[BWentler]

I'm getting into this multi-channel system stuff for the first time.  What I would like to do is to put together a good A/V receiver and a DVD/CD player both of which I would like to have modded.

First off is the DVD/CD player.  I would be looking at either the Denon 5900 or the 2900 or the Pioneer 45A.  Either one I would send to ModWright for the standard multi-channel mods.  Then comes the A/V receiver.

Here I have really no ideas on which one I should look/buy.  The lines I'm looking at are Denon, Yamaha, Sony (maybe the SE line), or HK.

Can anyone help me by sharing their opinions on these products and/or other products?  Thanks...

[Woodsea]

You should look at the Pioneer DV59ai for a universal player as it has HDMI.  When it comes to a receiver, think about outputs to separate amplification.  In the next year, there will be some awesome multi-channel amps that are digital that will be VERY cost efficient.  I have an H/K 520 that is able to power my VMPS monitors to about 75% of their potential.  Plus it has logic 7, though EX is missing.  Brian (bubba996) will tote about the Pioneer receivers, which would match up well with the above mentioned player.
I am using a modded x-box (for DVD and jukebox) with a 160gb hd and today, I am placing a modded samsung dvd player so I should be able to all region dvd's and dvd-r/rw as well.
Just my 2 cents

[BWentler]

You should look at the Pioneer DV59ai for a universal player as it has HDMI.  When it comes to a receiver, think about outputs to separate amplification.  In the next year, there will be some awesome multi-channel amps that are digital that will be VERY cost efficient.  I have an H/K 520 that is able to power my VMPS monitors to about 75% of their potential.  Plus it has logic 7, though EX is missing.  Brian (bubba996) will tote about the Pioneer receivers, which would match up well with the above mentioned ...

Thanks for the above info.  What is the time frame, second/third/fourth quarter, for Class-D A/V receivers?  Who will some of the manufacters will be?

[drunkonjack]

I've been very happy with my Elite 47ai DVD player. Home theater magazine gave it product of the year award and I see why. It sounds excellent too. sacd DVD audio. The best sounding receiver I have listened to is the Rotel 1065 give this a listen to. Its a beast of a reciever. I sold it to buy a elite receiver to better match my DVD and to use i-link. This was a mistake I should have kept the Rotel. I'll be going into the Rotel 1066 and a 1075 amp next. I'd like to bet the bigger 1095 if budget alows.

[Doug_B]

BWentler,

I have the Pioneer 47Ai modded by Dan Wright, which includes the tube mod for the L/R channels. It's a serious improvement over the stock 47Ai. Since the 45A audio section is supposed to be identical to the 47Ai, Dan's mods should result in the same audio improvements. I will eventually post a review that compares this to my other players.

That said, I have listened to a stock 2900 in my system. Gobs of resolution / detail, but I thought there was a certain amount of cohesiveness missing. However, I would guess that a modded 2900 (by Dan or others) would outshine my modded 47Ai from an audio perspective.

How important is the video to you (and relative to audio)? If you wanted to upgrade your DVD player down the road due to video quality and/or feature improvements, would you keep your modded universal player for audio purposes, or would you also need high quality audio in such a player upgrade? This may impact what you choose as your modded player today.

In my case, I am fine with using the 47Ai for my current video needs. When I'm ready for DVI output or HD DVD, then I'll be looking for a new DVD-V player but still keep my 47Ai for audio (assuming I haven't already upgraded for audio by that time, as audio is my top priority).

Doug

[drunkonjack]

doug , When you say tube mod. Does this mean vacume tube ? As I recently purchased a tube cd player for this purpase of 2 channel audio. I might be interested in this mod. Could you point me in the direction I need to go for this. As too the video quality of this player I don't know how you could do better. Some new models coming out but this 47ai can be bought at half what it was going for 6 month ago. This is one peice I don't see replacing for a long time. Over and out, Kurt.

[Doug_B]

Modwright Pioneer Mods

Dan also has a forum here on audiocircle.

Doug

[Doug_B]

I now have a review of the 47Ai posted. The review summary is posted on the Critic's Circle here. The link to the full review is provided in the initial post.

Doug