Need DVD-Audio and SACD Combo, suggestions please.

Tom Kay · 04-21-2005, 08:31 AM

Hi Everyone

I have wanted to listen to some of the better recordings of Pink Floyd and the Eagles, but they're on different formats of disks. I'd prefer not to get two players, one for SACD and one for DVD-Audio.

So, is there a decent player around that will do both? And also play DVD movies with progressive scan?

My budget is not huge, let's say a few hundred dollars. I assume that to play this 5.1 format, you need a player with the 5.1 separate outputs (RCA) and a receiver to match.

Any decent, mid-cost units do it all ? And are there very obvious differences in sound between a basic unit and a high end unit?

Thanks, Tom.

Dan Driscoll · 04-21-2005, 10:39 AM

What you are asking about is commonly referred to as a "universal player". For about $300 the Yamaha DV-C750 is a very good buy and it does redbook (CD's) very well, also.

PaulDA · 04-21-2005, 11:05 AM

The Yamaha 750 is the one to beat at the 300$ mark. At 500$, either the Marantz DV6400/6500 (if you can find the former or if the latter is on sale) is excellent for audio. Sometimes a Denon 2900 is also available for around 500$, but that's rare.

Tom Kay · 04-21-2005, 12:41 PM

Thanks Guys,

I appreciate the replies. Of course, moments after I posted my initial question, I did a search and found almost my exact same question from a couple days ago. Doh !

I do have to get a 5.1 analog input receiver too, such as a Denon, since I now have a Nakamichi AV-10 and it doesn't have RCA inputs. Just the optical. But, one thing at a time. What's driving this is my desire to hear "Dark Side of the Moon" at its very best.

Cheers all, Tom, Ottawa Canada.

Allen Longcor · 04-21-2005, 01:22 PM

In the budget area the Pioneer 563A is a good universal player.

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Dan Driscoll · 04-21-2005, 03:27 PM

The 563a has been out of production for almost a year, but used ones do hit the market occassionally.

Danny Tse · 04-21-2005, 04:15 PM

The Samsung HD-841 can be had under $100.00 nowadays.

dpippel · 04-21-2005, 04:58 PM

There are a couple of Denon 2200s listed on Audiogon right now for $300 and a 2900 for $475. These prices are good deals for these players. IMO the extra money for the 2900 would be well spent. eCost also has Denon factory refurbished 2900s for around $500.

Dan Driscoll · 04-21-2005, 05:07 PM

If I had a spare $500 I'd be all over the refurbed 2900. That's a very good price for an excellent player. And while my primary interest is audio, the 2900 is an outstanding video player, also.

Will_B · 04-21-2005, 05:17 PM

Quote:

The 563a has been out of production for almost a year, but used ones do hit the market occassionally.

There's a lot of those hitting the used market now, because they have a firmware problem that means they can't play any DVDAs from 2005 onwards unless you send it in for an upgrade.

Not to fear, Pioneer's latest model, the 588A, arrives in stores this month.