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Help with Denon 2900/5900 or MarantzDV8400 or ?

I am looking for someone who has first hand experience with any of the "universal players" currently on the market. If you have had a chance to compare them that is even better. I have been researching the models from Denon and Marantz as they are more in my price range. I am looking for a player that has very good SACD & DVD-A performance. I don't know which format will prevail in the future (maybe both) but I would like to be prepared and in the meantime I will sample both. CD playback is VERY (the most important right now) important. I currently have alot of CD's and do not anticipate replacing them. I just sold my Rega Planet 2000, and would like to stay at or above that level of performance. Video performance is important, but probably last on the list if I have to prioritize. A DVI output would be nice as I beleive my Mitsubishi HDTV has a DVI input. I listen mostly to rock and country... Clapton, Dave Matthews, Shania, etc.. but have a little of everything. Here is my list of equipment...

Sunfire TGII processor
Parasound 2205AT amp
Paradigm 100v2 and studio cc speakers
DH Labs BL1 and Q10 cables

Any suggestions would be appreciated...
matt54321

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theo's avatar
theo
2,710 posts
 
I own a DV8300 that I will be upgrading to the 8400 next week. I was able to take my 8300 to my local Denon dealer and do an extensive A-B comparison and my results were that in the SACD 2 channel audio playback the Denon seemed
slightly (very slightly) more detailed in the highs. While the Marantz delivered a more controlled bass and natural smoother mids. The 5900 was clearly a much more detailed and dimensionally distinguished video reproduction on Loewe
38" picture tube. My motive is the Marantz dealer gives me my original purchase price towards the 8400 upgrade. I feel the 8400 improvments will hopefully exceed the SACD performance of the 5900. I can live with the picture since I don't have a Loewe TV. This also allows me another year to see what comes out in 2004 as the SACD/DVD-A/V players are really just getting started. Check with me in a few weeks and I will let you know what I experience with the 8400.
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