I am preparing to purchase the Denon 3930ci this weekend. I don't mind spending the extra $$$ to get the quality I need in my home theater. Here's what I'm looking for:

1) I adore SACD (currently have a Denon 2910) and the 3930ci seems to provide me very high quality and improved SACD sound.
2) I am deferring a blu-ray purchase. So, the 3930ci has good (great) SD-DVD upconversion (and will become primarily an SACD player once I do invest in Blu Ray).
3) My projector is WXGA (1280x768) and the 3930ci will output in WXGA so I can get a video picture that matches my pj's native display.
4) I do not intend on buying a separate video processor.

Do Denon 3930ci owners feels that what they're getting from the player (excellent PQ and SACD sound) justifies the cost? Or, do you think you would've done just as well with a $250 oppo? Sounds like a crazy question, I know. Normally, I think you get what you pay for and I've been soooo impressed with my Denon 2910. So, I'm ready to upgrade to the 3930ci. But, gesh...I hate making a purchase if I could've done just as well with a lower cost unit.

Marcus

My system: Polk LSi9 FL and FR, LSiC center, LSiFx for rear surrounds. Outlaw Pre and Amp.

Initially I used 480i component output from an older Denon DVD-5000 and a newer Sony RGR-GX7 DVD player to my Ruby which is supposed to have a fairly good upscaler. Six months ago I installed a 3930 and send 1080p on HDMI to the Ruby. Big time improvement, I did not think SD DVD could be this good. There will be a lot of second viewings of my DVDs.

I have been into classical music for over a half-century. The 3930 via 2-channel analog to a Denon AVP-8000 using analog pass through is very good on CD and my few SACDs. I have not done much with SACD because I have lots of LPs, my preferred format, which I play on a different music-only system.

My only qualification is some people are reporting problems with the 3930 not finding the SACD layer on dual format disks. I have 1 such disk with this problem, on the BIS label.

If it matters, the build quality is very good. When I did my search for information and alternatives there seemed to be nothing less costly that would have as good sound quality and the next step up sonically would cost twice as much. I think there is a good chance that high definition DVD will never be a mass market product and the catalog will always be limited to top selling titles. Consequently, I expect to continue to buy some SD DVDs and use the 3930 as my primary player for many years.

My only qualification is some people are reporting problems with the 3930 not finding the SACD layer on dual format disks. I have 1 such disk with this problem, on the BIS label.


I had a problem SACD disk as well. I updated the firmware with the files from the german denon site and that resolved the problem. Hopefully newer 3930s are coming with the newer firmware.

Yes its worth it. I made my 3930ci into region free. The video is absolutely beautiful when connected to my 46" XB3. I also have the Denon 2930ci just to boot. I still keep my Pio 59avi as another DVD player. So I have 3 DVD players in total.

just-visiting, can you see any difference between the 3930 and the 2930 when upscaling SD DVDs?

I made the same jump from a 2910 to a 3930. The sound quality was a step up. Unfortunately i am on a old 1080i CRT so cant take full advantage of the video, yet. Had to return the first unit but since then no regrets.

Got my 3930CI during Boxing week 2006. What a fantastic unit. The PQ dazzles but the audio is the real killer. 2 ch is absolutely stunning. It beats my Sony S9000ES and that was a great player. Love my 3930CI.

I had a problem SACD disk as well. I updated the firmware with the files from the german denon site and that resolved the problem. Hopefully newer 3930s are coming with the newer firmware.


Yes, my US unit came with the latest firmware already installed.

Hi...thanks for the positive replies. Once I go Blu-ray...the 3930 will become SACD only, I suspect...but I'm ok with that end result. Hummmm...is my credit card ready this weekend?

Marcus

Yes its very noticable and well worth the extra money.

How does it compare to the 2930?

How does it compare to the 2930?

Based on my experience with both units and Kris Deering's benchmark review of the 3930 (Realta chipset) and new Samsung Blu-ray player (Reon chipset), they're about the same.

EDIT: the same in regards to video quality.

I have no experience with the 2910, but I do have a 3930Ci. I purchased it for the audio quality, primarily SACD and CD, with little interest in the video capabilities. Compared to my previous Sony SACD player, the Denon was worth the upgrade for me.

If video was my priority, I would have bought one of the new HD format players instead. But after attaching the Denon to my plasma, I was amazed at the picture quality. I have no desire for the HD video disc players that are out there as a result of owning this player.

You do realize that anyone who owns a 3930Ci thought it was worth it, or they would have returned it. :)