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Universal DVD player for HT, SACD and DVD-A

Wondering what players are musical enough to do well by SACD and DVD-A discs, but also provide great picture quality. I have a separate 2-channel system for redbook CDs so the player doesn't have to excel at that! I have no DVD-A or SACD discs, but would like to discover this media, so need to replace my cheapo Sony player.

The HDTV I have right now (a Toshiba 46H83 rear projection unit) does not have a HDMI connection, just one DVI and some component video connections. In order to somewhat future proof the DVD player (I know, there is no such thing) I would like it to have both a DVI and HDMI connection. I also need an optical connection for audio to my receiver.

Any such beast out there? My budget is about $500, but I could swing a bit more if the player is considered worth it.

Holly
oakiris

Showing 3 responses by oakiris

oakiris OP
206 posts
 
The Denon DVD-3910 looks very nice indeed, Sdcampbell. It appears to have all the features and connections I need, and then some. It costs twice as much as I wanted to spend, but....

Kal - you say that I can use the HDMI connection and cable even though my TV has no such connection. By this do you mean that I should just get a HDMI to DVI adapter? I would still need to get some sort of switch box, too, since my TV only has one DVI input. Any suggestions for this?

Holly
oakiris OP
206 posts
 
If I had a dedicated home theatre room I would go for the Denon DVD-5910, but $3500 is way more than I can justify for my casual HT use! Please let us know what it sounds like,though, Tom; it is supposed to be something special indeed.

Thanks for the info about the switch, Kal; I saw one for about $240 that looked good. On the other hand, I have read that since my HDTV is CRT based, a DVI connection really won't make much difference to the PQ, and component cables may do just as well. I need to figure out what player to get first, anyway, and then I'll consider the switch.

The Denon DVD-2910 is actually on my short list, along with the 3910. Price wise, the 2910 has the edge, and it has received some good reviews.

What I really need to do is find a local dealer and give some DVD players a test drive! Maybe I'll check into that later this week.

Holly
oakiris OP
206 posts
 
Impatience is a virtue, isn't it?? I purchased a Denon 3910 from an Audiogon member yesterday. He included some really good SACD discs in the deal and I am very pleased with my purchase, even though I haven't received it as yet. The good things I read here and elsewhere about the Denon products persuaded me, and since I couldn't afford (or justify) the 5910, I decided on the DVD-3910. This will be my first foray into the world of SACD so I am pretty excited about it.

Even if SACD is a dying format, according to some, I figure I can pick up a pretty good collection of discs before they are unavailable. This collection won't replace or supersede my red book CD or vinyl collections, of course, but I think it will be a great complementary addition.

Thank you all for your responses and assistance.

Holly
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