S/H dvd player ideas.
Posted by: mongo on 15 April 2010
Hi all.
I'm in the market for a s/h dvd player of a decent sound standard, so I'm seeking suggestions from those with an interest in such things.
I think most have a good enough picture but the sound on poor ones really is poor I find.
I only use the stereo analogue out puts into my 122X so have no need for an on board de-coder.
I'm also quite happy with Scart out too.
What a luddite eh?
Many thanks, Paul.
Posted on: 16 April 2010 by Vaughn3D
I have owned an Arcam DV78 and DV29, nice machines. I would recommend finding a used DV135 or DV137, depending on your price range.
Posted on: 16 April 2010 by mongo
Hi.
I was trying all day yesterday to remember the name of that particular company!
Serendipidy I presume.
Arcam it is.
Thanks a lot, it was racking my mind.
I'm also confident that the Arcam players will be decent transports for my new dac.
Cheers, Paul.
Posted on: 16 April 2010 by Vaughn3D
If you do a search on DV29 and Transport you will find a positive post by Mr. Abela on the merits of the DV29 as such.
Posted on: 16 April 2010 by mongo
Hi.
Just had a read. That's good to know.
Thanks again, Paul.
Posted on: 16 April 2010 by james n
Second hand n-Vi. I initially had a 78 and then a DV137 what a Buggy load of shite. The 78's display failed on start up. The 137 i replace it with then used to switch on randomly. Got rid and did the sensible thing and bought an n-Vi - better picture too.
Posted on: 16 April 2010 by Dungassin
Depending on budget, why not consider a used DVD5?
Posted on: 17 April 2010 by mongo
Hi, Dr. J.
That was my first thought, but i could only afford one by selling the cd5 to which I'm well attached.
I would think that the DVD5 would not match the cd 5 as a cd player, even if close, and cd is mighty important while film watching is considerably less so.
Cheers, Paul.
Posted on: 19 April 2010 by Analogue Rules OK
Have a look at the NAD DVD players, i have been using one for about 5years, very pleased with both picture and sound quality.
Posted on: 19 April 2010 by fatcat
Check out a Pioneer DV717. Excellent analogue sound quality, the picture quality easily outperforms modern DVD players. They can be had for as little as £20. A bargain for a machine that originally cost £600.
The only negative is the fact it struggles to play DVD+R discs.
Posted on: 20 April 2010 by Dungassin
quote:
I would think that the DVD5 would not match the cd 5 as a cd player, even if close, and cd is mighty important while film watching is considerably less so.
I think you may be wrong. I have done the comparison, and the DVD5 is about equivalent to a CD5 IMO. In fact my DVD5 is now only used as a CD player - while I debate whether to use it with a NaimDAC or to change it for a CDX2 (SWMBO permitting, of course)
Posted on: 20 April 2010 by Dungassin
quote:
Check out a Pioneer DV717. Excellent analogue sound quality, the picture quality easily outperforms modern DVD players. They can be had for as little as £20. A bargain for a machine that originally cost £600.
The only negative is the fact it struggles to play DVD+R discs.
Ah, the Pioneer 717. A multiregion one from Techtronics was my first DVD player. It's still seeing sterling service with my youngest daughter's parents-in-law.
No HDMI (too old), but it was used via SCART RGB (can't recall if it has component sockets) - picture excellent, but occasional problems with lip-sync IIRC. Built like a tank and will probably last forever.
Posted on: 20 April 2010 by Richard Dane
I must admit I think you'll be rather surprised with the DVD5 as a CD player (just ensure you have the display "off" for best performance). I found it a clear step up from the CD5i, although not quite up to a CDX2. I have never compared it to a CD5, although my aural memory would reckon you may miss the slightly euphonic character of that player, as well as it's widescreen style presentation. The DVD5 though may well prove the more accurate player. Oh, and if you wanted to upgrade the sound in the future, then you could always use it as a transport for the Naim DAC...
Of course the DVD5 is a fabulous DVD player too so long as it's not hamstrung by a poor scaler built into whichever display it's connected to. And it's DVD-A performance can be stunning. I well recall playing the DVD-A of Workingman's Dead to an audio-savvy friend who thought it the best sound he'd ever heard.
A DVD5 could just be exactly what you're after.
Posted on: 20 April 2010 by SC
Richard - when you say display off for best CD replay, do you mean the front display or cutting the video output display..?
Have you got to hear the DVD5 through the DAC yet..?
Steve.
Posted on: 20 April 2010 by Adam Meredith
quote:
Originally posted by SC:
... do you mean the front display or cutting the video output display..?
"For DVDA and CD discs the video outputs will also switch off when the front panel display is off."
Posted on: 20 April 2010 by SC
Thanks Adam. I didn't know that.
Posted on: 21 April 2010 by mongo
quote:
Originally posted by Richard Dane:
I must admit I think you'll be rather surprised with the DVD5 as a CD player (just ensure you have the display "off" for best performance). I found it a clear step up from the CD5i, although not quite up to a CDX2. I have never compared it to a CD5, although my aural memory would reckon you may miss the slightly euphonic character of that player, as well as it's widescreen style presentation. The DVD5 though may well prove the more accurate player. Oh, and if you wanted to upgrade the sound in the future, then you could always use it as a transport for the Naim DAC...
Of course the DVD5 is a fabulous DVD player too so long as it's not hamstrung by a poor scaler built into whichever display it's connected to. And it's DVD-A performance can be stunning. I well recall playing the DVD-A of Workingman's Dead to an audio-savvy friend who thought it the best sound he'd ever heard.
A DVD5 could just be exactly what you're after.
Hmmmm....
Perhaps I'll reconsider then.
Can I use a flatcap 2 on the DVD 5 does any one know?
It'll be a while until I can afford an Ndac, but that is a pertinant consideration that I'd forgotten.
This seemed an easy question to answer when I posed it.
Posted on: 21 April 2010 by Adam Meredith
quote:
Originally posted by SC:
Thanks Adam. I didn't know that.
I had to check in the Technical Support Documents.
- should have been in the owner manual.
(typed with predictive text)Posted on: 21 April 2010 by Mr Underhill
quote:
Originally posted by SC:
Richard - when you say display off for best CD replay, do you mean the front display or cutting the video output display..?
Have you got to hear the DVD5 through the DAC yet..?
Steve.
Hi Steve,
I have.
It is undoubtedly better than my Benchmark DAC1.
That might sound obvious to many Naim amp users. I have to say through my system the BM is pretty close to the nDAC, via Naim the BM sounds pretty thin.
One of my tests is Phil Collins - Night in Paris. There are a lot of backing musicians that can disappear into the mix. You see someone playing their heart out, and don't hear what they are singing/playing! Playing on the nDAC resolved a lot more musical detail.
I love listening to music DVDs via the DVD5 - but it still ain't in the same ball park as my laptop/HiFace for music.
M
Posted on: 21 April 2010 by Richard Dane
Steve,
looks like Adam managed to answer re. "display off".
As for my trying the DVD5 with the DAC, I haven't done that yet. The DAC is still warming up and running in. I haven't even listened to my own DAC - such restraint! In truth, it's OK, because I've finally got the Loricraft 401 and Aro all set-up so I've been enjoying that for the last few weeks. It's been very interesting. Thread to be posted on the Hifi Corner soon...
