The Denon is edgy, a little harsh and leans on the bright side. Detail is there but it’s unbalanced. Soundstage is good but not particularly wide or deep. Bass is deep and tight but not rich or full. The layering of music within the soundstage isn’t all that defined from front to back. Disappointing and smeared when compared to Higher End players.
SACD performance is substantially better, less edgy and not nearly as bright with an improved soundstage.
Redbook music is analytical and without a doubt has that digital sound. Vocals have a tendency to sound congested and overly forward.
SACD is more musical, less analytical but not to a huge degree.
The California Audio Labs (CAL) Sigma-II 24/96 with a Sylvania triple mica, black plate (late 50’s) 12AX7 is never edgy or harsh and leans to on the darker side. Detail is not always as apparent as it should be but never washed away. I wouldn’t say the Denon DVD-2900 has more detail but much of it is more sharply defined then the CAL, certainly more lively and that’s even with a tube that is certainly more detailed and lively then most. Soundstage is wide and fairly deep. The CAL has a nice image and its certainly one of its strongest points. The layering within the soundstage is good but not great and can be a little unfocused or soft. Bass is full and deep but not as tight as the Denon. Vocals are rich and sometimes lush depending on the tube. Midrange is a step or two back and never piercing or distracting. Very musical at times, another strong aspect of the CAL DAC. What it gives up in micro detail, focus and dynamics, it makes up for in overall palatability or musicality. Deep, lush and a little dark are all good, certainly better then most digital players. Many have said this player is more analog or vinyl like, I would have to agree. Compared to the Denon 2900’s SACD playback, I think the CAL still has a musical edge but the sheer detail of SACD is unmistaken and it’s a difficult compromise to make. Some would feel that the musicality of the CAL is more pleasing with the right tube for your particular system and others might feel the Denon’s SACD performance is more accurate and realistic.
The Arcam FMJ Cd-23T (dCS RING) is so much better then both players I almost don’t know where to begin. First lets just say its difficult to point out anything this player does wrong, I don’t think it does anything poorly at all. That said, I can describe what it does best.
Soundstage is nothing short of superb! The musical presentation (stage) comes out from the speakers in all directions. Width to the walls, depth beyond the studs, forward into the room, this players strongest point is certainly its ability to create an IN-THE-ROOM experience. Not to be mistaken with the midrange being front or back row. The images are perfectly balanced within the soundstage which leads to the player’s ability to layer music within the stage. The separation of individual instruments is a real treat. You can more easily hear a singer swaying at a microphone, the perception/placement of the drums in a kit and the position of the pianist hands at either side of a piano is more easily distinguished. Actually there is no comparison to the Denon or the CAL, they simply don’t do it. But compared to other high end players the Arcam not only does it but does it better then most at any price.
Dark and alluring can also describe this player. Dark in that it’s extremely quiet, it’s frightening. Alluring because its richness and vocal rendition make you feel like the player is loaded with tubes yet its entirely solid state in design. Detail is never compromised, it has more detail then I have ever heard before in my system yet its never been edgy, harsh or the slightest bit bright.
It’s said this player lacks bass. We’ll I can’t imagine having any more without intentionally unbalancing the player. Bass is deeper, tighter, fuller and richer then I have had to date, certainly more so then the CAL or Denon or anything even remotely similar. More wouldn’t necessarily be better and I don’t think I would want it coming from my player anyhow.
Musicality is an understatement! It’s not in the slightest analytical or digital sounding. It’s as analog as my vinyl rig. Maybe if I was comparing it to a $5000+ VPI I wouldn’t feel so, but compared to anything lesser, surely.
The last and most important is this; Each and every CD I play on this player sounds great! It has made unlistenable CD’s sound wonderful. I have a couple of current favorites that have a harshness and sometimes a distorted edge. I can still hear the distortion and garbage sustained during the recording and/or mixing process but it’s so palatable, it’s actually become enjoyable.
I’ve had to keep a small bucket and mop in my listening room to clean up all the spittle leaking from my open jaw. It’s been over a week and I just keep getting more and more amazed at just how good a GREAT source can be and how much better my system sounds with it. I feel all the time I spent with lesser players, DACs, tubes and wires was all a big waste and time lost from my life I’ll never get back. This player will be hard to best/replace. And for now you would have to pry it from my clenched dead hands to get it away from me.
Now back to some music!
If the ArcamFMJ DVD player is half as good as this (and I think it’s its equal) then I know whose Home Theater player I’m buying next.
