Any help with Universal Player Welcomed

rokanije · 02-10-07, 08:29 PM

I'm currently looking to get into SACD/DVD-a and am looking at trying to keep from spending over $1k for a universal player. I know this is a surround music forum but I also have video questions. Mainly I am looking for the best sound/$ but maybe upconverting video would be an added bonus if it would work for my system. Right now I have an Epson TW100 and use a Vinc Bravo D1 for dvd through DVI. I am very pleased with the picture. For audio I have a Lexicon MC-8,Sherbourn 7/2100,onix rocket RS750s for front and rear,rocket bigfoot center and rss300 side surrounds and a SVS PB2 plus sub. Is there a big difference in sound say from the oppo's to something like the Denon 2930 or do you have to go over $2k(which is way over buget) to see a big improvement in sound. I would have to use the 6 analog outputs because the MC-8 doesn't have Hdmi inputs. This brings me to the video portion of the question. Both the TW100 and bravo are not HDCP compliant so they go well together. If I got something like the Oppo DV 981HD would it work with the epson with a HDMI to DVI converter or would it just show a snowy picture or degraded image that I hear about. If the video did work can I select the toslink optical output for sound and hdmi for video at the same time so I will have a picture and sound. Also do you have to select the analog audio outs each time you change from dvd to SACD/DVD-a. If so it sounds like a remote with multiple macro capabilities is a must. I would imagine good bass management is important but all the rockets can be set to large(unless this removes the .1 from the sub). It would have to be able to play dvd+ and dvd- also if I could use is for video with the Epson. Thank in advance for your help.

petergaryr · 02-11-07, 06:26 AM

Well, I'm sorry I can't help with your specific questions. However, I've been using a Pioneer Elite DV45A for a few years now and have been quite satisfied with the results.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pn..._35168,00.html

This is their "low end" version. They have another that comes in just under a thousand.

boondocks · 02-11-07, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rokanije

I'm currently looking to get into SACD/DVD-a and am looking at trying to keep from spending over $1k for a universal player. I know this is a surround music forum but I also have video questions. Mainly I am looking for the best sound/$ but maybe upconverting video would be an added bonus if it would work for my system. Right now I have an Epson TW100 and use a Vinc Bravo D1 for dvd through DVI. I am very pleased with the picture. For audio I have a Lexicon MC-8,Sherbourn 7/2100,onix rocket RS750s for front and rear,rocket bigfoot center and rss300 side surrounds and a SVS PB2 plus sub. Is there a big difference in sound say from the oppo's to something like the Denon 2930 or do you have to go over $2k(which is way over buget) to see a big improvement in sound. I would have to use the 6 analog outputs because the MC-8 doesn't have Hdmi inputs. This brings me to the video portion of the question. Both the TW100 and bravo are not HDCP compliant so they go well together. If I got something like the Oppo DV 981HD would it work with the epson with a HDMI to DVI converter or would it just show a snowy picture or degraded image that I hear about. If the video did work can I select the toslink optical output for sound and hdmi for video at the same time so I will have a picture and sound. Also do you have to select the analog audio outs each time you change from dvd to SACD/DVD-a. If so it sounds like a remote with multiple macro capabilities is a must. I would imagine good bass management is important but all the rockets can be set to large(unless this removes the .1 from the sub). It would have to be able to play dvd+ and dvd- also if I could use is for video with the Epson. Thank in advance for your help.

Well, good sound is only as good as you can hear.

I'm not familiar with all your component listings, but if you're asking if you can
run HDMI out from DVD to DVI in on a TV, then yes.

That is what I do.......I have an upconverting DVD with HDMI out that I run
directly to my Sony HDTV, but all video/audio TV signals run through an HD
satellite reciever, and the audio is run back to my receiver via Toslink.

Yes, at least in my case, I have to select the multichannel inputs on the
receiver when I play DVDA/SACD from either of my universal players.

I have a Logitech remote programmed to set the inputs/turn off-on whichever
components I desire for DVDA/SACD/DTS CD/TV/Sat, etc. Functions well for me,
although the buttons are tiny.

Know I didn't cover all, HTH.

boondocks

rokanije · 02-12-07, 08:40 PM

Thanks guys, guess I will go for either the Pioneer 79avi or Denon 3930ci. Everyone seems to think they have the best sound in their price range. If the video doesn't work due to the Epson Projector not being HDCP compliant then I will stick with my Bravo D1 through the DVI input for video and my choice between the Pioneer or Denon for SACD/DVD-a until my Epson projector dies and I can afford a HDCP compliant projector to replace it.

Milt99 · 02-12-07, 11:50 PM

I would pick the Denon over the Pioneer for video definitely.
You know you can use component for your video as well.
The Oppos are dirt cheap and do video extremely well.
I would imagine the DACs in your Lexicon are better than the DACs in any Oppo.
If you went the Oppo route then you could get a HD DVD player and still be well a grand. Hey! The Toshibas are great upconverting SD DVD players.
The Denon 3930 would be a excellent for DVD-A\SACD and video.
The 2930 would be nearly as great for video but not as good as the 3930 for audio.
I have the 5910 and have no desire to change it.
Have you auditioned the Denons? You should before making a decision.
Also I would not recommend buying Denon online unless it's an authorized place and those usually sell Refurbs only. Not a bad way to go but the units are so new that stock may not be very available yet.
HTH

rokanije · 02-13-07, 09:13 AM

Thanks for the info Milt99. I agree with your comment on buying online. I have been reading a bunch of horror stories about people getting bad results from buying at these "price too good to be true" online stores. Most based out of NYC especially. I have nothing against NYC but most of the complaints come out of the hole in the wall online operations based there. Thanks again.

Chris Gerhard · 02-14-07, 07:25 AM

If the Denon DVD-3930ci is in your price range, I think you will be very happy.

Chris

rokanije · 02-14-07, 07:05 PM

Well now some one has offered me a good deal on a Marantz DV-9600. A little more that the Denon 3930 but not much. What are your feelings on the Marantz. Is it worth a few hundred more that the Denon. Again I will be using the 6 analog outs for SACD and DVD-a. I also notice that Marantz has just introduced a DV-7001. Reports say almost all of the feature of the 9600 for much less. I wish there weren't so many choices. My only concern would be that the 9600 is a proven player since it has been out for some time and the 7001 is brand new so there could be initial bugs.

Ovation · 02-14-07, 09:46 PM

I have a Marantz DV6400 (much lower on the scale than the 9600) and I find its audio section to be very good (especially in the price range when I bought it). For audio, I don't think you will be disappointed with the 9600. For video, there may be several options that equal or better it for the same money or less. Depends on your priorities. I'm an audio first person, so that is where my priorities lie.

KMO · 02-15-07, 03:17 AM

DV7001 doesn't have the same league of video circuitry as the DV9600. I'd take the 9600. The only complaint I've ever heard about it is that it doesn't have a remaining time display.

Chris Gerhard · 02-15-07, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rokanije

Well now some one has offered me a good deal on a Marantz DV-9600. A little more that the Denon 3930 but not much. What are your feelings on the Marantz. Is it worth a few hundred more that the Denon. Again I will be using the 6 analog outs for SACD and DVD-a. I also notice that Marantz has just introduced a DV-7001. Reports say almost all of the feature of the 9600 for much less. I wish there weren't so many choices. My only concern would be that the 9600 is a proven player since it has been out for some time and the 7001 is brand new so there could be initial bugs.

Don't let list prices fool you. I haven't owned either player, but I believe the Denon DVD-3930ci is better than the Marantz DV-9600. I don't know about the DV-7001. Of course all players are from the same company, D&M (Denon & Marantz).

Chris

rokanije · 02-15-07, 08:48 AM

Ok thanks again guys. I didn't realize Denon and Marantz were made by the same company.

KMO · 02-15-07, 09:00 AM

I wouldn't read too much into that though.

Looking at the respective ranges now, compared to when I last compared them in 2000, when Marantz was still owned by Philips, they still seem as distinct as ever. I can't really detect any convergence.

02-10-07, 08:29 PM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
rokanije Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New Orleans Posts: 65	Any help with Universal Player Welcomed I'm currently looking to get into SACD/DVD-a and am looking at trying to keep from spending over $1k for a universal player. I know this is a surround music forum but I also have video questions. Mainly I am looking for the best sound/$ but maybe upconverting video would be an added bonus if it would work for my system. Right now I have an Epson TW100 and use a Vinc Bravo D1 for dvd through DVI. I am very pleased with the picture. For audio I have a Lexicon MC-8,Sherbourn 7/2100,onix rocket RS750s for front and rear,rocket bigfoot center and rss300 side surrounds and a SVS PB2 plus sub. Is there a big difference in sound say from the oppo's to something like the Denon 2930 or do you have to go over $2k(which is way over buget) to see a big improvement in sound. I would have to use the 6 analog outputs because the MC-8 doesn't have Hdmi inputs. This brings me to the video portion of the question. Both the TW100 and bravo are not HDCP compliant so they go well together. If I got something like the Oppo DV 981HD would it work with the epson with a HDMI to DVI converter or would it just show a snowy picture or degraded image that I hear about. If the video did work can I select the toslink optical output for sound and hdmi for video at the same time so I will have a picture and sound. Also do you have to select the analog audio outs each time you change from dvd to SACD/DVD-a. If so it sounds like a remote with multiple macro capabilities is a must. I would imagine good bass management is important but all the rockets can be set to large(unless this removes the .1 from the sub). It would have to be able to play dvd+ and dvd- also if I could use is for video with the Epson. Thank in advance for your help.

02-11-07, 06:26 AM	#2 \| Link
petergaryr AVS Special Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: St Johns, FL Posts: 6,730	Well, I'm sorry I can't help with your specific questions. However, I've been using a Pioneer Elite DV45A for a few years now and have been quite satisfied with the results. http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pn..._35168,00.html This is their "low end" version. They have another that comes in just under a thousand. __________________ Peter *"Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.---That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.*"

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Milt99 goober Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: West Of California Posts: 2,735	I would pick the Denon over the Pioneer for video definitely. You know you can use component for your video as well. The Oppos are dirt cheap and do video extremely well. I would imagine the DACs in your Lexicon are better than the DACs in any Oppo. If you went the Oppo route then you could get a HD DVD player and still be well a grand. Hey! The Toshibas are great upconverting SD DVD players. The Denon 3930 would be a excellent for DVD-A\SACD and video. The 2930 would be nearly as great for video but not as good as the 3930 for audio. I have the 5910 and have no desire to change it. Have you auditioned the Denons? You should before making a decision. Also I would not recommend buying Denon online unless it's an authorized place and those usually sell Refurbs only. Not a bad way to go but the units are so new that stock may not be very available yet. HTH

02-15-07, 03:17 AM	#10 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
KMO Advanced Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: England Posts: 934	DV7001 doesn't have the same league of video circuitry as the DV9600. I'd take the 9600. The only complaint I've ever heard about it is that it doesn't have a remaining time display.

02-12-07, 08:40 PM	#4 \| Link
rokanije Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New Orleans Posts: 65	Thanks guys, guess I will go for either the Pioneer 79avi or Denon 3930ci. Everyone seems to think they have the best sound in their price range. If the video doesn't work due to the Epson Projector not being HDCP compliant then I will stick with my Bravo D1 through the DVI input for video and my choice between the Pioneer or Denon for SACD/DVD-a until my Epson projector dies and I can afford a HDCP compliant projector to replace it.

02-13-07, 09:13 AM	#6 \| Link
rokanije Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New Orleans Posts: 65	Thanks for the info Milt99. I agree with your comment on buying online. I have been reading a bunch of horror stories about people getting bad results from buying at these "price too good to be true" online stores. Most based out of NYC especially. I have nothing against NYC but most of the complaints come out of the hole in the wall online operations based there. Thanks again.

02-14-07, 07:25 AM	#7 \| Link
Chris Gerhard AVS Special Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Missouri Posts: 5,830 Classified Rating: 100% (2)	If the Denon DVD-3930ci is in your price range, I think you will be very happy. Chris

02-14-07, 07:05 PM	#8 \| Link
rokanije Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New Orleans Posts: 65	Well now some one has offered me a good deal on a Marantz DV-9600. A little more that the Denon 3930 but not much. What are your feelings on the Marantz. Is it worth a few hundred more that the Denon. Again I will be using the 6 analog outs for SACD and DVD-a. I also notice that Marantz has just introduced a DV-7001. Reports say almost all of the feature of the 9600 for much less. I wish there weren't so many choices. My only concern would be that the 9600 is a proven player since it has been out for some time and the 7001 is brand new so there could be initial bugs.

02-14-07, 09:46 PM	#9 \| Link
Ovation AVS Special Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: St. Hubert, Quebec, Canada Posts: 2,406	I have a Marantz DV6400 (much lower on the scale than the 9600) and I find its audio section to be very good (especially in the price range when I bought it). For audio, I don't think you will be disappointed with the 9600. For video, there may be several options that equal or better it for the same money or less. Depends on your priorities. I'm an audio first person, so that is where my priorities lie.

02-15-07, 08:48 AM	#12 \| Link
rokanije Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New Orleans Posts: 65	Ok thanks again guys. I didn't realize Denon and Marantz were made by the same company.

02-15-07, 09:00 AM	#13 \| Link
KMO Advanced Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: England Posts: 934	I wouldn't read too much into that though. Looking at the respective ranges now, compared to when I last compared them in 2000, when Marantz was still owned by Philips, they still seem as distinct as ever. I can't really detect any convergence.