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Looking for a new "universal" player

Hi All,

I'm in the market for a new universal player that will see dual duty as a video transport and hi-rez audio player. Redbook CD performance isn't critical as I have a GNSC-modified Wadia 861 which is doing just fine in that department.

Currently I have a Denon DVD-3930CI which is great for video, but less-than-stellar for audio. I would just have this unit modified for audio performance, but a change in cabinetry is forcing the DVD player to be silver (to match everything else). Denon no longer offers the 3930 (or much of anything else) in silver.

Here's what I "need:"

- Excellent video performance. Current display is 1080i, but I may have 1080p soon.
- DVI or HDMI video
- Silver brushed aluminum faceplate
- Balanced outputs for 2 ch audio.
- Can't spend more than $5k

Here's what I would like to have:

- solid construction (in the same class as the Wadia)
- reference-level SACD performance

This actually shouldn't be too hard to scare up as an Esoteric UX-3 or DV-60 should work just fine. Since my budget is going to pretty much dictate used and the DV-60s seem to be holding their value better than the UX-3s it seems to make sense to push it a bit and go for a UX-3

Anything else out there that I should look at? Although I can spend up to $5k I would prefer to spend a lot less.

My SACD collection isn't extensive at this point, but it will grow over time. I would like to find a player that will serve my needs for the long haul.

Thanks!
Andrew
esoteric-audio
esoteric-audio OP
20 posts
 
To me the HD format war isn't worth worrying about right now. My display has a native resolution of 1024x768 and that isn't likely to change much in the near future.

I also doubt that there will be true reference quality universal players that incorporate the new formats for some time to come.

I've heard good things about the Arcams, but they don't have balanced 2ch outputs... that's a show stopper for me.
jim_swantko
301 posts
 
KennyT... comparing the 2.1 to the 1.1 is like driving a C-class and saying... those AMG models are probably pretty similar. :)

Andrew - take them both for a test drive. Buy the one that you like best....I don't regret my 1.1 for a second however!
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
If you intend on heavy video performance the DV60 has improoved over the 50, my dad has the 60 and yes it is a tad on the Analitcal side but not enough to overpower its strengths.
unsound
7,311 posts
 
Opps, missed the balanced requirements. You'd think this would be easier than it appears.
asciame
12 posts
 
I wouldn’t spend allot of money on a universal player with the HD wars underway. I’m using a low budget option for very good DVD-V playback (which doubles as a good, but secondary DVD-A and SACD player); the Pioneer Elite DV-79AVi, which can be had for under $1000 and can be modified into a giant killer (if you really like). The DV-79Avi has HDMI, and lot’s of other HT goodies but I think it's limited to 1018i, and no balanced outputs.

It’s a pretty good at CD, SACD, and DVD-A... I did a fair amount of A/B comparisons with my GNSC modified Wadia 831. The Wadia’s CD playback bettered the Pioneer’s SACD and DVD-A but I don’t have a lot invested in those formats… The Wadia seamed to provide a fuller soundstage and better clarity across the spectrum. But for <$1000 with plenty of upgrades available (based upon it’s predecessor the DV-59avi) I felt it was a no brainer. And there are silver faced versions out there as well.

Overall the Pioneer’s build is good but I do worry about the drive mechanism. The draw isn’t as sturdily as I would like.

Just my 2 cents.

Tony
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