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Help with Denon 2900/5900 or MarantzDV8400 or ?

I am looking for someone who has first hand experience with any of the "universal players" currently on the market. If you have had a chance to compare them that is even better. I have been researching the models from Denon and Marantz as they are more in my price range. I am looking for a player that has very good SACD & DVD-A performance. I don't know which format will prevail in the future (maybe both) but I would like to be prepared and in the meantime I will sample both. CD playback is VERY (the most important right now) important. I currently have alot of CD's and do not anticipate replacing them. I just sold my Rega Planet 2000, and would like to stay at or above that level of performance. Video performance is important, but probably last on the list if I have to prioritize. A DVI output would be nice as I beleive my Mitsubishi HDTV has a DVI input. I listen mostly to rock and country... Clapton, Dave Matthews, Shania, etc.. but have a little of everything. Here is my list of equipment...

Sunfire TGII processor
Parasound 2205AT amp
Paradigm 100v2 and studio cc speakers
DH Labs BL1 and Q10 cables

Any suggestions would be appreciated...
matt54321
theo's avatar
theo
2,659 posts
 
I own a DV8300 that I will be upgrading to the 8400 next week. I was able to take my 8300 to my local Denon dealer and do an extensive A-B comparison and my results were that in the SACD 2 channel audio playback the Denon seemed
slightly (very slightly) more detailed in the highs. While the Marantz delivered a more controlled bass and natural smoother mids. The 5900 was clearly a much more detailed and dimensionally distinguished video reproduction on Loewe
38" picture tube. My motive is the Marantz dealer gives me my original purchase price towards the 8400 upgrade. I feel the 8400 improvments will hopefully exceed the SACD performance of the 5900. I can live with the picture since I don't have a Loewe TV. This also allows me another year to see what comes out in 2004 as the SACD/DVD-A/V players are really just getting started. Check with me in a few weeks and I will let you know what I experience with the 8400.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
It's said that the Denon 2900 (which I own) is as good as any except for the analog output circuitry and the clock. There is a modified version of the 2900 that corrects these deficiencies with top notch circuitry and components, and ends up sounding better than the 5900 for less money.

Frankly, I don't hear a need to upgrade my stock 2900.
socrates
247 posts
 
I don't have a 5900 in home (YET, one more week) but have heard from 3 seasoned audiophiles whose ears that I trust that the redbook performance of both players is EXTREMELY hard to tell apart, though SACD is a bit better on the 5900, and video is what the 5900 does best (if anyone cares...). If that's true then the 8400 would be an easily better player for music from my listening to it and the 2900. Actually, underwood wally, the modder for these players, just posted an ad here stating that the 2900 and 5900 sound identical on redbook, which is pretty bleak for the stock machine, me thinks, and hopefully the mods really do wonders. I don't mean to upset any happy owners of the Denon's, it's all just my experience and opinion, and if you're happy with the sound, more power to you! It's a personal hobby, there is not a right or a wrong when it comes to art!
matt54321 OP
16 posts
 
There are just so many options and I can't possibly demo them all especially where I live. I am hoping to demo the 2900 within the next week. I am wondering if I should go with the 2900 (based on video/ SACD/ DVD-A performance) and purchase a DAC for redbook. Anyone have any thoughts on using a DAC like Bel Canto DAC2 or MF A3.24 versus having the unit modded. Also from what I have read is the redbook performance the only downfall of the 2900?
matt54321 OP
16 posts
 
Eldartford... You said you don't hear a need to upgrade. What have you traditionally listened to for redbook CDs in the past. In other words how would you specifically rate or compare the 2900 to other units you have listened to? I am really hoping to line up a demo for myself, but for now I have to depend on others feedback. Thanks...
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