i've had the arcam over a year now and am satisfied.it fits in well with my british stuff is why i selected it.mine lacks progressive scan but it looks terrific with my xbr, sharp colors, no bleeding of colors ;i know that the machine is upgradable for progressive scan .soundtracks sound wonderful and when i occasionally use the player for cd's it sounds pretty good to me and my senitive ears.my usually cd player is naim and the arcam compares favorably for a fraction of the cost of the naim . arcam and naim both deliver a "flat earth" (prat)if that means anything to you.sony and the pioneer both are good but different sonic characteristics to me(brighter).i see the dv 88 used for cheap at the usual sites.for me tha arcam no question.
Arcam DV 88, Pioneer DVL 919 or Sony 9000 es ?
I need a new digital source, and would like to have video included. The Arcam has HDCD (good) is expensive and has questionable reliability. The Pioneer plays laserdiscs (have a few Disney discs not yet available on DVD, that my child really likes)and a lot of bells & whistles and moving parts (that worries me). The Sony has SACD (not a big deal to me) and is limited in it's ability to play all CD formats. I'm only interested in 2 channel play back. My first concern is sound not video. I plan to use the S video output, no component video inputs on my current TV (Panasonic 27") and I don't plan on upgrading the TV for a couple of years. The current system incudes c-j PF-2L into c-j MF 80 into Thiel CS 2's all wired with Straightwire LSI Encore for audio and HAVE Canare cables for video, plugged into a Adcom ACE 515 power conditioner. All in a fairly live room that is 23.75' by 11.75' with a ceiling that varies from 9' to 14' with speakers set up along the long wall. The flooring is carpeted over wood suspended over concrete and seperated from the rest of the house. The current system could use help with tighter bass especially when things get complicated (solo bass isn't too bad)and varies from recording to recording, also the lower treble can be a bit ragged. I suspect the room could use work and a bigger amp would help and some of these problems are inherent in the system, but for now I'm interested in the source. Any one compare these units or have any other suggestions? As always, thanks in advance.