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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
loomisjohnson
1,939 posts
 
having cycled through a number of the denons (2800, 2910, 3910) before settling on a pio 59av, i gotta vote with the pioneer folk. the denons sound great under optimal conditions, but they're too damned quirky and unreliable--lasers fail, drawers stick, etc. the pioneers, on the other hand, work flawlessly, read discs quickly and operate silently. the integra dps 6.5/10.5 etc. also make nice, inexpensive transports (i'm seem to recall they're based on the pioneer platform).
dsutfin OP
6 posts
 
I appreciate the input from everybody! On somewhat of an impulse buy I ended up purchasing a Pioneer Elite DV-79avi that looks like it's pretty close to new condition for $265 including shipping and all fees. At that price I don't think I can do much better!

From reading the player's specs what I really like is the additional features it provides to improve audio quality like:

-Separate audio transformer
-Isolated audio boards
-One button ability to shut off all video circuitry

Once I've had some time with the unit I'll post my findings.
dsutfin OP
6 posts
 
I hooked up the new Pioneer DV-79avi last night and I have to admit that it was an immediate improvement over the Oppo player I was previously using. The overall presentation was much cleaner and transparent. Tighter bass, deeper soundstage, smoother treble, etc. Considering the unit is built like a tank I feel like a got a really good deal considering the $250 price tag.

On a side note the video performance was extremely good to for upconverting DVD's. Better than the Oppo in this department as well.
jfz
570 posts
 
I'm not surprised. FWIW it's worth, the Oppo BDP-80 is also much better than the Oppo-980 I owned previously in those areas (and the BDP-83 is much better than the BDP-80). Have fun.
ckung
27 posts
 
How about the Nad T585 or M55 which plays redbook very well on their own but are also built solidly if used as a transport?
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