Mark Hedges

I am considering adding a CD player to my system, to improve the sound and to save wear on my DVD player. My system is as follows:

Reciever: Sony STR-DE485
Mains: JBL S36II
DVD/CD: Sony DVP-NC655P
SUB: SONY SA-WM20
(Surround components omitted as the CD player is only for 2 channel operation)

Actually the reciever is from the Sony HT-DDW840 HTIB kit, but I am convinced it is just a rebadged -485. I realize it is pretty crappy. Would adding a good CD player such as the Sony 333ES or even a NAD or Cambridge audio unit improve the sound, or would I not notice any improvement due to the low quality of my reciever?

Thanks!

Mark

imported_AaronJB

The Philips 963SA DVD Player also plays SACDs and can upsample CDs to 24-bit/96khz or 24-bit/192khz.

Adam Bluhm

If you aren't looking for a SACD player, and hoping to simply play CD, CD-R, and CD-RW, I'd make a Marantz recommendation.

I purchased the CC-3000 from Marantz about a half year ago and it works wonderfully. It doesn't really have any bells and whistles, but it has a fast, stable mechanism, plays flawlessly, has a handy remote, and button placementon the unit is wonderful, IMO.

Mr. JBL has made my first home theater possible.

Sathyan

Sathyan Sundaram
System: http://members.fortunecity.com/sathyan/audio/index.htm
DVDs: http://www.dvdprofiler.com/mc.asp?alias=sathyan&type=A
CDs: http://members.fortunecity.com/sathy...pactDiscs.html

Rachael B

Mark, I'd go for a Sony SCD-222ES. SACD is a better sounding format. You might as well be able to play them too. Don't worry that your other equipment isn't up to par, you think. A better player and a better format would certainly help your present equipment. Besides, you'll trade up to other stuff eventually. Then you SACD player will sound even better. The Phillips 963A might be worth trying too. I haven't heard it but people seem to like it...in general. Best wishes!

Rachael, the big disc cat! I used to be looking for Hi-Vision Laserdiscs & D-Theater tapes, now I'm looking for HD-DVD's and Blu-rays.

I survived the AFI top 100 Film Challenge! I've seen them all.

favourite saying: hard feelings are for park benches... sit on that!

Craig_Kg

I'd upgrade your receiver and then the main speakers - it'd be touch and go as to whether you could hear the difference between your DVD player and a good CD player, especially if you are going to use bass management to source the sub from the sub out.

Note that unless you use the 5.1 inputs, any analog input will be digitised for processing and then DAC'ed back for amplification within the receiver.


Sometimes people don't see the forest for the trees...

\"Are you ready, Jack?\"
\"I was BORN ready!\"

KeithH

Mark, since you raised it as a possibility, I would consider upgrading the receiver. Consider doing the same with the speakers too. I agree with Craig that it is hard to say whether you would hear a difference in adding a dedicated CD player. Perhaps if you went with a more expensive player, but then it would beg for an upgrade of the receiver and the speakers.

Getting back to the player, you could still get something even if you do not replace the receiver and speakers since you said that you want to reduce wear and tear on the DVD player. What is your budget? Are you looking for a changer or single-disc player. I agree with Rachael that the Sony SCD-C222ES is an excellent buy, especially at $350 from authorized mail-order dealers.

My:
Main Stereo and HT Systems ;
Second Stereo System ;
Equipment List ; DVDs, SACDs, and more ;
Planned Upgrades and Additions


\"You know, the tomato never took off as a handfruit.\"

- George Costanza

Mark Hedges

Thanks for the input!

I am really partial to changers, although I am considering single disc units as well. $350 or so would probably be max budget.

Eventually I plan on replacing my reciever and moving the S36's to the back and getting new mains, but for now I really can't. I am considering the H/K FL8380 ($150 refurb now) or maybe I will wait a couple of months and get a 222ES. My reciever does have multi channel inputs - it seems a shame not to use them!

How does the 222ES do on redbook audio? I heard that the CE775 was pretty good for SACD's but not so good for normal CD's. Is the 222ES similar?

Is HDCD something I should have? The H/K unit has it but I don't think the Sony does.


Mark

KeithH

Mark, the 'C222ES is a better CD player than the 'CE775. I would also go with the 'C222ES over the H/K changer. Besides the fact that the 'C222ES does SACD, I would expect it to be the better CD player. The 'C222ES is an excellent value. I've also never been a fan of buying refurbished components, but that's just me.

Sony players do not perform HDCD decoding, but I would not be concerned with HDCD. I have played HDCD discs on a number of non-HDCD players with excellent results. If you have a good CD player, HDCD discs can sound great without HDCD decoding. I find that HDCD discs are usually very well mastered, and they sound great on most any player.

My:
Main Stereo and HT Systems ;
Second Stereo System ;
Equipment List ; DVDs, SACDs, and more ;
Planned Upgrades and Additions


\"You know, the tomato never took off as a handfruit.\"

- George Costanza

Rachael B

Mark, Keith and I are like double stars revolving around each other when it comes to SACD. I concur with Dr. Keith. I feel the same about HDCD too and I have 15 to 20 so encodes discs. The lion's share are from one label, Higher Octave. They all sound fine sans any HDCD decoding. I wouldn't wait forever on a 222. It's an older model and it could begin to sell out some time relatively soon...? Never can tell? You wonder when or if Sony will ever offer another audio only 5-disc changer? I suspect it's gonna mostly be DVD/SACD combi players from