Denon DVD-2900

HChi · « **on:** 28 Sep 2003, 04:50 am »

Is there any plan to mod this player? Thanks.

modwright · « **Reply #1 on:** 30 Sep 2003, 01:00 am »

Yes, provided I like what I see when I get a chance to look at one. I know that others are modifying this unit and it sounds like it has good promise. We are still getting ready for VSAC, but once we get a chance to check one out, I expect that we will be offering our own mods for it.

It is my intent these days, to offer modifications that are different from others. We are offering what I hope are unique and high-value upgrade options, including optional tube stages and entirely new output stages and power supplies.

Thanks,

Dan W.

HChi · « **Reply #2 on:** 9 Oct 2003, 03:17 am »

In thise case, how about the new 5900?

modwright · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Oct 2003, 06:40 pm »

I am honestly not familiar with this unit...maybe?

Dan

azryan · « **Reply #4 on:** 29 Oct 2003, 12:59 am »

I'm looking to get either the 2900 or the 5900 (which seems to be about ~$800-900 more than the 2900 and is being called much better sounding than the 2900).

I'm thinking a modded 2900 should be able to beat the stock 5900? Yes?

Do you have this mod worked out?

If 'not yet'... are we talking weeks or months?

If 'not yet'... can you at least guess the costs of the mods? Similar to your 3 levels of the Pios?

Thanks!

modwright · « **Reply #5 on:** 30 Oct 2003, 07:37 pm »

We have a 5900 unit here and I am going to be working on it, but have done little more than look around inside. I have not seen a 2900 yet.

Dan

HChi · « **Reply #6 on:** 31 Oct 2003, 03:17 am »

Please keep us posted about the mod progress of 5900. Thanks.

Howard

modwright · « **Reply #7 on:** 1 Nov 2003, 10:15 pm »

I also have a 2900 here now and we are going to be maxing this unit out - 2CH tube mods, clock upgrades, Bybees, etc.

The 5900 that I have here is going to be getting transport and 2CH basic upgrades, but no tubes.

I will post as things progress.

Thanks,

Dan W.

HChi · « **Reply #8 on:** 2 Nov 2003, 05:43 am »

Ooh, 2900 with a signature truth mod! I look forward to hearing the result, especially in comparison to ns999es and ns9000es.

Is there any specific reason why 5900 isn't getting the tube output stage? Based upon the reviews of 5900 users, 5900 is better than 2900 in both audio and vido. I was hoping at least a signature level mod will be offered. With its video and DVI output capability plus your signature mod, this could possibly be the best all format DVD player on the planet.

Thanks,
Howard

modwright · « **Reply #9 on:** 6 Nov 2003, 09:45 pm »

We may very well offer a tube mod for both of these units, but the customer who sent us the 5900 does not want this level of mods. We will likely be offering these mods for both units however, provided that I am sufficiently pleased with their performance and reliability.

Thanks,

Dan

HChi · « **Reply #10 on:** 6 Nov 2003, 10:45 pm »

I look forward to reading your report.

-Howard

J North · « **Reply #11 on:** 12 Nov 2003, 11:54 pm »

Dan,

Any further comments on the Denons?

Is a 3-channel tube stage possible (for MC SACD / DVD-A)?

The Denon 2900 can be had for ~$500 (refurbished) so it makes for a very tempting proposition modded.

modwright · « **Reply #12 on:** 13 Nov 2003, 05:52 pm »

Tube mods are in the works...I suppose that a 3CH mod could be done. I will look into it and see if there is enough space for it to work. I expect pricing to be in the $800-$1k range for the tube mods. We will also likely offer a Basic mod for about $350.

Thanks,

Dan W.

J North · « **Reply #13 on:** 13 Nov 2003, 06:22 pm »

Dan,

What would the basic mod include?

Would it "clean-up" all channels with new op-amps or just L&R?

modwright · « **Reply #14 on:** 14 Nov 2003, 06:27 pm »

Basic mods would include the following:

Power supply upgrades - rectifiers, filtering.
OP-amps - all channels.
Coupling caps upgraded or removed - all channels.
Analog filtering mods - all channels.

Thanks,

Dan W.

azryan · « **Reply #15 on:** 23 Nov 2003, 02:20 am »

"-Coupling caps upgraded or removed - all channels."

Would this be a customer choice or something you haven't decided on yet?

Also... what the heck are these caps 'coupling'? Just trying to understand what the steps of your mods do.

Thanks! Hope you get this worked up soon, it really seems like it'll be great.

Do you think the basic mods would kill the 5900?

And obviously you clearly prefer the tube mods, but are tubes vs. top quality op-amps (if I understand this at all?) somewhat a matter of preference maybe to people?

Or are the tubes measurable far better than any op amp can be?

I know people argue forever on tube and SS amps, but though it might be a whole 'nother animal in a line level output stage?

azryan · « **Reply #16 on:** 28 Nov 2003, 06:23 pm »

-Bump-

Still interested in an ETA on these mods? Any rough time frame maybe?

Also if the tube mod being better is a matter of sound quality preference alone or if it also measures better?

Could you put a 'basic modded' 2900 up against a $4,000 Krell SACD Standard or $11K Linn universal player?

I'm somehow trying without being able to hear it... to guage how much better the level of a 'basic mod' 2900 is over stock and to other higher cost units.

Thanks!

modwright · « **Reply #17 on:** 2 Dec 2003, 07:49 pm »

Realistically, it will be 2-4 weeks before they are ready. I have not idea what they will compare to, but I will give info when available.

Pricing will be starting at $350 for non-tube and starting at $1k w/tubes. We are looking into a 3CH tube mod = L, R, C for those interested.

Thanks,

Dan

Jay S · « **Reply #18 on:** 3 Dec 2003, 02:00 am »

Dan,

Any chance of a 2-channel (L,R) tube upgrade?

Thanks,

- Jay

J North · « **Reply #19 on:** 3 Dec 2003, 01:12 pm »

Any preliminary thoughtrs on build quality Denon 2900 vs Sony 999ES and Pioneer 47?

Thanks!