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My comment on CD players vs. Universal DVD players

I have done a lot of soul searching, review reading, and looking at new/used gear to determine what to do on the issue of stand alond CDP vs. Universal player.

I bought the Oppo DV970HD universal(DVD) player 3/4 of a year ago as an interm player, after I sold my Cary CD308 and basic Panisonic DVD player.

I considered a DAC for the Oppo to improve cd playback. I considered a high-end universal for good movie and music, but decided on neither as follows:

I bought a very good CDP and I'm keeping the Oppo for movies. With BlueRay/HD around the next corner, I figured these hi-rez formats are taking over for movies. A good universal player to listen to cd's didn't make much sence to me (unless you have a lot of SACDs and DVDs) just to have cd playback. I don't own any DVDs or SACDs, as I'm just a renter of movies, but I do own quite a few cd's.

Therfore a good CDP is the best investment for music for me.

I will someday get a 1080P plasma and Blue Ray for movies. Any player that upconverts above DVD's native resolution is just smole and mirrors anyway (maybe good smoke and mirrors though).

I feel at peace with my decision to stay with a good CD player, and I'm loving it. It loads fast and doesn't act like a DVD player.

These are just my thoughts, and it works for me. YMMV
128x128mjcmt
3 responses Add your response
shazam
205 posts
 
If CDs are your primary/exclusive media source, I think you have made a wise choice. A good CD Player will hold it's value, because we all have lots of CDs and they will always be in relative demand. If your collection/approach changes down the road, you'll be able to make a fiscally efficient swap here on Audiogon. I agree that buying an expensive hi-res player now is iffy given the unknown future of SACD and DVD-A formats and what may or may not materialize with Blu-Ray.

Personally, I have several SACD and DVD-A titles as well as a desire to have a file (flac) based solution, so an inexpensive universal and versatile DAC is what I'm assembling.

Happy listening!
jond's avatar
jond
5,796 posts
 
I'm with you nearly all of my listening is to cd's and I love my dedicated player! If I ever move on it will almost surely be to another cd player, barring some radical acceleration in technology. I'm a very late adopter.
dchazen
9 posts
 
I am primarily a 2 channel listener. I had a Mark Levinson ML36/37 combination until I tried a Denon 5910 Exemplar modified unit. As a 20 year loyal fan of Mark Levinson, I had to admit that the Denon blew it away with a larger sound stage and more natural sound. Less space taken up and fewer cables, it has worked out great...that is until Blue-Ray takes over.
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