PaulDA
Senior HTF Member
I will definitely be getting a universal player later this summer. I've been leaning towards the Denon 2200/2900, each of which seems highly rated for both DVD-A and SACD playback. Ideally, I'd go with dedicated machines for each type but $$$ prevents this. However, I've read good things about Yamaha S2300mkII universal player and the new S1500 due out in April is said to have the same DACs (if not the same power supply and internal guts) and will retail for 399$US.
Would I better off with the less expensive S1500 and a dedicated cd player like NAD521/541 (which would come to same price, roughly, as Yamaha S2300mkII or Denon DVD2900) or can the universals really do redbook cds justice? I will audition them, of course, but some input on this issue would be appreciated.
P.S., prog. scan is not an issue for me as neither of my TVs has that ability, nor will they be replaced anytime soon. I'm quite happy with the 16x9 "cheat" of my Sony Wegas (yes I've seen the beautiful hdtv monitors w/prog scan but that's for the distant future, audio is more important to me).
Would I better off with the less expensive S1500 and a dedicated cd player like NAD521/541 (which would come to same price, roughly, as Yamaha S2300mkII or Denon DVD2900) or can the universals really do redbook cds justice? I will audition them, of course, but some input on this issue would be appreciated.
P.S., prog. scan is not an issue for me as neither of my TVs has that ability, nor will they be replaced anytime soon. I'm quite happy with the 16x9 "cheat" of my Sony Wegas (yes I've seen the beautiful hdtv monitors w/prog scan but that's for the distant future, audio is more important to me).