Wow...no suggestions?
-curtis
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Wow...no suggestions?
-curtis
There is some weird happenings with the cookies on this board as I check daily and this is the first time I have seen this post.
My suggestion and what I will probably be doing myself is getting the pioneer 563a for now and then when the universal DVI players are out or HD universal players I will upgrade then. I am going with a HTPC for the visual end so that makes my choice easier.
The cookies seem to be working ok for me.
I have leaning towards the 563a as well. Would be nice to be able to do DVD-A and SACD on a HTPC.
-curtis
I would love to hear your opinions on the 563a if you get it. It truly seems like the obvious choice for an inexpensive all-in-one.
Get shopping! [:D]
-Smokey
Thanks, the Management.
Yeah...I will probably pick at 563a this weekend if I have time. BradJudy has one too....but he won't get to listen to it much in the next couple of weeks.
A moment of silence please for Johnny Cash and John Ritter.
-curtis
OK, I picked up the Pioneer 563a a couple of nights ago.
So far, I like it, but keep in mind, I really do not know any better. The DVD-A performance seems to be like the CP72. I only have one SACD disc.
I will say that most of the hi-rez discs that I do have sound great to me. The use of the channels is so important.
I paid $179 at BestBuys. At the very least, I think this is a good way to get introduced into hi-rez/multichannel music. This will probably last me until I decide on getting a high def TV with DVI input, then I will get a player that can do DVI as well.
-curtis
Good deal curtis. Let us know if you find anything you dont like. I may pick this up this week.
The only thing that I do not like is the 563a does not have test tones for setting the channel levels. My CP72 had that. I guess I will have to look for a DVD-A/SACD setup disc.
-curtis
Hi Curtis,
You might want to consider the new Denon 2200 Universal. It lists for about $600 and is apparently really good. I've actually got my eye on that! I probably will still continue to use my Marantz DVD player for video and Marantz CD changer for stereo, and will use it primarily for SACDs and DVD-A.
Ajay
Ajay,
I have thought about that. But at almost 3 times the cost of the Pioneer 563a, I am not sure I want to do it. Also modwright.com is working on mods for the Pioneer.....I'm sure they will do it with the Denon too.
Also, I have heard that the DACs on the Pioneer are the same ones used on the Denon.
Right now I am very happy with the 563a. The bass management on my HK525 takes care of the bass management issues with the 563a. It all seems to work well. I do not have anyplans to return it,
-curtis
Just placed an order with Crutchfield for the Denon DVP-2200 universal player. Boy, I can't wait to finally hear my DVD-As in Hi-Rez (instead of merely dts and DD)! [:D]
Hi All,
I have been touting the Pioneer 563a. Well, I want to add some caution to that. This post was brought to my attention today:
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hreadid=163895
With those crossover points in the 563a's bass management, you would only want to use the player if you have bass management on the 5.1 analog inputs on your pre/pro or receiver(or external like an ICBM).
-curtis
Got the Denon DVD-2200 Tues. pm. So far I'm very pleased with it. I still need to do a lot of reading in the owner's manual. So far the only complaint I have is the lack of a screen-saver, @ $600 I feel that this should be a standard feature. I'm working way too much this week and won't have much spare time to get into the menus and set up until next Wed. at the earliest.
Curtis,
Yeah, if I had more than 2 multichannel music discs I would consider picking up an ICBM, but for now it isn't worth it.
I dont know if anyone gets Sight and Sound but there is a review of the 563a in the current issue. I just received it today. As you would expect it is positive since Pioneer is a big advertiser. Not that it means that is a bad unit, just that we need some more opinions.
Mike Miruski
I recently picked up the 563a at Best Buy. I've read the instruction manual but it's a bit unclear in one area. Maybe Curtis or one of the other 563a owners could chirp in.
I'm using an HK 525 receiver and my question revolve around how I am supposed to hook up the audio for the 563. It's clear that there are 3 inputs:
1. 5.1 Multi-Channel Inputs
2. Digital Coaxial Cable
3. Optical Cable
Obviously I will want to use the 5.1 inputs so I can take advantage of DVD-A/SACD tunes. So, If I'm already using the 5.1 inputs for multi-channel media, do I still need to connect the Optical or Coaxial cables for standard CD Audio and DVD's?
Budman,
I have my 563a hooked up three ways:
For SACD/DVD-A, I use the 5.1 inputs, and let the HK525 handle the bass management.
For DVD movies, I use the optical digital connection.
And for CD's I use the regular L/R RCA's. I could also use the digital connection, but choose not two because the the HK's "dropout" issue with some CD's.
I really like this universal player and really do not see myself changing it until after I get a HDTV and decide to use a digital connection for video.
-curtis
Thanks for the quick reply. I think I'll go about it in the same way.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Arial, Verdana, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by curtis
Budman,
I have my 563a hooked up three ways:
For SACD/DVD-A, I use the 5.1 inputs, and let the HK525 handle the bass management.
For DVD movies, I use the optical digital connection.
And for CD's I use the regular L/R RCA's. I could also use the digital connection, but choose not two because the the HK's "dropout" issue with some CD's.
I really like this universal player and really do not see myself changing it until after I get a HDTV and decide to use a digital connection for video.
-curtis
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">
As long as we are in the appropriate forum I guess I'll ask you another question.
When talking about when you get an HDTV and referring to a digital connection, I assume you mean DVI. Will DVI make a big difference over over component inputs on an HDTV?
I figured that I'd hold off on another 2 years or so until blue ray technology(~29GB per DVD or 2 Hours of 1080i) is mainstream and 1080i DVD's are available.
I saw the 563a advertised at Best Buy for $149! My Panny A310(5 yrs old) has started doing naughty things(freezing/pixelization)on certain occasions. I normally do not experience any glitches, but am concerned that if I spend money elsewhere(sub,speakers,etc.)the DVD will unceremoniously take a dump on me! I have an Outlaw 1050 receiver. There is bass management through the standard inputs(analog/digital)but not thru the 5.1 direct. Would the 563a be a good choice NOW even if I did not utilize it's SACD/DVD-A capabilities?
MAG
Mag,
If all you need is just a regular prog scan DVD player, look at the Toshiba 3950($59.99 at Best Buy) or 3960($69.99 at Sears). Guys at Audio Asylum have been raving about the redbook playback on these relatively cheap DVD players.
My bad! I looked at the Outlaw's manual when I got home from job#1, and I found out that the DIRECT function is 6.1.....not 5.1, and if I manually activate the 6.1 mode while in DIRECT mode the 1050 WILL do bass management. Maybe SACD & DVD-A are possible after all. Thanks for the recommendation anyways. It's always good to hear what is being talked-up as a good value.
MAG
Are you sure?
Direct usually means no bass management.
I have a 563a, and love it, but my HK525 does do bass management on the analog 5.1 connection.
-curtis
'Evening, Curtis! The direct IS 5.1.....I have the manual in front of me. This is a direct quote from the manual;"Note, however, that bypassing the DSP also means bypassing the 1050's bass management. If you select Surround 6.1, the DSP and bass management will be active for the 5.1 Channel Direct input." Interesting, huh!? I guess it's not direct Analog then, since the DSP would be in the path, but it would give me something!
MAG
worth a shot!
-curtis
Well, I stopped by Best Buy Today during my lunch hour to check out the 563a. Pretty nice machine....in appearance! Of course it was not hooked up to anything(not even a power cord on back!). The sales clerk(kid) assured me he had heard/seen the thing playing and that it was a very good player. The $149 price is good through Saturday(27th), and if you purchase it, you can choose a free SACD or DVD-A disc from some preselected assortment...did not have time to check out titles. I have a friend who works at one of the other Best Buys about an hour away, and is checking on what his cost would be........
MAG
www.onecall.com has this player for $149.10 and that includes shipping. Since you still have to add tax to the Best Buy price, this is the better deal UNLESS you find a multi-channel disc that you want from Best Buy's offered selection.
Every penny counts, eh! Especially today when I have to spend over $400 on a car repair[xx(] But, if my friend who works at Best Buy can use their discount it would end up cheaper that way[;)]
MAG
Well....I saw my friend who works at Best Buy!
There's no way I could get a better price on the 563a
unless I bought one used in a year or two[:D] It was a
MUCH better deal than I expected. I will probably pick one up
very soon. The markup on wire/cables is insane, so I may pick up
a set of cables for the 5.1 output also!
MAG
Curtis,
I finally came to a decision and picked up a 563a! My friend at Best Buy had moral issues about using his discount against their store policy, so I let him off the hook! I found Circuit City had an online price of $139.98 which did not even appear in their store database. The clerk looked it up on their website and adjusted the price accordingly. Ok, now to the real question! What would be a good first SACD/DVD-A title to start off with? I have heard different recording techniques can have a dramatic effect on the final listening experience.
Thanks,
MAG
Pink Floyd - DSOTM is always recommended, but I do not have it yet.
My current favorite DVD-A is from the Blue Man Group.
R.E.M. - Automatic for the People, I like a lot as well.
-curtis
Those sound like good choices. I hear the Hotel California DVD-A is excellent as well as Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. I have P/F DSOTM on regular cd, as well as their live "Pulse" cd...wonder how big an improvement over these would there be!
MAG
For some, they will not think the multi-channel experience is an improvement. The resolution of the sound is nicer though.
-curtis
I want to thank Curtis and all 563a owners who posted their thoughts here! It helped me decide to purchase one. My aging Panasonic A310 has always performed well, but had pixelation/freeze up issues with certain discs my wife/kids checked out from the library. I was not 100% sure a new player would resolve this, thinking that a bad/scratched disc would give any player the same problem. Well....I tried playing a library disc that had these issues, with the Panny, in the Pioneer and....ta-da...it played through the bad scenes without a problem.
VINDICATION is SWEET!! So thanks again all.
MAG
Since I purchased my 563a, I came across some info regarding certain DVD-A discs which are reportedly unable to play in the Pioneer unit. This only seems to affect the 563a due to a firmware issue within the player which cannot read discs which were recorded using a specific encoder. Has anyone experienced this and with what discs?
MAG
Curtis,
I was wondering how you have your 563a's speaker setup configured to feed your 525(i.e. everything large w/sub etc.) so the bass management in the receiver functions properly. I hooked everything up to my Outlaw per usual. When I set speakers to all small with sub on I get bass from sub(with or without 6.1 mode engaged). With all speakers set to large with sub on I get nothing from the sub. If I cannot set everything to large w/sub, than the x-over for DVD-A is 200hz thru the 563a....much too high to get any kind of blending of speakers/sub. I am working with tech support @ Outlaw about this as well- they initially suggested the all speakers large w/sub setting with the receiver in 5.1 direct and 6.1 surround engaged. As I stated above that cut out the sub. I'm waiting for their next suggestion. Any thoughts are welcome!
Thanks
MAG
MAG,
I have the speakers on the 563a set to large and let the 525 handle the bass management.
Most receivers do not perform bass management on the 5.1 inputs.
-curtis
That's what I thought. Do you have the sub set to on as well, or does the receiver extract the bass from the large speakers?
MAG
Yes...the sub is on. Remember, in a 5.1 recording, sometimes there is dedicated bass sent to the .1 channel. On top of that, bass below the crossover setting is also routed to the sub.
-curtis
Thanks for the fast response! I meant is the 563a set to have the sub on?(Sorry!)
MAG