Hello everyone - advice, please on a universal player?

clewlor · « **on:** 20 May 2006, 01:59 pm »

Hi,

I am a first-time poster - saw this site and was impressed with the wide range of systems and the depth of knowledge here. I am struggling with making a decision to narrow down some good options for a universal player. I wanted to get a separate CD player and UP, but budget concerns of finishing my basement media room are preventing me from doing that. I love listening to 2-channel audio and am getting into SACDs and DVD-As and I own a few.

My budget is around $2k for a universal player. I would like one with HDMI and one that has excellent redbook performance. I have considered the new Arcam DV137, though I had problems with their DV79 which I returned. What else is out there that people like? I did read the posters review of the NAD M55 but do not have a Master Series dealer near me in S. Ohio. Any thoughts, comments, would be VERY much appreciated as I am seem to be going in circles with this!

My system is posted but for ease of use, here are the main components:
Sherbourn PT-7000 pre/pro
Sherbourn 5/1500A 5-channel amp
Bryston 4B SST (on order)
Pioneer Elite DV45a (will be staying in family room)
Dynaudio Contour S3.4
Dynaudio Contour SC
Dynaudio Audience 52SE (surrounds)
Martin Logan Aeons (surrounds in new system, mothballed for now)

gitarretyp · « **Reply #1 on:** 20 May 2006, 02:43 pm »

In that price range, you should take a look at the Onkyo DV-SP1000 and Marantz DV-9600. Both are excellent all around players with top notch build quality.

tvyankee · « **Reply #2 on:** 20 May 2006, 02:46 pm »

hello,

welcome,i think the marantz dv9600 would be for you.

its around $1700.00 street and the video performance is very high.

as far a the audio performance i think marantz in general has always made some very good sounding players.

they use good dacs and a pretty good transport.

i don't think for the money you will find much better.i think for that kind of money you will find a redbook player that is better but not a universal unit that is better.

good luck with your search.

clewlor · « **Reply #3 on:** 20 May 2006, 05:38 pm »

Thanks for the suggestions. I am still debating on getting a standalone CD player. I am looking forward to listening to the Rega Apollo. I have also heard the Simaudio Moon Equinox and was really impressed with that - given that it's $1800 that shouldn't be a surprise. Just don't know how much more I am going to get versus a really good universal player on CDs.

The Marantz is a great idea - great build quality and great sound from what I heard. Now if I can just find a dealer close to me that actually has one to listen to and try out.

Has anyone heard the new Rotel RDV-1092 (though it doesn't play SACD)? Also was considering "stretch" options such as the Lexicon RT-20, the Cary Audio DVD 7, or the Arcam FMJ line.

clewlor · « **Reply #4 on:** 22 May 2006, 12:13 am »

i don't think for the money you will find much better.i think for that kind of money you will find a redbook player that is better but not a universal unit that is better.

good luck with your search.[/quote]

Just curious. Do you think it would be better to spend around $1000 on a relatively cheaper DVD player and then take the other $1k and spend it on a dedicated CD player? Maybe something a Denon 3910 and a Naim CD5i, Rega Apollo, or something else (ideas?).

Right now I am trying to decide between spending a lot on a one-box solution or dividing and spending the same $2-3k budget on 2 players. Any help would go a long way - thanks!