Hi-end DVD/CD Machine vs. Hi-end CD Player/Transpo


Has anyone done any audio comparisons between hi-end DVD/CD players and hi-end CD players? Assuming that there is a compromise in the audio, just how much is it?
examples...
DVD/CD: Theta DaViD II, Proceed PMDT, Meridian 596...etc
CD: Cary 303/306, NuVista 3D, Electrocompanient, Levinson No39...etc

My listening room is set up for home theater, but I mostly listen to 2 ch stereo. Whenever I make a trade-off, it's in favor of 2-ch stereo. So I'm debating keeping Pioneer Elite as the DVD source and getting a good CD player or going the DVD/CD route. If I go DVD/CD, it will need to be upgradable to DVD-A/SACD some day. If I go with a good CD player now, later an upgrade to a DVD player with DVD-A and SACD (and presumably very good CD) with make purchasing a CD player now obsolete or at least redundant.

What do you think?

Theta Casanova
Dunlavy Cantatas
Aloia 13.01's vertical bi-amp
Looking out into the future there may be a 2ch pre-amp...
rap

Showing 1 response by thorty40

In regards to the Muse Thalia Nine v1, I can vouge for its qualities as a two channel music making machine. Currently, it is being used in my system with no intentions of ever being put to use for DVD video playback. In fact, I purchased this unit for use strictly as a source for my two channel system and this is where its going to stay. I am completely satisfied with this player and feel that it can compete with digital sources costing many times its asking price.
Any critics who feel that a CD/DVD player like the Thalia Nine might not compete with a redbook only high-end player should consider direct comparison and judge for themselves.

Chris