What's inside?

[marcus]

Hi. . .Who knows what manufacturers transport and other innards are used in the Parasound DVD players. . . I ask because it seems like the incredible cost to performance ratio (value for money) of the power amps is not matched with these source components. . . .perhaps that's more a state of the U.K. pricing. . .particularly considering build quality and performance of the home grown Arcam FMJ DVD player. . . .it's reminding me of the way a lot of U.K. audio/videophiles compared Tag McLaren audio Vs Lexicon for cost/build quality/performance/features. . .and the general forward thinking philosophies those companies have/HAD! . . .just thoughts to be shared . . . . . . . . . . .

[r100gs]

Oh dear! ;x( Tell us more.

[marcus]

Well I was hoping for enlightenment myself. . . . .so as far as. . . .

Oh dear! ;x( Tell us more.

. . . .I'm not sure I understand you. . . .other than to say I think there are better units out there (within a similar budget). . . even The Halo power amps (NOT including JC1 )seem to have the Nad master series amp to contend with now. . .Time for Parasound to step up to the mark. . .and soon. . .If they could manage to get one of the first products to the market with the HD lossless sound format capabilites,sort out our unicorn !!!! The JC2 and then before end of 2007 release an HD format disc player (if the format war has settled by then?). . . . .
. . . .or do you guys think I'm waaaaaaaay off track with my thoughts

[Chris D]

Well... yes, Parasound needs to step up to stay up with the times. They're not behind yet--NOBODY has an HDMI 1.3 receiver/processor yet, and won't for several more months. I don't think the amps need any working on, I think the technology needs to be followed, which is progressing in processors instead.

I think it's unrealistic to think the HD disc formats will be settled and stabilized next year, much less to a level where it makes sense for many manufacturers to make dedicated players. But we could always hope!

[marcus]

I think it's unrealistic to think the HD disc formats will be settled and stabilized next year, much less to a level where it makes sense for many manufacturers to make dedicated players. But we could always hope!

. . .you know what. . .as I wrote about format stabilisation before end of next year. . . .I secretly thought to myself. . . . ."Who am I kiddin?"

[marcus]

so.. .does it turn out that no one knows whos unit the parasound dvd players are based on?

[Chris D]

Ah.... sorry, Marcus. When I look at the manual for the D3, I see a LOT of similarities with functions and setups with my Denon 3910. However, the D3 seems to be its own platform, different from others that I've seen, including the Denon. Maybe somebody else knows a platform that Parasound's using.

[marcus]

thanks for the feedback though Chris

[hamtor]

I read in a norwegian forum that the D3 is based on this: http://www.ms-technik.de/images/newcastle/sd871.jpg

[marcus]

prob confirms why I'm dissapointed in the Halo unit. . . .or at least enough so as not to shell out. . .never mind

[NMyTree]

I read in a norwegian forum that the D3 is based on this: http://www.ms-technik.de/images/newcastle/sd871.jpg

Well, it does seem like the D200 and Halo D3 are based on the Sherwood-Newcastle sd871.... http://www.sherwoodusa.com/prod_sd871.html


But that's not necessarily a bad thing.

The questions are, what modifications were made by Parasound?

Are the internal components, parts and quality of the D200 and D3 exactly the same as the Sherwood-Newcastle sd871?

Do the two Parasound players utilize higher quality components and parts?

If so, which components and parts?

Or, are the D200 and D3 just sd871's with Parasound's fancy faceplates, chasis and lights?

I continue to find it odd how no one wants to talk about these players.

[marcus]

I think unfortunately these players brought too little,too late to the party. . . . .at a half of the cost they'd be bloody superb value for money even at a three quarters of the price,probably still front runners for looks facilities and performance. . .most people buying a DVD player now are probably investing in their last one before the HD battle settles. . . perhaps I had unrealistic expectations/hopes for Parasound with these machines. . . . an expectation that was bourne out of being teased with the concept units spoken about for so long. . . .still I suppose the positive out of this is. . .that if I by another Player now. . .whether an Arcam. . . .or stump up the BIG ones for a baby Teac Esoteric as it wont match the appearance of my Halo A51/A21 and so I wont have to hang on Parasounds every breath when it comes to replace my processor. . . . .yet only thoughts being shared. . . .I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking this way???????

[psychdoc]

They way I'm looking at it is like this; before parasound could jump into the deep end of the pool and make either a HD or BLUray player they needed to get their feet wet and make a standard DVD player. Now that they understand what is needed and how to do it, making the next generation DVD player should take far less time to complete and be of a higher caliber product. At least this is what I'm telling myself, hopefully I'm not just delusional......

[NMyTree]

I read somewhere today, that the Sherwood-Newcastle sd871 is based on the Denon 3910 design/platform.

Wonder if that's true?

[Chris D]

Wouldn't be surprised, Tony, given the similarities that I saw as mentioned.

You know, I'd recommend you call Parasound and ask the question about the DVD player development!

You're right, I wish I was seeing more talk about these players. Nobody yet has stepped up to the plate, saying anything even as simple as "I own one, and it's great", or "I heard one, and was disappointed by the sound quality". Not even full reviews, we haven't even seen any opinions floating around the 'net summarizing the performance.