2. home-theater
  3. 1229101326

Best Audio DVD Universal Player Arcam, Denon...?

I am in the midst of a search for the best "audio first" DVD player within my budget. I don't care about picture quality or features, I simply want the best sound possible (for the buck). Price range is $400 - $900 new or used.
I currently own an Arcam DV135 for my primary system, great sound, warm, could use a bit more detail / upper range.

I am finalizing my second system (basement), currently use a Pioneer Elite DV46, good detail, a little bright, lacking depth / mid bass. I picked-up a second hand Denon DVD-2900 (because of the price) to see if it would magically solve my dilemma. While the mid bass improved the detail and upper range worsened.

My current contenders are:
1) A second hand Cary DVD-6 - built like a tank, supposed to have excellent sound... ?

2) New Denon 2930, recommended by an audiophile buddy as a good budget "audio first" player, he did warm the limitation in high frequency... ?

3) Second hand Arcam DV78 / 88. As good as my DV135??

Can anyone chime in with their 2 cents?
bluepearl

Showing 1 response by nasaman

nasaman's avatar
nasaman
464 posts
 
BluePearl,
I used to have the Pioneer Elite DV-46 then I upgraded to Elite DV-79. The DV-79 is much better build and less engine noise. Picture and sound were very slightly some what better in both DVD and 2-ch mode. For $200 at Tweeter, the DV-46 is a best bang for buck for entry level.
Anyways, I once auditioned two Arcam DVD models so I know what you are talking about its "warm" sound. The Arcam produce a very full, thick, and warm dialog that Denon and alike can not match. The one brand that has very close character and much more details; more movie like is the Burmester DVD.
I'm against Nordost and Krell but in your case, if you're looking for a bit more details and broader upper end, I highly recoomend the Nordost Blue Heaven interconnect cable and its speaker cable. There are about $150-$200-ish, USED.
More to discover