DVD / CD Player Recommendations ??

[wjj]

I'm looking for some help, again.

I have received my 340SE's (and 340CE center)and HSU sub, and now need to buy the player (sorry guys, no review of the speakers yet!) Last time I was in the market (12 years ago) for players, it was common to buy a DVD player and a high quality CD player. I now would like one player for both HD video and quality 2-channel music. Although, I am not interested in the $1,500 plus "Stereophile" recommended units.

I have some ideas from research, but would like to get recommendations from those who have experience with their players.

Thanks for the info.

Wayne

Present equip.;

340 SE's (L/C/R)
(in ceiling surround and rear, existing)
HSU VTF2 Sub
H/K 635 A/V Receiver
Samsung HLR 5078 HDTV
??????? player

[Eddie]

I would still get 2 separate units, maybe an upconverting DVD player if your TV has HDMI.

The CD player I got after comparing them in a shop with CDPs up to $500 was the Marantz cc4300, was a vast improvement over my Sony ES:

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-...item=MARCC4300

Have also heard good things about this one:

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.proc...feed.HK+FL8385

[Grayson73]

Is the difference that great to warrant two units?

For DVD, I recommend the Sony DVP-NS75H for $129 list price. Upconverts via HDMI to 720p/1080i and has been praised for great audio (for DVDs at least). Haven't heard any comparisons for CDs

[jermy4]

I'm using this one with my HK receiver: http://shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?prod...il=1&ext_war=1

It sounds great and I'm using the DACs in the CD player too.

I would recommend you get a seperate CD player and DVD player.

[Eddie]

Is the difference that great to warrant two units?

On my system (Panny xr55, 340s) yes it does --- have ABed against my Panasonic DVD player for music, and above about 70-75db the DVD player is downright painful.

That's using analog connections, with digital coax the differences were less obvious though still not as pleasing ... the Marantz DACs have a warm yet punchy and sparkling SQ.

[Grayson73]

I was thinking about buying the Samsung HD841 DVD player for SACD/DVD-Audio use.

That would mean that I would end up with 3 units:
1. Sony 75H for DVDs
2. Samsung HD841 for SACD/DVD-Audio
3. Another CD player for CDs

I really like #1 for my DVD player. Buying #2 and #3 separately will cost under $200, but I'd rather not have so many units.

Any recommendations for a combo player for #2 and #3 for under $200?

[curtis]

For all three....I suggest looking for a refurb Denon 2900.

For 2 and 3, I was pretty happy with my Pioneer 563.

[Grayson73]

Do you know whether the Pioneer 563 sounds better than the Samsung HD841 for CD, SACD, and DVD-Audio?

[bikeman]

Is the difference that great to warrant two units?

This will never be answered to everyone's satisfaction. It's always best to experiment before purchase but that's much easier said than done. Without experimenting, it's a matter of curiosity and disposable income. Have fun deciding.

David

[Eddie]

For what you're looking for, if you don't want to pay for the Denon then I'd get this:

http://www.pricegrabber.com/user_sal...lot_id=1785210

...and add the Marantz if you're not happy with CD playback.