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CD's in DVD players a compromise?

A broader question than it may seem at first. Apparently, the verdict is that DVD players do not excell at CD playback. Are there any DVD players out there that have actually surprised you with their CD capabilities? Also, what is the limiting factor here? Is it the digital reading of the CD. If so, then even an outboard DAC won't improve things. Is it that the internal D to A conversion is optimized for DVD's? If so, then an outboard DAC would be the answer. Does anyone out there know the cold hard technical facts on this subject? Will things get any better (or worse) with a Blue Ray player?
hifiharv

Showing 1 response by 2chnlben

2chnlben
595 posts
 
I watch a lot of DVD concerts, so I wanted one unit that excels at DVD and CD playback (audio was my first priority). I ended up replacing my older separates - Audio Research DAC II / Enlightened Audio Design T-7000 transport - with a Rotel RDV-1093 (universal player). During A/B comparisons, the Rotel bested the separates. Additionally, I A/B'd the Rotel with and without the PS Audio DL-III DAC (stock and stage IV upgrade). The Rotel kept its own with the stock DL-III (the bass and soundstage was only slightly more refined running through the stock DAC)and the Stage IV upgrade, while better sounding overall, only bested the Rotel by subtle margins. I could live with the sound of the Rotel RDV-1093. Currently, I run mine through the Cullen Stage IV DL-III to achieve - for me - reference quality (digital reference quality - I didn't say analog). For the money, you can't beat the RDV-1093. If you have more money to spend, check out the Bel Canto universal players.

Note: The Rotel RDV-1093 is NOT SACD compatible.

Happy New Year.
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