Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kurtis Bahr
Don’t look at the S/N Ratios for audio and video electronics as the standard for measuring does not provide enough definition for how signals are input. A prime example is the HLD-X0 and LD-S2 are leaps and bounds better as far as extremely low background noise and with DNR turned off the CLD-99, LD-S9 and HLD-X9 all have much more background noise and look digital, no comparison.
Now if you like the digitized look the 99/S9/X9 are great machines, I prefer a film like analog look so I prefer the X0/S2/CLD-97. They are all great machines but the best for you is what you like.
Now the 704 has a 3D digital comb filter but it is not the adaptive one like the 99/S9/X0/X9. It has been my understanding the S9 adaptive filter is a generation between the 99 and X9. What I can tell you is that the 704/99/S9 all use the same power supply and the power supply says a lot about the picture quality concerning noise levels. The S9 is a 99 inside with a newer Adaptive filter attached to the video board and SW to support. Myself I cannot justify any extra to spend on the S9 over the 99 but then I prefer the 97 for a 2 sided player.
The trouble with the newer monitors is that most have removed the NTSC processing specialized circuitry to reduce production cost, some are horrible. I still have the last Pioneer Elite Plasma’s and they put the latest 3D filter in that so I don’t need it in my player. Serious people I know purchase high end separate video processors but I have not bothered since I have the Pioneer Elite Plasma.
Oh ok, thanks for the heads up. I will certainly remember that. This is priceless information, Kurtis.
This has gotten me something new to think about indeed.
Hmm.. I've seen a couple of 99's and a couple og S9's the past few days, and they seem to both be around the $650-range? Is that about their normal price? But the HF9G for somewhat less. And there's a couple of 959 (US-97), but if I were to go that way I would really prefer the US Elite version, just for the looks of it :P
Do you have an oppinion regarding Japanese models, and their American equivalent? Like the 959=97, HF9G=99 etc.. Are they indeed equals, or are there differences in the components or quality?
Of the film-like ones you mentioned, I think I could see myself with a CLD-97 or a 959. Only downside is the lack of AC-3, but I guess it could be worse.
If I know myself right, I'll probably end up with one of each. (One with a digitized look as well as one with smoother picture).
The HLD-X0 is of course tempting, but I see one on ebay atm going for $8400!! Given the difficulty of obtaining parts as well, then that's probably out of the question.
I must admit that I also have a soft spot for that analog filmlike "smoothness" when watching movies. That's why I still have the old Sony Bravia TV for laserdisc, although it was newer a top model.
Btw, do you remember what your Elite Plasma model is called? (the model number?) I suspect the "Elite" name was ment for the US market only. I ask because I found a Pioneer plasma on a local used-market website, and it is called: Pioneer (KURO) Plasma PDP-LX5090, (as in 9th generation 50" screen), and was wondering if this was maybe the same, hehe? It costed around $4800 new, (in 2008 or 2009) and goes for just under $250 today.. ^^
Oyvind