Looking for a new "universal" player


Hi All,

I'm in the market for a new universal player that will see dual duty as a video transport and hi-rez audio player. Redbook CD performance isn't critical as I have a GNSC-modified Wadia 861 which is doing just fine in that department.

Currently I have a Denon DVD-3930CI which is great for video, but less-than-stellar for audio. I would just have this unit modified for audio performance, but a change in cabinetry is forcing the DVD player to be silver (to match everything else). Denon no longer offers the 3930 (or much of anything else) in silver.

Here's what I "need:"

- Excellent video performance. Current display is 1080i, but I may have 1080p soon.
- DVI or HDMI video
- Silver brushed aluminum faceplate
- Balanced outputs for 2 ch audio.
- Can't spend more than $5k

Here's what I would like to have:

- solid construction (in the same class as the Wadia)
- reference-level SACD performance

This actually shouldn't be too hard to scare up as an Esoteric UX-3 or DV-60 should work just fine. Since my budget is going to pretty much dictate used and the DV-60s seem to be holding their value better than the UX-3s it seems to make sense to push it a bit and go for a UX-3

Anything else out there that I should look at? Although I can spend up to $5k I would prefer to spend a lot less.

My SACD collection isn't extensive at this point, but it will grow over time. I would like to find a player that will serve my needs for the long haul.

Thanks!
Andrew
esoteric-audio

Showing 5 responses by chadnliz

If you intend on heavy video performance the DV60 has improoved over the 50, my dad has the 60 and yes it is a tad on the Analitcal side but not enough to overpower its strengths.
Jmcgrogan2 with all due respect I was responding to anothers opinion and offered mine, I was not talking to you.
I would spend whatever you want right now, this war between formats shows no hint of being settled, and it could end up a case of murder/suicide where both get dumped.
Ok will do, but in the future only respond to the poster in the forum and not question an opinion meant for the person who asked questions and opinions....deal?