[Loftprojection]

Hello, I finally bought myself a Denon 2900 because I could not believe the video of this unit compared to my Cambridge 540D.  I'm using the unit in 5.1 analog because my HT receiver is only Dolby Pro (Arcam AV50).

Now, as satisfied as I am with the 2900 video performance, I am really not satisfied with it's analog audio performance.  My Cambridge 540D was giving me a much nicer musical performance for redbook CDs and it was a fraction of the price of the Denon.  For HT sound I guess the Denon is ok but for CDs I just don't like it.

So now I'm not sure what to do.  I could spend some money and get myself a nice CD player.  I already have on in mind, the Creek CD50-MKII.  However, the other day I read a thread that was talking about a "tube buffer".  I can't find it anymore but maybe this could be an interesting option that would improve both redbook CD performance and enhance the HT performance as well.  Anyone know about this?  

I also saw various sites that offer mods but I'm a bit reluctant about this.  It maybe the greatest thing but it's a lot of money to throw out without knowing if you will be satisfied after.

Anyway, I hope some of you can help me with this decision.  Should I just buy a CD player or are there any other options in the pre-amp, DAC, tube buffer,... stuff for max $1200-1300?

Thanks for your help.

[ted_b]

This looks an awfully lot like the SAME POST that's in 2 channel forum.  Make up your mind, then post once please.  Thanks,

Ted

[Loftprojection]

Ted, yes you are right but I'm new here so is there a law against double posting?  My subject can go in either of the two forums so I figured different people read different forums so I might get more info by posting in both.  Sorry if I offent some people or is there is a forum law against doing this.

[ted_b]

No law. just that it will be easier for all posters, and especially yourself, to follow the give and take on one thread, not multiples.

Ted

[Marbles]

Just to make sure I understand, are you running a digital cable for both HT and CD's to a pre/pro or reciever, or are you running the analog outs from the 2900 to the pre/pro-receiver for redbook?

If the former, then you are not happy with the 2900 as a transport as the pre/pro or receiver has the DACs.

In either case, I might look to having the 2900 modded, or as you mentioned  just buy a dedicated CDP.

[Loftprojection]

Marbles, my Arcam receiver is only Dolby Pro Logic, it does not have any kind of digital decoding, it can only take in analog 5.1 decoded signal.  So yes, I use the Denon's decoder and use the 5.1 analog out to my receiver/amp.  

Ted, thanks for the advise.  I know that there is more to follow by posting on both forum but I really wanted to see if I could get opinions for two different crowds.

[ted_b]

Ted, thanks for the advise.  I know that there is more to follow by posting on both forum but I really wanted to see if I could get opinions for two different crowds.

No problem.  Makes sense.  We just see so many posts that are out there on mutiple forums just to "see' themselves talk, or are a bit unrelated.  I came acros too bluntly, sorry; these two forum picks make sense.

BTW, I had my Sony 999ES DVD/SACD player (above average) modded by Dan Wright, Modwright, and I have posted an several occassions that I would put it up against anything under $10k.  The redbook and SACD are to die for, and it also improved the video with better power supply, etc.  I'm only saying this to make you aware that modding is a very legit way to squeeze much more than a few % out of your Denon.  The only downside, like any mod or "remodel" job, the return when selling it will be less than normal depreciation, likely.

Ted