Morr

01-31-06, 08:42 AM

That sounds good. However I am not sure if I can use the 10bit output in my setup? The thing is I have the Optoma H79 which has only DVI input so I will use the DVI-DVI cable with a DVI-HDMI adapter at the player end. Do you think there will be much difference?

Edit: I put in an order for the 9600.

I doubt you will see a difference. Enjoy the unit. It's a fantastic DVD-A and SACD player as well.

Kris Deering

01-31-06, 09:30 AM

volvoguy

01-31-06, 10:12 AM

You won't really get any benefit from the 10 bit processing. The H79 uses 8 bit panel drivers and has a lot of banding unfortunately. One of the reasons I don't own one. If it had 10 bit processing I would own one right now.

Allright, that is good to know. Is there any similar DLP-projector that uses 10bit processing? Just curious. I am very happy with the H79 though, I just want a really good dvd player to connect it to :)

mimason

01-31-06, 11:53 AM

volvoguy

01-31-06, 12:27 PM

No one has answered this yet but I did ask it a few posts back. Since the 9600 uses the same deinterlacer as the 79avi will Marantz have tweaked the deinterlacing section to address the flaws possibly carried over from the 79avi? Also, what about the Y/C delay and CUE. Was this also corrected?

I wouldn't rush out to buy this unit unless you are will to cope with the same hiccups as the 79 owners.

This is my only concern also (the de-interlacing) before buying the 9600. Accordning to CKLs test there is no Y/C delay at all. I don't think there is any info in there about CUE? He says "de-interlacing is improved" from the 9500 model.
I guess you have read this:

http://www.avbuzz.com/audio-video/200511/marantz-9600/index.htm

Maybe it has the same de-interlacing solution as the 79AVi, but maybe somewhat tweaked through software?

Strynght

01-31-06, 01:09 PM

Kris,

Are you planning to do a review of this player?

If so when..

volvoguy

02-01-06, 02:35 PM

Any more info on this player would be great. I haven't found any real reviews on it.

volvoguy

02-02-06, 07:51 AM

If anyone have a link to a review or something I would be very happy (the Avbuzz review I have read). I am looking to buy this player in the next few days but I would like to know more. The Denon 5910 is too expensive and I want the "next best thing" to it.

Will_Morr

02-04-06, 07:49 AM

I did a little tweaking last night. I found that the IRE needs to be set at 7.5 for the HDMI YCbCr 4:2:2 to pass BTB. I ended up reducing the brightness on my display in order to calibrate to the THX black logo pattern. The results were very nice. I've found myself rewatching The Lord of the Rings. I want to go to New Zealand.

akopperl

02-04-06, 12:26 PM

Does anyone know how long the layer change is with this player? I know many of the Denon players have a seamless layer change.

Thanks

ted_b

02-04-06, 01:09 PM

Will_Morr

02-05-06, 07:54 AM

I plan on eval'ing this player asap; can't wait...sounds like the analog outs are very very good. (I am currently evaluating a Denon 3910.)

Question: on pages 40 and 44 of the manual (a weird manual, BTW, seems to be a mocked up DV9500 manual with no mention of the new Anchor Bay processing at all) it more than implies that the rudimentary bass management (80 hz fixed crossover) is applied to SACD whether in DSD or PCM, but that time alignment is only available in PCM. Is this true that BM works in DSD? Thx,
Ted

The BM works for DSD but I don't know if it's applied in the digital or analog domain. It's too bad the delay doesn't work in DSD but you do get the option of switching to PCM for the time alignment.

Does anyone know how long the layer change is with this player? I know many of the Denon players have a seamless layer change.

I haven't noticed or been looking for a layer change.

Norgoth

02-06-06, 01:33 PM

I just bought one of these today and will install it on Wednesday. I am replacing my Sony DVP-NS975V. The Sony works and looks fine, but I cannot stand the whole slow transport mechanism of the Sony. Am I allowed to post whether I will be selling the Sony, or is that discussion not allowed?

PooperScooper

02-06-06, 01:55 PM

gansenmind

02-07-06, 10:50 PM

Kevin C Brown

02-08-06, 02:40 AM

I don't know, but I'd guess that the 9600 is based on the 59AVi, not the 79AVi. But I don't know for sure. I'd bet that though, because the 9600 is just an incremental improvement from the 9500, which was out long before the 79AVi. ??

I'm personally hoping that that's the case too, because of how poorly the 79AVi did on Secret's tests... :)

buddd

02-08-06, 08:54 AM

Chris Deering has already answered the de-interlacing question twice in posts earlier. The 9600 is using the 59avi pioneer de-interlacing solution.

Will_Morr

02-08-06, 08:57 AM

I know this has been asked before but there is no answer I can find. My question is does this player have the same problems the 79avi does. Namely, has any one tried the Gladiator scene to compare and also how does the video quality compare, I am assuming the sound is somewhat better.

I'm not familiar with the "Gladiator scene" or what to look for. So far I've been quite impressed with the video quality. I need to have my display calibrated but that won't happen for a month or so. Using Avia and the user menu, I've been able to dial in a very nice picture. If you give me some detail on "Gladiator", I'll let you know what my impressions are.

ted_b

02-08-06, 09:09 AM

I'm not familiar with the "Gladiator scene" or what to look for. So far I've been quite impressed with the video quality. I need to have my display calibrated but that won't happen for a month or so. Using Avia and the user menu, I've been able to dial in a very nice picture. If you give me some detail on "Gladiator", I'll let you know what my impressions are.

Detail is in a number of other threads, especially Pio 79 thread. Net/net, 64 minutes into movie check the rooftops of the panning scene. Rooftop on left, especially, is supposed to show significant pixelization/breakup.

Look here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6828973&highlight=Gladiator#post6828973

Kevin C Brown

02-08-06, 09:22 PM

The 9600 is using the 59avi pioneer de-interlacing solution.

Cool. :) Just waiting for his review then.

Will_Morr

02-09-06, 09:32 AM

Detail is in a number of other threads, especially Pio 79 thread. Net/net, 64 minutes into movie check the rooftops of the panning scene. Rooftop on left, especially, is supposed to show significant pixelization/breakup.

Look here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6828973&highlight=Gladiator#post6828973

I checked this scene last night and I didn't notice any problems with the picture. I concentrated on the left side and I didn't see any break up. My player is outputing 1080i into a Samsung HLR 5078 through HDMI, YCbCr 4:2:2, IRE 7.5. I believe I have the deinterlacing mode set to Auto 2. It looked good to me.

mimason

02-09-06, 10:35 AM

It's the right side of the scene not left.

welwynnick

02-09-06, 10:54 AM

My player is outputing 1080i into a Samsung HLR 5078 through HDMI, YCbCr 4:2:2, IRE 7.5. I believe I have the deinterlacing mode set to Auto 2. It looked good to me.Hi Will,
Your comments are interesting.
Have you tried connecting at 480p or 720p?
Might cut down on some de-interlacing stages!
BR,
Nick

Will_Morr

02-12-06, 06:14 PM

It's the right side of the scene not left.

Checked again and I didn't see any picture anomolies. The picture looked great to me.

Hi Will,
Your comments are interesting.
Have you tried connecting at 480p or 720p?
Might cut down on some de-interlacing stages!
BR,
Nick

I've tried 720p and I really didn't see any difference. I'm not sure how my samsung display converts to 1080p. If it takes 720p directly to 1080p then 720p would probably be a better choice for the reason you suggest.

taylorms

02-12-06, 08:23 PM

Does anyone know if the HDMI output on this unit will send a multi-channel high resolution digital audio signal to a processor capable of receiving the HDMI audio signal?

ted_b

02-12-06, 09:30 PM

Does anyone know if the HDMI output on this unit will send a multi-channel high resolution digital audio signal to a processor capable of receiving the HDMI audio signal?

Yes, the player has HDMI 1.1, so it is capable of sending all audio (including lossless multichannel DVD-Audio...... just NOT SACD) to a receiver/pre-pro that also has HDMI 1.1 at least.

ted_b

02-13-06, 05:29 PM

Kevin C Brown

02-13-06, 08:51 PM

has anyone yet a/b'd or compared the Pio 79avi to the 9600. They have similar lineage.

They do not have similar lineage. The 9600 is based on the 59AVi, which according to Secret's tests, is actually a better video player than the 79AVi.

And if Marantz has improved the video at all from the 59AVi to the 9600...

ted_b

02-13-06, 09:04 PM

They do not have similar lineage. The 9600 is based on the 59AVi, which according to Secret's tests, is actually a better video player than the 79AVi.

And if Marantz has improved the video at all from the 59AVi to the 9600...

My bad...I should have said "cousins"....same deinterlacer, etc.

Will_Morr

02-14-06, 08:46 AM

So, to reignite an earleir request, as anyone yet a/b'd or compared the Pio 79avi to the 9600. They have similar lineage. My 9600 performs soo well on video (as it should with the 10 bit ABT stuff) and analog audio that I would think the 79avi would have to be modded to outperform it in SQ. But I've yet to find a reputable dealer that has the 79avi on a 30 day return or I'd do it asap.

Question: Why did the 3910 allow me to pick either RGB or YCbCr for HDMi but the 9600 has the YCbCr stuff grayed out for me. Isn't that where the true 10 bit processing is? My video with enhanced rgb is spectacular anyway, but wondering. My HDMI goes to a Denon 4806 where it switches to the HDMI output (HDMI/DVI cable) goes through a Dtrovision DVI-VGA converter to my Runco crt. Guess the 9600 thinks its a DVI connection, even though it's out of the HDMI cable? 3910 used same cable setup.

Ted,

It sounds like you have a DVI connection to the 4806 despite the use of the HDMI cable. I believe the manual says that the YCbCr is only available with HDMI so your player is behaving normally. I output YCbCr 4:2:2 (10-bit) to a Samsung 1080p DLP which has a true HDMI input. I tried outputting RGB normal and expanded into a DVI-VGA converter then into the VGA port on my display and I couldn't get it to work. If yours works, perhaps I'll play with it some more.

Bill

ted_b

02-14-06, 08:55 AM

Ted,

It sounds like you have a DVI connection to the 4806 despite the use of the HDMI cable. I believe the manual says that the YCbCr is only available with HDMI so your player is behaving normally. I output YCbCr 4:2:2 (10-bit) to a Samsung 1080p DLP which has a true HDMI input. I tried outputting RGB normal and expanded into a DVI-VGA converter then into the VGA port on my display and I couldn't get it to work. If yours works, perhaps I'll play with it some more.

Bill

Thanks. I guess I don't understand this whole 10-bit thing. But the Denon 3910 also has a YCbCr HDMI setting and using the same HDMI-HDMI cable ino the 4806, then HDMI-DVI into my VGA converter the 3910 allows the singular YCbCr (albeit not 10 bit) setting. The 9600 has BOTH YCbCr settings grayed out for me. It's a nit, I guess, because the RGB-expanded PQ is stunning, but really wanted to see what the others looked like. I'll look at the 4806's HDMI options and see if I can set something different there, and also try going directly to the VGA converter, bypassing the 4806.

Edit: tried both ideas...nothing new. Both YCbCr HDMI selections are gray'd out, yet DVI (Mode B I think) function is gray'd out too.
Ted

Will_Morr

02-14-06, 01:15 PM

Ted,

Your Denon has to be set to DVI for the YCbCr options on the Marantz to be grayed out. It's that or the Denon is simply passing the Marantz through to the Dtrovision converter, which is certainly DVI, and the Marantz "knows" this. I don't think it would work either way because the Dtrovision will only convert RGB, not YCbCr, to VGA for your display.

Did RGB normal or expanded work when you tried going from the Marantz directly to the Dtrovision?

Bill

ted_b

02-14-06, 02:15 PM

RGB normal and expanded have worked all ways, in all scenarios. But this doesn't explain why the Denon 3910 allowed me to do HDMI YCbCr.

Joaquin Mejia

02-15-06, 07:05 PM

Well, I am new to this discussion, but I would like to share my experience with you. I´ve had an DV9600 for 3 weeks now. In my system, it has replaced a Pioneer 868 for video and a Philips SACD1000 for audio (much better than the 868 in that respect). I have a 2-ch audiophile system (passive pre, valve power amp) and an Epson TW500 fp (it has 10 bit proccessing!). I bought the DV9600 because my SACD100 died, so my first aim was for high quality sound. I spent months looking for a SACD player option, then this player came around, and I said, why not?. The good news are that it is MUCH better than the SACD1000 soundwise, and VERY noticeable better than the Pio 868 picturewise!!
Honestly, even if I have not heard the Pio 989 (79), I am TOTALLY sure that the DV9600 is absolutely superior to it in sound terms. That top of the line 4398 Crystal DAC and the discrete HDAM analogue output certainly pay. Picture quality is simply superb through HDMI (10 bit 4:2:2) to my fp. Noticeably more solid picture than the Pio 868avi. As has been mentioned before, you need to set IRE to 7.5 to pass BTB (this is a little pain in the ass, as I have to use 0IRE when I want to use the player with my CRT PAL TV set: It forces me to use one Memory setting for each display). The Pio868 didn´t have this issue, as it did have an specific video menu for the HDMI output. I use DVE dvd for calibration. I set all NR (CNR, YCR, BNR and MNR) to zero, BTW, as I find the picture more natural that way (closer to what´s on the disc: I told you I was an audiophile first :-)).

BTW, if you care about sound quality, obviously use the purest settings (video off, digital audio off, display off, DSD direct, I even set HDMI audio off). Correct mains polarity is also important (I do it by ear). If you are a 2-ch guy like me, please set the player to Audio Stereo mode and use the L-R outputs instead of the "Stereo" pair of outputs: They sound much better! The manual says you use the Stereo output, but the L-R ourputs are interestingly labeled "Stereo 1" at the back of the player, while the Stereo pair of RCAs are labeled "Stereo 2". I have seen a picture of the player´s inside, and it seems the L-R terminals use a more direct path from the DAC.

The DV9600 may look standard or medium siazed, but it is VERY deep (about 25% deeper than my Pio868). Buid quality seems very good, and even the matt black tray noise is very reassuring: Even if it seems to be made of plastic, it certainly doesn´t sound so. The mechanism sounds solid, hefty, reminding me my beloved Philips CD882 diecast transport of old. Certainly nothing to see with those light and vibrating plasticky trays as the ones in the Pio 868, Philips 963SA or Philips SACD1000 that I have owned.

Now the (very minor) bad news:
While the Pio 868 can read with no problems all my DVD-Rs, the DV9600 sometimes has momentanous stops with my Princo DVD-Rs, and even (to a much lesser degree: May be one or two little stops in one film) with my Samsung DVD-Rs. I am now searching for DVD-R brand that it can read flawlessly. It can read my Emtec DVD-RWs perfectly.
Sometimes (and I mean only sometimes), when you go into the video memory settings or change them, the machine seems to put automatically the MNR (Mosquito Noise Reduction) to maximum level (at least for Memory 1). I still have to determine what´s the exact sequence of adjustments that cause this, but it is in any case a minor problem, as MNR to the maximum is very noticeable (looks real bad), so when this happens, you simply go back to Memory 1 and lower MNR to 0 again).
When playing NTSC discs through my Pal TV set (RGB-Scart connector), the picture is Black and White! I use the multiformat option, as I don´t want the player to convert NTSC to PAL (that changes the speed and spoils the sound of music-opera dvds). With the Pio868 set also to Multiformat, the picture had colour, so I don´t understand the reason of this issue. anybody has a clue?

buddd

03-01-06, 08:36 AM

Is anyone using this player with a long hdmi cable run? I need to run 8M, will this player drive a cable that long, if so, what brand?

dannic

03-01-06, 07:13 PM

I have the DV 9500 and I am running a 25" Blue Jeans DVI cable with excellent results. No issues to date. I would assume a DV 9600 would be the same.

dannic

03-01-06, 07:14 PM

Oops sorry!

Make that a 25' Blue Jeans DVI cable.

LesPaul

03-01-06, 09:18 PM

I am running a 8M cable from Tributaries Cable without any problems. It is their silver series.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Nick

ted_b

03-02-06, 02:02 PM

Is anyone using this player with a long hdmi cable run? I need to run 8M, will this player drive a cable that long, if so, what brand?

It's not player-dependent, really, it's about the construction of the cable. Although a bit long-winded, the video interview with the HDMI.org folks over at Secrets talks about HDMI cable length standards vs real world. Interesting results....in many cases a thicker "theater quality" cable may be it's own undoing. Dunno if there are real-world cable benchmarks out there. Not to stereotype but I'd trust BlueJean or PC Cables more than Monster Cable anyday.

PooperScooper

03-02-06, 02:26 PM

I am running a 8M cable from Tributaries Cable without any problems. It is their silver series.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Nick1080p?

larry

mattburk

03-04-06, 03:22 PM

what ever happend to the secrets review on this player? I thought it was coming out months ago.

Kevin C Brown

03-04-06, 04:19 PM

I am waiting for it too. :) I *think* he might be busy with work or something.

LesPaul

03-04-06, 05:35 PM

1080p?

larry

No I have a new JVC Pro HD 70" set but it does not accept 1080P.

Regards,

Nick

ted_b

03-04-06, 06:29 PM

I am waiting for it too. :) I *think* he might be busy with work or something.

Kris tells me today that Marantz has yet to come through with a player. He's requested one several times. No go.

mattburk

03-05-06, 02:54 AM

someone let him borrow one, lets get this done...

PooperScooper

03-05-06, 09:57 AM

No I have a new JVC Pro HD 70" set but it does not accept 1080P.

Regards,

NickOk, thanks. Just looking for real data points.

larry

ripclawsa

03-06-06, 02:03 AM

someone let him borrow one, lets get this done...

I second this. If anyone is close to Kris' location and they have this player, can you please loan it to Kris for the benchmark test?

I wonder why Marantz are being so difficult? :( You'd think that they would be falling over themselves in order to get a player to Kris. All indications are that the DV9600 is a winner out of the box.

Kevin C Brown

03-06-06, 08:52 PM

Maybe they didn't like the previous reviews of the 9500, and especially the 8400 and 8300. ;)

'Course, I don't know if Marantz supplied any of those units either. But I agree, I have only seen good things about the 9600. And especially knowing it's heritage, it should do at least half decent video-wise.

rynopr

03-13-06, 01:29 PM

Does the 9600 decode HDCD?

ted_b

03-13-06, 02:09 PM

Does the 9600 decode HDCD?

No.

ted_b

03-14-06, 10:19 AM

I'm going to attempt to integrate this player's bass management in with my subs, using the Velodyne SMS-1. To that end I asked Marantz, via email, to let me know what the fixed crossover was set at, and as importantly, the slope of the crossover. I assumed it was 80hz (cuz I assumed these innerds were based on the Pioneer OEM transport, etc. which most posters said is 80hz). Marantz tells me it's 100hz...but that they don't know the slope. :confused: Strange that the mfg does not know these things...anyway, anybody else hazard a guess? 24/db cuz that's what THX demands? Thanks,
Ted

LesPaul

03-14-06, 07:34 PM

I had the same question and response from them. I also found out that the LFE output is down 15db to 18db from the other analog outputs. You will need to boost the LFE signal in your processor. They told me this is a Dolby requirement. I asked if this is also a requirement for DVD Audio and SCAD and have not gotten an answer back as I asked twice. This is a great player but the base management falls short as does the track menue for CD's and SACD's.

Hope this helps.

Nick

ted_b

03-14-06, 08:35 PM

The +12db-or-more boost is the same for all universals, Nick. Most players have a check box for it (I know the 3910 does), or the processor does. In my case, it's in the processor's (Denon 4806) multichannel inputs menu (defaulted at +15db, adjustable in increments of 5db from 0-15db).

Kevin C Brown

03-14-06, 09:09 PM

I think that I know that some Pio 45a players had the LFE low output problem. (I had one, and it was fine, but others swore there was a problem.) But since, I've had the 47Ai and now the 59AVi, and neither of those have that problem. But the 9600 is supposed to be "based" on the 59AVi, so I guess I'm not understanding this.

There *is* a 10 or 15dB boost thing with Dolby Digital (and DTS), but that theoretically should be different than (and have no bearing on the) analog outputs for SACD/DVD-A. I would think so anyway. ;)

ted_b

03-14-06, 10:18 PM

I have a 45A but it's ill right now (throwing up discs). Don't remember if it had a bass boost menu item or not. The loaned 1920 I have does; the 3910 has it right below the subwoofer channel trim, etc.

Yes, the DV9600 is based on the Pioneer players but I'm not sure what the deal is if what you say about the lack of bass boost unnecessary on the 59avi or 47.

Kevin C Brown

03-15-06, 02:41 AM

Hey just curious. If any of y'all have any good suggestions on where to get one of these for a good price, PM me. I'm getting more and more curious about this player. :)

Kevin C Brown

03-18-06, 04:53 AM

Ordered one today. ;)

mattburk

03-18-06, 06:21 AM

Does the 9600 decode HDCD?
Marantz puts the hdcd decoding in their mid and higer avr's. Great if you have a marantz avr not if you dont.

Will_Morr

03-19-06, 06:33 AM

Ordered one today. ;)

Kevin,

I'm looking forward to reading your observations of this player. I've had one for two months and I'm quite happy with audio and video.

Kevin C Brown

03-19-06, 05:16 PM

I'll let you know. Might be a while though, but I will let you know why later on. ;)

ted_b

03-19-06, 05:24 PM

I know why...but I ain't tellin!! :D :D

My 9600 arrives Wednesday. My eval unit was a pleasure, and I miss it. The hirez analog audio was a dream, and the PQ through my CRT PJ (HDMI-DVI to VGA converter) was nothing short of breathless. The dealer loaned me a Denon 1920, and while the analog sound ain't bad for a cheap player, the PQ is wanting.

Kevin C Brown

03-20-06, 09:03 PM

know why...but I ain't tellin!! ;)

Q: has anyone here had a 59AVi then a 9600? I'm just curious if the setup menus are the same since the 9600 is supposed to be based on the 59AVi. I'm more curious in that I went back and read the review of the 9500, and Kris said it sort of wasn't a Pio design. But it had the same Auto1, Auto2, etc, settings for deinterlacing. So now I'm curious how the 9600 is related to the 59AVi (which I would think is a good thing), and the 9500 as well. Maybe he was mentally comparing the 9500 to the 47Ai?

I will know soon enough, but just curious.

ted_b

03-20-06, 09:22 PM

No, wish I had. Yeah, i think the only thing about the 9600 that is kindred to the Pio is the deinterlacer, which is fine. The 9500 has similar analog audio pedigree, but after that not much, since the 9600 adds the Anchor Bay Tech scaler, HDMI 1.1, 480i over HDMi and the ilink connection. Whatever they've done.. my copy of The Incredibles was....well.......amazing! :) HD almost, and that's through 8 bit HDMI (RGB expanded) on an HDMI-DVI cable, then converted to VGA for my Runco ceiling mount pj. I'd love to see its 10 bit HDMI ycbcr.

Kevin C Brown

03-21-06, 08:51 PM

Cool, that explains the "discrepancy" then. Deinterlacer is Pio, but other stuff isn't.

OK, maybe I have a cautious hope the 9600 will have better video than the 59AVi. :)

It almost certainly will have better video than the 79AVi. ;)

Couj

03-27-06, 01:57 AM

Has anyone come across a way to make this player region free yet? I live in Japan (where dealers will not offer this player in region free form) but, as I'm from Australia, most of my DVDs are region 1 or 4. I would love to buy this player - but a region free player is a must for me. You can buy this player (in region 2 form) for about US$1200 at the moment but it is useless to me unless it is region free! Anyone?

ac388

03-27-06, 06:09 AM

Then you should get one from Hong Kong which are all region-free units, no matter which brand you choose.

Has anyone come across a way to make this player region free yet? I live in Japan (where dealers will not offer this player in region free form) but, as I'm from Australia, most of my DVDs are region 1 or 4. I would love to buy this player - but a region free player is a must for me. You can buy this player (in region 2 form) for about US$1200 at the moment but it is useless to me unless it is region free! Anyone?

Couj

03-27-06, 07:52 AM

Any recommendations for a HK internet dealer I can try?

ted_b

03-27-06, 09:42 PM

Here's an interesting tidbit of audio info. As I was eval'ing the unit from an internet supplier (30 day return) I spent quite a bit of time breaking in the HDAM's or whatver opamps it is that needs breaking in on the audio side (most players change their sonic signature after break in so this is not unusual, just that i read specifically that the DV9500 was quite infamous for this).

Anyway, I as reported earlier with it, it sounded incredible after 50 hrs or so. Wel....had to give back the eval unit, then made up my mind to buy it. While waiting for my 9600 to arrive my dealer loaned me a well-worn Denon 1920 (weighs about 3 pounds). They picture is average at best, but the sound was very good, especially for the price. Got used to it for 2 weeks. Picked up my new DV9600 on Saturday. Fired it up.....wow! The 1920 wiped the new 9600 off the map! It's quite incredible how much better the 9600 sounds after breaking it in! Already today it's much better, and probably near the level of the 1920, but not there yet. We're talking a relative 10 as a goal (which is what I heard during the eval), the Denon 1920 being an 7-8 and a new 9600 being a 4. It's now 7-ish after 36 hrs of use and repeat mode. Be advised. Don't fret when you open it up...just be patient. (Note: this is all about the analog 5.1 outs BTW).

LesPaul

03-29-06, 07:31 PM

ted_b

03-29-06, 08:14 PM

Did you have to add a 15db to 18db boost for the 5.1 LFE channel? I did and need this for both SACD and DVD Audio. I added 6db from the DV9600 and 12db from my processor.

Regards,

NIck

Nick,
yes, I can't remember if I posted it here but my Denon 4806 has the capability to specifically add 0,5,10 or 15db (default) to the external 5.1 input (subwoofer channel) independent of any other channel trim going on in the processor. That's a nice touch. I add 10db and another 6 via the 9600 too. Not sure if it's better to leave the Denon at 15db and just add 1db from the 9600 for flavor, but it likely doesn't matter. I may a/b it. Net/net, it clearly needs the boost, as do all of them.

LesPaul

03-30-06, 08:23 PM

Nick,
yes, I can't remember if I posted it here but my Denon 4806 has the capability to specifically add 0,5,10 or 15db (default) to the external 5.1 input (subwoofer channel) independent of any other channel trim going on in the processor. That's a nice touch. I add 10db and another 6 via the 9600 too. Not sure if it's better to leave the Denon at 15db and just add 1db from the 9600 for flavor, but it likely doesn't matter. I may a/b it. Net/net, it clearly needs the boost, as do all of them.

Hi Ted,

Thanks for the quick reply. I have a Denon 4802 and it only allows for a 12db boost. I guess this receiver was made before it was clearly understood that due to Dolby requiements for the LFE channel that a 15db boost would be necessary. The only thing that I can't do with the DV9600 is also send bass below the 80Hz lowpass filter to the subwoofer when large is selected on the DV9600 for the front speakers. This is how I have my Denon set up as it gives a much better bass response in my room.

Regards,

Nick

ted_b

03-30-06, 08:31 PM

Couj

03-30-06, 08:51 PM

Does anyone know of a reputable internet dealer who will ship internationally that I can buy a region free 9600 from?

LesPaul

03-31-06, 06:59 PM

Yeah, when large is selected on the 9600 the surrounds redirected bass seems to end up at the fronts (like a LExicon) rather than at the sub (like the Denon). But are you saying that NOTHINg is going to your sub if you choose "Large" for fronts...not even the .1 LFE content?
Ted

P.S. Marantz tells me its 100hz

Yes the .1 LFE channel is going to the sub but I was hoping that I could also send the low frequencies from the front speaker to the sub whitout haveing to select small for them. I really adds fullness to the bass.

Regards,

Nick

ted_b

03-31-06, 09:45 PM

Yes the .1 LFE channel is going to the sub but I was hoping that I could also send the low frequencies from the front speaker to the sub whitout haveing to select small for them. I really adds fullness to the bass.

Regards,

Nick

What sub info would Large fronts send to a sub? Because large means no crossover, meaning full range and no signal left over for a sub to handle. It always means that. Your processor might have an LFE+Mains setting, but again it would require you to have the fronts as small. The only real variation on this is about redirected surround/center bass; some send that redirected bass to Large fronts, some send it directly to the sub regardless of what the fronts are defined as.

Kevin C Brown

04-01-06, 03:38 AM

LesPaul

04-01-06, 08:42 AM

Some players/pre-pros/receivers have the option of "doubling" the bass between the mains and sub from the mains speakers. I personally think it's a poor solution and that the "small" speakers setting is a better way to go, but some people still like that option.

Yes my processor allow for sending 80Hz and below signal from the front speakers to the sub even when you select large for the front speakers. This works really well in my system as my front speakers are able to handle low bass but not dub bass. So I use the sub even in stereo mode to fortify my front speakers. This is not that uncommon vs. just using small bookshelf type front speakers that can not handle any bass. I also have a large room so the extra bass is helpful.

On another note a friend of mine has purchased a low cost Toshiba universal player which has the same user interface as the DV9600 plus it features the ability to display the track listings for SACD's and CD's. It can also displays the time remaining for the disk. These are all displayed on his TV I am not sure about the players display. Does anyone know how to unlock these features on the DV9600?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Regards,

Nick

ted_b

04-01-06, 11:06 AM

Yeah, you guys are right. The LFE+Main function in my 4806 sends "Large speaker" bass also to the sub(s). Doesn;t say what the crossover is. It certainly doesn't make sense that whatver you set the sub crossover at (say 60hz) that that would be the amount of Large bass too. And in the case of 5.1 bypass all the BM functions of the processor are moot anyway. Weird.

Anyway, as many have concurred in other threads, this is a major phase and intermod distortion risk.

Pedro1985

04-01-06, 01:01 PM

anyone knows if 9600 does upsampler even when playing Redbooks (CD) over the analog outputs??

Kevin C Brown

04-02-06, 05:48 AM

Reviewed in the latest Hi Fi News. It's kind of late now :), so I'll try to post some snippets later on. They did really like it though. Jitter could be better (350 ps), and they did mention an oddity between the 5.1 analog outputs (1V max) vs the stereo analog outs (2V max).

Kevin C Brown

04-03-06, 02:55 AM

OK, in the Lab Report section:

When the audio output is set to 5.1, then the default 0dB setting of the variable output menu yields half the level (just 1V) expected with two channel CD, SACD, 48kHz, and 96 kHz DVD-A, despite yielding a full 2V with 192 kHz DVD-A. To normalise all channesl you'll need to set the front, centre, surround, and sub to +6 dB or switch the level menu to "fixed."

They go on to say that: "Think Denon DVD-A1XV (the 5910) without the bulk and extra features and you have a measure of the 9600."

ted_b

04-03-06, 08:48 AM

? I normalize the levels by first bringing front left up to 75db through the processors volume control, then I start from there. To begin at +6db doesn't give you any room for individual channel trim differences, since +6db is the highest setting. What if one of the channels is too low compared to the fronts? You'd have to calibrate by first going around and finding the loudest channel and making IT the standard at +6db, then trim down from there. Weird.

I've had no problems with my approach.

Kevin C Brown

04-03-06, 05:36 PM

I think the point is that if you don't max out those levels first (or at least get close to them), then you're not going to be getting the maximim bandwidth out of the output that you could, and hence signal-to-noise could suffer.

ted_b

04-03-06, 05:46 PM

I'll try it. I'll simply raise the softest channel (the one with the highest channel trim) to +6 and then raise all the others by the same relative level. The sub channel will be a problem but I can raise that at the 4806 end. Thx

Kevin C Brown

04-05-06, 04:12 AM

One thing this messes up is:

If that boost is necessary for the LFE, one trick I've used in the past is something like this:

L: -5
C: -6
R: -4
LS: -6
RS: -5
sub: +6 dB

You can max out the boost "artificially" for the sub this way. But then you'd be hurting s/n even more! :)

gostan

04-05-06, 08:30 AM

Hi Guys,

Any thoughts on the 2 channel audio capabilities of the 9600 when compared with your previous dvd player or stand alone cd player?

Thanks,
Stan

ted_b

04-05-06, 09:04 AM

In regards to Kevin's post:
Yeah, that's why the 4806's speciifc 5.1 analog input sub boost is nice. It's in increments of 5db (o, 5,10 and +15db) but from there I tweak the player level.

The net is that none of this was well thought out by the player mfg'ers.

As far as 2 channel, I haven't evaluated it because my 2 channel redbook/SACD player is a world class Modwright tubed deck and untouchable from a stock player. As far as 2 channel DVD-A, I'll let you know. Good question.

sharpie

04-05-06, 01:26 PM

Just wish the new High Definition DVD format would have the same low compression as D-Theater but I doubt it.
Kurtis

Why do you doubt this? That is the whole point, if it doesn't, its no better than cable, so how is it going to compete with cable and remote storage/on demand? It needs to be better quality, or else..

rynopr

04-21-06, 02:04 PM

Then you should get one from Hong Kong which are all region-free units, no matter which brand you choose.

Will a unit from Hong Kong convert PAL to NTSC internally, or will you need an external converter/scaler?

Thanks

ac388

04-21-06, 07:08 PM

All units sold in HK are region-free internally at time of purchase, regardless of brand.

rynopr

04-22-06, 12:42 AM

That doesn't answer the question...

ted_b

04-27-06, 11:56 PM

Well, Kris has reviewed the 9600 and.......
he calls it one of the best flagship players ever made! He LOVEs the player! He says:"The Marantz DV9600 represents probably the best digital DVD transport (for sending audio and video digital bitstreams) I’ve seen yet" (cuz it has a flwaless implementation of such niceties as 480i over HDMi, iLink, a complete HDMI 1.1 spec, etc). He is enamored with not only its great features but its implementation of those features, especially the great scaling and deinterlacing. It passes all but the most obscure of tests, and is one of his new faves.

Thanks BIG TIME to our Kevin Brown for loaning his 9600 to Kris for the review. And he loaned it before he even got it himself! KB pm'd me about this a while ago and I was ecstatic....cuz if he didn't it would have meant that I would have had to give up mine....and I didn't want to do that!!!!! :>)

Anyway, us 9600 lovers have another convert. Thanks Kris, for the benchmark review.
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=127#MarantzDV9600%20Universal%20DVD%20Player

purduealum91

04-28-06, 08:44 AM

Who has the best internet price on this dvd player?

ted_b

04-28-06, 08:51 AM

Marantz is very strict about their dealers and the internet, at least at this level of player. I haven't seen it anywhere except Music Direct (list price, but nice 30 day return policy). My local dealer gave me a deal.

rynopr

04-28-06, 10:27 AM

In the April issue of HIFINews, I read something that made me think that you could hook the 9600 directly to the amp and control the volume level. Is this correct?

ted_b

04-28-06, 11:00 AM

In the April issue of HIFINews, I read something that made me think that you could hook the 9600 directly to the amp and control the volume level. Is this correct?

For what use? This player does not have a variable output that can be controlled (you could trim the channel levels via the setup screen but the player is in setup mode and unusable), and even if it did it would only be 2 channel? To spend this kind of $$ on two channel audio is not high value. The player does so many things, including multichannel SACD, multichannel DVD-A, and of course, DTS and DOlby Digital.

For your purposes get a DAC with a volume control and go straight to the amp, using a less expensive transport....IMO.

rynopr

04-28-06, 11:47 AM

It's not a permanent solution. I understand what you are saying. The article said something about hooking each of the 5 channels up directly to the amp not just 2 channels...

ted_b

04-28-06, 11:50 AM

There is no pot on the unit or remote.

rynopr

04-28-06, 12:16 PM

What is pot?

Thanks

ted_b

04-28-06, 12:26 PM

Sorry....it means marijuana

JK :>)

It means potentiometer (real actual volume control). Dunno how you'd control volume going direct into amp. Net/net, the 9600 doesn't do this. The only channel trims are in the setup menus, like all good DVD players. That doesn't mean you could manage volume from there.

ssblount

04-28-06, 12:28 PM

I believe Ted was referring to a potentiometer (variable resistor) which is commonly used to provide volume control in electronic devices.

mattburk

04-28-06, 01:23 PM

It has been on accessoris4less and audiophileliquidator, and this audiogone guy:
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/auc.pl?dgtlplay&1145754457

purduealum91

04-28-06, 01:58 PM

Hmmm, found a floor model at a hi end store. <$1000, good price?

Kevin C Brown

04-28-06, 08:49 PM

There's a place on Audiogon that advertises them for a pretty good price.

I'll be curious as to how the new Arcam tests, but in truth, I kind of doubt it will approach the 9600's video quality ... at least based on their players' past performance.

idjit dragon

04-29-06, 06:17 PM

Kevin

That's interesting, the UK Mags universally praise the Arcam's picture (DV29 & DV79) but I haven't seen either in action. I'm in the market for a new Universal, as my 2900 is getting finicky as to which Hi-Rez discs it plays, and had basically narrowed my choice down to the Marantz 9600 until I heard that the DV137 was due. I'm keen to hear how the the Arcam performs before pulling the trigger

Cheers

Martin

Kevin C Brown

04-30-06, 04:06 AM

One place that does a good job of quanitfying video performance:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=all&type=&manufacturer=0&maxprice=0&deInt=0&mpeg=0

That have tested both the 79 and 29. The writeup about the 29 is interesting vs the 27A.

Kevin C Brown

04-30-06, 04:57 PM

Hmmm... The 9600 can't do total disc time (unless you've just played through the entire disc :) ), remaining track time, or remaining disc time. Strange.

LesPaul

04-30-06, 06:45 PM

Hmmm... The 9600 can't do total disc time (unless you've just played through the entire disc :) ), remaining track time, or remaining disc time. Strange.

What is even stranger, my friend has a $200 Toshiba DVD player that basically has the same look and menu structure except that it does display remainging track time, total time and remaining titile time. I emailed Marantz and they said that they would not be updating their software with these features. Seems a little backwards doesn't it?

dicey

05-01-06, 12:54 PM

Hmmm... The 9600 can't do total disc time (unless you've just played through the entire disc :) ), remaining track time, or remaining disc time. Strange.

Ouch. That sucks! I use that feature all the time. :mad: How do you leave something as basic and useful as that out?

Kevin C Brown

05-01-06, 09:08 PM

I emailed Marantz too. I'll be curious as to what they say. If indeed it would just take a firmware upgrade to get that, and considering it's a $2100 player... :) Let's see how good their customer support is.

I don't want to say this is a make or break thing for me, but I use that a lot on my Pio. (It's 11:50pm at night. I hit the sack at midnight. How much time is left on this CD I'm listening to? Do I punt and listen to the rest of it tomorrow? Or finish it off tonight? :) )

I have no doubt it's a better video and audio machine than the 59AVi. But convenience counts for something too.

gostan

05-01-06, 10:48 PM

nachin

05-02-06, 03:44 PM

Anyone with the 9600 pluged to the Marantz VP-12S4 in 576i 4:2:2?

If yes, Can you see improvement in degradation, false contour, colour space, black level, etc...over 4:4:4?

Nacho.

LesPaul

05-02-06, 07:07 PM

I use these functions the same as you and I do miss them. Good luck with Marantz customer service, I have asked them questions in the past and did not get a meaningful answer.

mattburk

05-06-06, 04:08 AM

What HIFI just did a review on the 9600, in short it got 5 stars.

welwynnick

05-06-06, 08:01 PM

What HIFI just did a review on the 9600, in short it got 5 stars.Do you mean What HiFi magazine here in the UK? They have less credibility that somebody who has never seen what they are testing. Nevertheless, I'm sure it's a great player.

Nick

soldonandy

05-06-06, 10:17 PM

Do you mean What HiFi magazine here in the UK? They have less credibility that somebody who has never seen what they are testing. Nevertheless, I'm sure it's a great player.

Nick

I always thought What Hifi gave a relatively honest review but if you are an SVS fan, you certainly won't agree.

richbrowne

05-16-06, 08:35 PM

Hi

I managed to compare the 9600 with a 989 driving into a HDMI switch linked into a Pioneer 506XDE with both units set to their default HDMI settings and configured to upscale to 720P.

I found the video quality to be comparable in most ways. However with the 989 set to 'Direct' for it's HDMI setting the 'combing/bad edit' issue was visible. When the same disc was entered into the 9600 (Underworld initial sequence to the main menu - spinning circular weapon etc), the 'combing/bad edit' issue was NOT evident. Having said this, I had previously managed to remove the 'combing' issue in the 989 by changing to AUTO2 in the HDMI settings.

I also did notice that the 9600 image seemed to be 'warmer' and more cinematic, which I preferred. Unfortunately I never managed to demo the sound so cannot comment on that area.

I must admit though, before the demo I owned the 989 I brought in, and after the demo I decided to upgrade to the 9600. This was possible because I had recently purchased the 989 from the supplier.

Incidently, if anyone is wondering why a supposedly upscaled 720p signal is recognised by panels as 750p. It is because actually 750p is driven out by the DVD player but only 720 lines are visible, hence the 720p name relates to just the visible lines that will be displayed. This goes for other resolutions too (576, 1080 etc).

Hope all this is useful.

gostan

05-18-06, 08:14 PM

Hey Kevin,

Did you elect to return or keep your 9600? And, how is the audio and video, notwithstanding your issues with its' abilities to display remaining disc time?

TWD

05-19-06, 08:18 AM

I got a 9600 yesterday. It is a fabulous player. I am especially surprised on how good SD Dvd can be. It replaces a Bravo D2.

I had and returned a Toshiba HD-AX1. From memory the 9600 is very close to HD-DVD on my set. Not quite as crisp. Let me qualify this. I have a 720P set. A 1080i out of the Toshiba gets downconverted in my set, then back up to 720P, so I don't think I ever saw the full capability of the Toshiba. However, on SD DVD this player is terrific. I think you would be hard pressed to find anything better.

Pedro1985

05-20-06, 03:50 PM

Hmmm... The 9600 can't do total disc time (unless you've just played through the entire disc ), remaining track time, or remaining disc time. Strange

I don´t think it could be considered an issue or a software issue, because i´ve seen the manual (pdf) of 9600/9500 models, and in the front display dosen´t exist a led called "Remain" just a led called "elapsed" and even in the whole manual dosen´t have a clue of how to see the remaining track/disc/chapter etc....

Seeing the 8400 manual, is notable the "remain time" led at the front display, and the instructions for how to see it.

Just don´t understand why they keep out this basic function, but i´m sure that doesn´t exist in 9500/9600 models and maybe on 7600, 6600 models...

ssblount

05-22-06, 04:21 PM

Does the 9600 provide upscaling through the HDMI connection only? Are component users SOL?

Will_Morr

05-22-06, 07:26 PM

Does the 9600 provide upscaling through the HDMI connection only? Are component users SOL?

The scaling is only done over HDMI. The component options are limited to interlaced or progressive output.

Kevin C Brown

05-22-06, 08:32 PM

ripclawsa

05-23-06, 05:22 AM

gallium

05-23-06, 07:40 AM

Currently, the DV9600 is HDMI 1.1 compliant. When the HDMI 1.2 standard is released, will Marantz make a new player or can this be done via a firmware upgrade to the DV9600? I am assuming that the HDMI connectors for HDMI 1.2 will remain the same.

The reason I ask is that HDMI 1.2 will pass the SACD information over HDMI. Currently, 1.1 does not allow this.

I think it will be a new player. Just like DV9500 is not upgradeable to v1.1. I have not seen anyone release a firmware update that upgrades the supported version of HDMI. There may also be hardware mods required?

gallium

05-23-06, 07:49 AM

How do you think the sound quality of RedBook and SACD on the DV-9600 compare to the Marantz Reference Series SA-11s1 (or even the SA-15s1)?

I can't seem to find anyone here who has both in stock for comparison.

gostan

05-23-06, 02:50 PM

Stan- It is boxed up ready to go. I just could not live without the remaining time features. I did email Marantz, and while they were nice enough in their responses, they said it can't do it, won't do it, not part of the feature set.

I had absolutely no problems with its video or audio quality. I even thought about keeping it. But then I got a CD with no time info on it at all, and that was that. :)Kevin, As this player is used for SACD, DVD-Audio & Cd's as well as DVD's, I can now see why the lack of this feature could be problematic. Strange omission. :( to a good audio and video machine.

Kevin C Brown

05-23-06, 08:14 PM

And ... I might not have been so surprised just for CD, maybe, but even on the video display you don't get any remaining times for movies. Let's say you're deep into a 3 hr movie, there is just no way to find out how much remains. Yes, strange omission.

ted_b

05-23-06, 10:54 PM

HDMI 1.2 requires hardware swap. None of the mfg'ers will mess with it until HDMI 1.3. Digital one-bit (SACD) support ain't enough to warrant it. Most mfg'ers have already said as much. I expect Marantz to be no different.

Lucky for me that time elapsed/time remaining is not an issue, as the 9600 is just too good of a machine to give back. I love it. I agree, though, that it's a weird ommission.

ripclawsa

05-24-06, 01:48 AM

So, what's the (possible) eta for HDMI 1.3 ? Then, add on a few more months for manufacturers to release new products with HDMI 1.3 as well as another couple of months after that for releasing hardware upgrades for products like the Anthem D2 and Anthem AVM50. I personally would buy the DV9600 and wait for a 2nd-gen HD-DVD player and Blu-Ray player that has an HDMI 1.3 output.

ted_b

05-24-06, 09:27 AM

My understanding of HDMI 1.3 is late 2007. It will only be of value when the generation (2nd or 3rd) of HD players send 1.3, and when the decoders become available for the processors.....i.e a lot needs to happen.

Kevin C Brown

05-26-06, 01:26 AM

Personally, I'd be more interested in HDMI 1.2 for DSD transmission, but I think that generation will be skipped by most manufacturers.

Will_Morr

05-26-06, 09:33 AM

Does anybody else's machine have a problem with playing any discs. My machine has problems with Avia, LOTR ROTK Extended Version Disc 2, and Almost Famous (Bootleg Director's Cut). These discs play well on my other machine and appear to be in good condition. The transport also seems a bit noisy and, on some discs, downright loud. I'm starting to wonder if my machine is defective and in need of repair.

Bill

LesPaul

05-31-06, 07:37 PM

Norgoth

06-20-06, 05:01 PM

Will_Morr

06-21-06, 05:07 PM

I am looking for someone to help me with hooking up this player to a marantz SR8500, specifically how to get DVD-A audio working with the video at the same time. If someone is savvy with this, could you post a reply and then we can communicate via pm please? I am having a heck of a time getting the setup correct. Here is my thread in the audio section:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=689912

Thanks in advance.

I checked your other thread. I'd suggest bypassing the SR8500 for video. I don't think the SR8500 is HDMI 1.1 so passing the DVD-A digitally is out. You must be able to assign or select a video source while listening to the analog 6 channel direct in the AVR. Using the analog connection for DVD-A and SACD is the way to go anyway considering the awesome DACs in the DV9600. Either way, the problem needs to be solved at the AVR, not the DV9600. Good luck.

Norgoth

06-23-06, 08:09 AM

Will_Morr

06-23-06, 08:59 AM

Will_Morr,

I found the solution and though I did not have to bypass the SR8500 for video your point in fact turned out to be correct. Here is the link to the solution. I would appreciate you taking a look at it and letting me know if my new settings might be creating problems elsewhere, such as not getting the benefit of the best audio with other media:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7883073#post7883073

Once again, thanks.

I left a comment in your other thread. For the DV9600, the reason why it was downmixing is that the SR8500 doesn't support all the audio formats at its HDMI port. Turning off the HDMI audio solves this. You should also turn off the "digital out" in Audio Setup 1. When using the player for audio only, try experimenting with the Pure Mode in the Other menu.

Norgoth

06-23-06, 09:24 AM

Thank you. Can you go back to that thread and see my new post please? I should stop posting in this forum now, since I should keep it in one forum I guess.
Thanks again.

ted_b

06-25-06, 11:35 PM

Will_Morr

06-27-06, 08:08 AM

I posted in the surround forum that I wanted to try a phantom center for 5.1 music only. (for reasons, see other thread)

Well, when I told the DV9600 that I had no center speaker it played 5.1 DVD-A (Donald Fagen, The Nightfly) with missing info and no surrounds (even though the surrounds were clearly showing in the setup menu). Could someone verify that my player is askew? This is analog outs only, of course.

My player exhibited the same behavior and it's apparently by design. The manual says that any DVD-A or DTS-CD is downmixed to stereo if the center or surrounds are missing. I put in a multichannel SACD and it played the surrounds and subwoofer channels in the right place with the center channel off.

I don't think you'll be able to achieve what you want here with the analog outputs. The player is downmixing DVD-A and I'll bet it simply discards the center channel for MC SACD when the center channel is off. I had a similar experience with the Denon 2900. I was looking to run stereo subs and when I told the player that there was no sub, it discarded the content rather than redirecting it to the mains. When I asked Denon what was up, the answer was that the redirect function belongs to a pre/pro or receiver, not the DVD player. If you really want to do this, you'll have to use iLink and hope that the functionality exists in your pre/pro or receiver.

Bill