Recommendations for SACD & Universal players?

[Martyn]

I have a Denon DV3300 from c. 2000 that I find adequate for DVDs and surprisingly good for two-channel audio, but it doesn't play SACDs (more accurately, it will play only the CD layer). The SACD threads in this forum are few and are also quite old. They also tend to deal with equipment that is outside my price range.

I'm looking for a universal player that will do a decent job of multi-channel audio and video, plus good two-channel audio and SACD. I've all but decided on an Arcam 3500 AVR which I will buy next month. I believe that Arcam now has its first universal player - I think it's called the DV137 - which I can buy for C$2,500. This is the top of my price range and I would prefer to pay less if I can.

Your suggestions and recommendations, please...

[Chris D]

Well, I've been considering selling my Denon DVD-3910, which is a truly universal player, and outstanding performer in every audio and video area. Would save you a bunch more money, and get a great rated product. If you're interested, shoot me a PM... I've been looking for an excuse to drive up north over the border anyway and visit my Canuck brethren again.

[Blindamood]

I'll throw in my recommendation for the Onkyo DV-SP1000. I've had one for just under two years, and it is amazing. Plays DVD-Audio and SACD, and upscales video (over HDMI) to 720p/1080i. The audio quality is fantastic on all formats, including CD. You can still buy these new for just under $1400.

[mitch57]

Chris, why are you selling your 3910? What are you considering upgrading to? Are you looking at the Parasound D3 by chance? Have you read the reviews on this new player http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3297.asp? It competes with the Denon flagship player at 1/3rd the cost. If it wasn't for the HD format war I would be considering one of these.

Here's a link to a great review on the new Denon 3930CI.

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/denon-DVD-3930CI-DVD-playerp1.php

[ShadowZA]

I am using a Marantz DV7600 (the little brother to the DV9600). Plays everything well imho.

[kurtholz]

Hi Martyn

The Arcam is a great player, they come out with a DV139 next month, it will replace the DV29 that is there flagship player now,

the DV29 play's everything except SACD, and does it very well, the upconversion to 1080i or 720P works very well, it's retail is $3000, i am going to sell mine and upgrade to the newer player as it does an upconversion to 1080P, and i am buying a 1080P plasma in the coming weeks

email me if interested, or pony up and get the newer player shortly, they are very highly rated and do perform very well

good luck

Kurt

[Chris D]

I'm considering selling my Denon DVD-3910, simply for being a Parasound fan and thinking about switching over to the Parasound D3. I think (but not sure) that it would be a lateral move for me, but if nothing else, make my equipment rack match a whole lot more. Otherwise, I love my 3910, it gives such a great performance for both audio and video including upconversion and multichannel high-res sound.

I'd be willing to sell it under $999--much less than many other units mentioned here, with very comparable performance. Otherwise, I'll just keep it and be happy!

[Martyn]

Thanks for the replies, fellas. With the exception of Onkyo (about which I know little), I think you've hit the primary contenders. I think there's a local Onkyo dealer so I might have the opportunity to pursue that one too.

Arcam is attractive because of their devotion to two-channel audio performance in a mid-priced unit, although their new player is still rather expensive for me. I also like their tendency to produce multi-region and dual voltage players - I'm a "buy-and-hold" guy and would like to think that this equipment could out-live me. At least I'd have the option of taking it with me if I ever retired back to Europe. Kurt, if I buy a universal player, I'd really want one that can play SACDs so thanks for your offer but I'll pass this time.

The Denon 3910 is quite interesting, not least because it's been on sale recently at C$1,150 pending the appearance of the 3930. At that price I probably wouldn't worry so much about the single region and single voltage part.

The Marantx DV-7600 has also been recommended to me as a good universal player and good value at around C$1,295 by my Arcam dealer. Of course, dealers tend to recommend whatever they happen to have in stock, but I hope to have the opportunity to do a direct comparison between the DV-7600 and the new Arcam player in a few week's time.

At present, I expect to buy one of these players when I audition them in early December (I don't have a local dealer and thus have to plan ahead for these events)

...unless there's something else I should throw into the mix...?

[digital]

Pioneer

Have you given any thought to something like this:

Pioneer Elite DV79AVi



MSR $1000.00 Cdn., but seen on eBay many times for considerably less: $670.00 this very evening for instance - NIB...

Andrew D.
cdnav.com

[Martyn]

Yes, the Pioneer is another contender. As yet I haven't found anywhere that I can do side-by-side comparisons with these products. The big stores carry the mass market stuff while the specialists carry a limited range of higher end products.

I don't give much credence to reviews, but I would be interested to hear comments from anyone here who did these kinds of comparisons before making their buying decisions.

[Gump]

Best SACD player I've heard is the Linn Unidisk SC. Blew my Marantz DV-8300 away. It was stunning to realize what I had been missing. Expensive but if you're into the SACD scene well worth it IMHO. Perhaps you can equalize the price by going used...

Good luck!!

[Martyn]

Chris, your mailbox is full

Tried to reply to your PM.

[Angioguy]

Supposedly, Esoteric makes a serious SACD player

[Martyn]

Sadly both the Linn and the Esoteric are out of my price range, but thanks for the suggestions anyway - it's always good to dream.

[Alloroc]

I have an Esoteric on my two channel audio setup and it is that good.

However, I have a Marantz DV8400 in my home cinema room. As an SACD player is it really excellent, particularly in two channel SACD. I don't know how it compares to the DV7600 and DV9600 mind you but Marantz have always made players that are great for music.

You won't go wrong with the Arcam, but it is expensive as you say.

[Chris D]

mailbox okee dokee now.

[chinets]

One word: The incomprable MARANTZ DV-9600 ! :T

The best Universal player I have ever auditioned ,and bought it immediately. ;x(

Has SACD, DVD-A and to me the Redbook is on par with Rotel 1072 and Arcam ,so yes, it is great!! DVD-Video has the capability of upsacle to 1080i and plays eveything wonderfully. :T

Audition this one and you'll be very happy Trust me 8)

Enjoy and cheers

[Gir]

I know this thread hasn't been active for a while... but does anyone know of an SACD/DVD player for sub $400 that doesn't suck? Small budget

[SCULLY]

Krell SACD is suppose to be outstanding .

[dvda-sacd]

does anyone know of an SACD/DVD player for sub $400 that doesn't suck? Small budget

Don't you like Oppo universal DVD players?

Another suggestion: Denon DVD-1930CI.



Cheers!

[Shawn Parr]

Krell SACD is suppose to be outstanding .

Is there a Krell that is really sub $400?? If so I may need to do some research. I'm still not sure if I'm keeping my Oppo 970...

[Gir]

It looks like I can get some good sub $400 deals on ebay. I guess I can't be too picky as to what kind I get then