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Great Blu-ray or DVD player for CD Transport

So I'd like to switch to a universal player to watch movies and listen to my CD's. My main concern is redbook CD performance through digital out (SPDIF or AES/EBU), not video. Even a DVD player that looks good on a 42" 720P HDTV is fine with me. Having a blu ray player would be nice but frankly I don't care too much. Faster CD loading times would also be a plus.

I currently am using an Oppo 981 DVD player as a transport. It's ok, but tends to sound a little bright compared to other dedicated CD transports I've used. The player would be used with a TACT M2150X digital amplifier so I don't need a DAC. Something under $500 used would be preferred.

Any thoughts?
dsutfin
Post removed 
tbg
5,263 posts
 
I had my Denon for three years with no problems. I also know a guy that still has his after five years. The Oppo is outstanding for everything except as a transport. If not a Denon, I would next recommend a Sony or an old Acoustic Arts Drive One. I had a Shanling at the time that I considered the Oppo, which I still have to play sacds and HDCDs. The Shanling was far superior as a transport.
dsutfin OP
6 posts
 
I had considered the Denon 3910 but was concerned about the laser reliability and loading times based on what I've read on the net.

Anyone have any familiarity with Pioneer Elite players (dv-59avi, dv-79avi)? I used to own an old pioneer DVD player and was always surprised by the fast load times as well as the general transport quality. In fact I was actually using it in place on a Muse Model 5 transport and was amazed how similar they sounded. The muse player was better, but the fact that a $2500 cd transport and $200 dvd player didn't sound much different really surprised me. I guess the fact pioneer transports are used by other hifi companies says something about their general quality.
theduke
372 posts
 
Go with a Pioneer. I've used the DV-79AVi for over three years with heavy duty use without a problem. Another option is to find a used Denon DCD-1650AR cd player. It is great as a transport. Built like a battleship. Stereophile's Sam Tellig used it as a transport.
pettyofficer
462 posts
 
I have been using a Pioneer DV-58AV. Not only Digital out
to my favorite DAC for CD, but also utilizing multi-channel High Resolution DVD-Audio as well as multi-channel
SACD Disks. Downmixing these to 2-Channel via the Pioneer,
is probably the best thing that I have ever heard off of an optical Disk. Two Channel versions of these Disks seem
to lack dynamics. Multi-Channel Downmixes seem to have a
vastly superior Soundstage with lots of depth. Dynamics seem to be restored as well. Also convenient for 2 Channel
Systems. Picked my Pioneer up on sale dirt cheap for $250.00. Must be the Downloading Fad.
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