Both units have the same bass management options so for SACDS and DVD-A I would say its a toss-up. Both units also convert DSD to PCM on SACD so that's about equal also. I beleive the DAC's used in the 2900 were better. Please be aware both machines vibrate quite a bit when playing the high rez formats. You can also hear it from a few feet away. The 2900 is better on video.
I agree with the reviewer who felt redbook was better on the 2200. Redbook on the 2900 was tilted up in the higher mid-range, very mechanical sounding and lacked warmth. SACD on the 2200 lacked the detail and soundstage that even a high end redbook would give you but it was warm and pleasant sounding. I thought it sounded better in multi-channel DVD-A and SACD than in 2 channel with the same formats.
I will admit the 2900 only had about 30 hours of break-in but that was also true for the 2200. I compared them head to using the same interconnects. I bought both units new at the same time. Both are lousy transports so I hope you plan on using another transport with your dac!
Good luck!
I agree with the reviewer who felt redbook was better on the 2200. Redbook on the 2900 was tilted up in the higher mid-range, very mechanical sounding and lacked warmth. SACD on the 2200 lacked the detail and soundstage that even a high end redbook would give you but it was warm and pleasant sounding. I thought it sounded better in multi-channel DVD-A and SACD than in 2 channel with the same formats.
I will admit the 2900 only had about 30 hours of break-in but that was also true for the 2200. I compared them head to using the same interconnects. I bought both units new at the same time. Both are lousy transports so I hope you plan on using another transport with your dac!
Good luck!