[jon_010101]

So, my Denon DCD-1650AR didn't survive shipping (I just moved out West).  I am looking to replace it with something "similar", and the Denon DVD units seem most appealing.  My original thought was a Cambridge 840C, but big Denons seem to offer better value, and provide incentive for me to finally buy a television ...

Cost-wise, I can justify a 3910, a 5900, or a 9000.  What I'm curious of, is if the 9000 is worth the added expense given it's age.  It looks fantastic, and weighs twice as much.  I don't need SACD, and the digital inputs are a huge bonus with that unit.  But what about reliability?  And how are any of these units for playing CDs?  (I will play 10 CDs for every 1 DVD)   

I look forward to your suggestions! 

[electricbear]

I can't answer for the performance of the multitude of modded Denons out there but if cds are what you listen to just buy a good cd player for cd listening and an inexpensive dvd player for movies. There is always a compromise in sound quality when you buy a multifunction player.

[jon_010101]

Welp, I gave in and just took it in for repair.  I really can't find a player for sale that I'd rather have for the $150-200 it'll cost to fix.  Plus, since I don't have a TV presently, buying a serious DVD player is a slippery slope towards an HD LCD and 5.1 system. 

[bacobits1]

I liked the DCD 1650AR when I had it. A pretty solid machine at like 26 lbs. I wish I had not sold it. It also had nice controls. The fade was nice to have.
You may want to play with the PC on it as it is receptive to nice changes there.
I replaced the Denon with a Sony SACD XA777ES at a good price it was good but
had a reputation as do a lot of "Multi Players" of crapping out on the transport.
They just stop reading multi layer discs. Sold it after a year while it was still working.
Besides I only bought around 6 SACD's because the selection was so bad.
SO I would say the fix is worth it.

Good luck!

Den

[jon_010101]

I liked the DCD 1650AR when I had it. A pretty solid machine at like 26 lbs. I wish I had not sold it. It also had nice controls. The fade was nice to have.
You may want to play with the PC on it as it is receptive to nice changes there.
I replaced the Denon with a Sony SACD XA777ES at a good price it was good but
had a reputation as do a lot of "Multi Players" of crapping out on the transport.
They just stop reading multi layer discs. Sold it after a year while it was still working.
Besides I only bought around 6 SACD's because the selection was so bad.
SO I would say the fix is worth it.

Interesting point about the multi players!  I was worried about that too.  I seriously contemplated making an offer on a DVD-9000 on Audiogon, but I think I'd rather just run my old 1650AR for music.  I suppose if I ever do get the HD-HT bug, I'd get a Blu-Ray player anyways, which would probably be a train-wreck for playing CDs.  Most likely my 1650 is going to need a new pick-up, so it should be good-to-go for a another 5-10 years of service. 

[bacobits1]

Not sure why just a move would send the player south though.
Most of the big buck multi players were having read problems Sony, Marantz, even Acuphase.


Den

[jon_010101]

Not sure why just a move would send the player south though.

It was shipped FedEx and got dropped -- arrived with a crushed corner on the box.  From what I hear, I'm probably S.O.L. in terms of getting them to pay for it since there is no visible damage.   ... But hoping for the best.