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Budget CD / DVD or D/A solution

I have a moderate family room system consisting of Cary 40M Signature monoblocks, Red Rose R3 speakers and Preeminence Reference 1 passive pre-amp. My source components are the problem (with the exception of the tuner which is a Magnan Dynalab Ft-11). I currently have a Pioneer DV 343 for CD and DVD playback. I need one unit for DVD and single CD playback (I only have one available input for this application). My first priority is good sounding CD playback. I'm not very concerned about DVD audio or picture quality--it just has to be able to do that. I would like to spend around $500 (more if there's something really great) and I don't mind used equipment (why would I be on this site?) Should I buy a standalone D/A and use it with the Pioneer, or is there a combination player with very respectable CD playback quality?
abstract7
msnloeth
57 posts
 
I recently got a Denon DVD 2800. Great progressive scan dvd player and also very good at redbook CD's and HDCD's. A new one should be in the price range you are considering.
Rob
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
The Pioneer DV343 has the Burr Brown DAC chip, which means Stan Warren or Dan Wright can modify it for about $250 into a killer CD player. They are both well regarded, but Stan would be my choice. Search other theads for information. Dan Wright is at www.modwright.com
abstract7 OP
541 posts
 
Thanks for all the suggestions. Sugarbrie's makes an aweful lot of sense to me. The other thing, that I failed to mention, is that I want a DVD player that can play VCDs, and SVCDs from recordable media. The pioneer does this, so not changing the unit, but upgrading the output stages makes very good sense. Thanks again--if anyone does have Stan's phone number or e-mail I would appreciate it. I have not searched the threads yet, but will do so.
ehart
215 posts
 
Stan doesn't have an email address. I am at work so I don't have it handy, but you will find his phone number if you search here.
rkmca
58 posts
 
Here it is

Stan Warren
Supermods
2375 W 22nd Ave
Eugene, OR 97405
(541) 344-3696
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