Anyone tried the Denon DVD-2900?

wshuff · « **Reply #20 on:** 16 Aug 2003, 09:03 pm »

One other "bug" with the Denon 2900 concerns the calibration tones for the main channels and the sub. The sub tone is at a much lower level, to the point that even at max (0 on the calibration menu) the sub tone could not be heard (with my sub previously calibrated to about 78db on my RatShack meter with Avia). This really wasn't a problem for me since my Lexicon allows me to adjust the levels of the analog pass through input. By raising the sub output a bit I was able to calibrate the Denon's analog outputs. Other pre/pros and receivers allow the same type level adjustment. However, if your receiver or pre/pro is straight pass through, and allows no level adjustment, then you may find it difficult to get the Denon's sub calibrated with the internal tones. Some people have found a work around by lowering the other channels and leaving the sub at max in the Denon's calibration menu, but your mileage may vary.

As for me, once I got things set up, I've enjoyed everything about the Denon. The build quality is much better (or seems to be more solid) than any other DVD player I've ever owned (numerous Pioneer models and a Pannie RP82), I prefer the sound over my prior Pioneer DV-45A (although my preference may be at least partly related to better set up of the Denon), and the video quality is top notch in my opinion, with deinterlacing that seems to be on par with the RP82. I've not encountered the alt-flag bug (but have the Pannie is it arises), but since video doesn't appear to be your priority, it may not matter to you.

Ears · « **Reply #21 on:** 20 Aug 2003, 03:50 am »

Hoots, The Denon does look nicer than the 963sa and I am sure it is a better build quality but this was also the case with my Sony 9000es that I replaced with the 963sa because it bettered the 1500.00 Sony in cd/picture quality,and to a lesser extent sacd.

The bottom line is, anyone looking for great sonics in a multi player is going to spend over 5k and the pickings are slim.

A better alternative is to mod or have any of the decent sounding players modded.
There are pro modders available for pretty much every player available.
I can tell you that simply changing the main ps cap in my 963 to a Blackgate cap offered a dramatic change for the better, and it took me 10 minutes and a 23.00 cap.
There are a couple modders for the 963 that around 600.00 for a Superclock 2, 20 or so Blackgate caps plus dampening,new power supply ect.
The above also applies to the Denon ,Pioneers and Sony multi players.
If anyone wants an all in one player that offers cd or hi rez format sound quality comparable to 2-3 k cd only players, you either spend huge dollars or mod.
If everyone knew what the parts to price ratio was for all these stock players,they would understand the difference between good and great sonics are mostly in the quality of the parts used imho.

WerTicus · « **Reply #22 on:** 20 Aug 2003, 06:21 am »

yup! you can take a 500$ piece of equipment and just by using the 'best' parts make it a $50 000 piece of equipment

or any where inbetween.
its not hard to do at all

WerTicus · « **Reply #23 on:** 20 Aug 2003, 02:51 pm »

If i were to use this player hooked DIRECTLY to a power amp can i use it as the pre amp and adjust the volume or is it just going to be VERY loud?

Hoots · « **Reply #24 on:** 22 Aug 2003, 04:22 pm »

I like the idea of buying an item under $500 and then upgrading. I want great video and CD (SACD would be nice). It seems I can use one player and if I mod then I can make the CD performance outstanding.

The $400 Phillips seems like a nice start. Doing a mod or adding a DAC could be a growth path. If a $250 player is similar to the Phillips and can be upgraded then that would be even better.

I'm guessing the Phillips has a benefit in CD and Pic quality over say the $250 SOny? I have a low-end Sony CD/SACD ce775 cd player and an old Toshiba DVD-V player. I'm looking for a step up in video and audio from these two unit. I would then upgrade from there later. I guess I could buy a video player for under $300 and mod the cd775.

Jumping to a $1k+ solution today might be a stretch as there are other items I want to purchase.

Today my Music Hall MMf-5 and lps sound better than my CE775.

JoshK · « **Reply #25 on:** 22 Aug 2003, 05:13 pm »

I wonder if someone with the denon can tell me how long it takes the player to "read" the disc before it can play? My Pan RP91 takes way too damn long IMO to read a disc. This is why it will never be a transport for me. It really irritates the crap out of me. So slow to respond to anything.

Ears · « **Reply #26 on:** 1 Sep 2003, 07:57 pm »

Hoots, the Phillips 963sa will compete or beat all comers in the video department and unlike the Denon, it has no chroma bug and is upgradable to hi def 1080i upconversion through a free upgrade.
Check out www.avsforum.com for more on this.

Not to mention it has a Fujistu chip for progressive scan.

Ears · « **Reply #27 on:** 1 Sep 2003, 10:47 pm »

That should read Faroudja chip....not Fujistu which sounds like something my kid takes lessons in or something.

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #28 on:** 1 Sep 2003, 10:54 pm »

According to the reviews I've read, the chroma bug that's plagued older Denons is completely gone in the new 2900...I haven't been able to check this out for myself, however.

Ears · « **Reply #29 on:** 1 Sep 2003, 11:04 pm »

I can't refer you to an exact thread but if you want to sift through endless threads on this , you can at www.avsforums.com. according to the videophiles in the dvd player section, the Denon 2900 has the bug, as do a lot of players.

My Sony 9000es had the bug and I did not find it to be a big deal but I don't even use component out so what do I know.

WerTicus · « **Reply #30 on:** 2 Sep 2003, 03:29 am »

Hey i bought the dvd2900 yesterday

the australian model, it has scart too, which i only thought was on the jap model (i love scart. seriously good quality)

They player kicks arse, well... it sounds better than anything i have ever heard and certainly makes for the best sound my system has ever produced....

next is the subwoofer

12" sealed shiva....

JohnR · « **Reply #31 on:** 2 Sep 2003, 03:44 am »

How much wazzit? And where did you get it?

WerTicus · « **Reply #32 on:** 2 Sep 2003, 03:53 am »

the bass is really tight and the feel of the sound is just 'right' (as if something was missing before?) this is with cd's compared to the audidy2's output.

one thing i have noticed the very top end might seem a bit washed but i have yet to break it in.... also my stereo goes louder than it ever did without clipping the amp...its now able to go so loud that i dont have it at max all the time anymore cause your head will start to hurt

ummm... yeah... any questions specifically i would love to answer

WerTicus · « **Reply #33 on:** 2 Sep 2003, 05:40 am »

I got it for $1650.... which took some effort but i got it in perth/ subi from Simply Hi Fi.... they are a 'premium' denon dealer listed on the aust distributers site if you wanna look them up.

I just lied to the guy and said i had been quotted for $1700 and he beat it for me

$350 off rrp is not bad, i feel happy anyways, elsewhere i could only get people down to $1800 which is fairly more expensive....!

wshuff · « **Reply #34 on:** 2 Sep 2003, 09:33 pm »

The Denon 2900 has the alt-flag bug, as discussed in the Secrets Review. Not exactly the same as the chroma bug we've all come to know and love to hate.

I've not read about a Phillips that can upcovert to 1080i with an upgrade, but there was a long thread about a Samsung model that would allow for that with a firmware upgrade installed by the dealer, in this case Harvey's. But I think that player, the HD-1000 I believe, is sold out. Is this upgrade for the Phillips something new?

WerTicus · « **Reply #35 on:** 3 Sep 2003, 12:22 pm »

yeah well .... i have been watching closely... but i dont know what im looking for with that alt flag bug.... and i have yet to see any defects in the image... its the best image i have ever seen on my tv and better than i thought it could produce - its a top of the line jvc from 1987

so its 'good' but 'not so good' ya know ;-)ummmm im of course seeing the pal progressive picture not ntsc like most of you poor bastards.

i have all the pixal movies too btw, you think i would have noticed!

JoshK · « **Reply #36 on:** 3 Sep 2003, 04:03 pm »

Someone care to answer my question on how long does it take the Denon to be ready to play the disk when you pop it in? My Panny rp-91 drives me nutz cause it takes far too long for me.

wshuff · « **Reply #37 on:** 3 Sep 2003, 04:09 pm »

Josh,

I'm not at home and don't have the Denon 2900 with me, but over the weekend I was waiting for it to load a DVD and thought, "Man, this is taking some time." The next time I'm home I'll give it a look see, but at this point my recollection is that it takes some time. I just popped a CD in my Pioneer DV-45A, and it seemed to load up and get playing much faster than I remember the 2900. The tray on the 2900 is also very deliberate, i.e., slow, especially compared to the Pioneer. But since that is the only area where I think the Pioneer wins, I'm still more than happy with the Denon. You, however, may find it drives you crazy.

I'll try to get a better gauge on it the next time I'm home, and I'll report back here.

JoshK · « **Reply #38 on:** 3 Sep 2003, 04:12 pm »

It wouldn't really matter all that much if it was a little slow like my Sony XA777 but the Panny RP-91 is aggrevating if you accidentally power it down before taking the disc out and then realize you need to return the disc.

WerTicus · « **Reply #39 on:** 3 Sep 2003, 11:20 pm »

ill go test that out now josh.... do be do...

2 seconds from power on before it even thinks about reading a disk....

then 13 seconds for a dvda
10 seconds for a cd
and 7 seconds for a sacd...

so... yeahhhh

also skipping tracks on dvda is slowish seems to take 2-3 seconds other formats hardly notice the time. also sacd is definatly the better sounding format - ummmm.. so sacd wins?