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Opinions: Marantz DV-12S1 vs Pioneer Elite 45a

Well, I've pretty much narrowed down my search to these two.

I know it may seem like an odd comparison, but from what I've read the performance of the Pioneer DV-47a and 45a are pretty similar in both the audio and video arena, such that I can't justify the price differential(unless I had an Elite 47i Receiver with that cool new digital interlink =P)

Anyway, I've got a predominantly Marantz system now, and the prices on used DV-12S1's are coming way down, sometimes under $1k if you are lucky. Although the Marantz suffers from a lack of SACD playback in comparison with the Pioneer, the ultra-high build quality, etc of the Marantz and the bargains to be had... make up the difference to me in many ways, especially since I don't even own any SACDs or DVD-As right now. And I'm primarily looking for a really good DVD progressive video deck anyway, so that's a primary concern.

So... that being said. Any opinions between the two, especially in regard to video quality and audio CD playback? For example, does the Marantz have the chroma-bug, or any other gotchas I'm unaware of? Is it worth the extra $400 or so for the Marantz over the 45a?

Thanks in advance!
al
little_al

Showing 1 response by eldartford

eldartford
4,262 posts
 
The DV45A and the DV47A use the same AUDIO D/As...192KHz/24 bit...three of them. The 47A VIDEO D/A is 108MHz/12 bit...whereas the 45A is 54MHz/10 bit. If your main interest is audio, the 45A is obviously the sensible choice. The 47A would theoretically perform better in the Video area, but you might need a High Definition monitor to see the difference.

Also, for audio, you need SACD capability which the Marantz reportedly lacks. Audio quality wise, I don't think there is much to choose between DVD-A and SACD, but you need both if you want to find a decent selection of discs to buy.
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