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DVD-A and SACD player combo

I know very little about these two formats but I do know that I want to stay with a 2 channel audio system. I have a decent progressive scan DVD player that I use to watch movies and it connects to the TV's S-video input and the TV's speakers. I suspect it will stay connected to the TV as I don't watch many movies and don't really want a HT set up. I know Pioneer already introduced a player that plays all formats but it also plays DVD Video disks. Has any one heard about a player that is still focused on audio output only that will play redbook CD's, DVD-A and SACD's. I would want to use it in my 2 channel system and would have no need for video playback.
msnloeth
chelillingworth
309 posts
 
Pioneer has one coming out for $1199 check the show reports at sounstage and enjoythemusic
Looks to be a great player
ljgj
955 posts
 
Apex supposedly had one coming out for 399 or so - I haven't heard if that happened and of course the quality of Apex may also be questioned. The Pioneer unit looks like it has potential since they have been down this road before with the combo in the 5k venue. The new unit does multichannel Sacd and the former model did only 2 channel SACD. I think it was the AX10.
aroc
760 posts
 
I doubt you will find a 2-channel "audio only" DVD-A and SACD player in the near future. The push for this type of "universal player" seems to be one that will play ALL discs, including DVD-A, DVD-V, CD, SACD, etc (maybe mp3, VCD, HDCD, etc). So you will most likey have no choice to buy a DVD-A player, that ALSO playes DVD-V.

Although, a 2channel-only DVD-A/SACD player without video or DVD-V would have its merits in the hi-end crowd. Maybe Accuphase will make one?

As a final note, some players with have some sort of "video-defeat" mode, to take the extra circuits out of the signal path for audio-only playback. Maybe you'll have to settle on that?
soix
8,681 posts
 
I agree with Aroc. One word of caution that I didn't see mentioned above--the Pioneer universal player converts SACD to PCM, which probably seriously compromises the quality of the SACD playback. The point is that this is still new technology and there will be lots of little-known bugs like this that are definitely not optimal for an audiophile-type person. Personally I'm waiting until things stabilize or at least until there's a digital connection so I can upgrade with a high-quality DAC in the future if need be. Best of luck.

Tim
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