Need your thoughts on Denon 3910 vs McCormack UDP1

With my new clock, and power supply, along with upgraded capacitors ect, ect my video, and audio is just AWESOME.

Exemplar 3910/not denon no more

Avguru, on what type of system did you A/B the UDP and Esoteric?

I just recently A/B both at a local retailer and came away with the opposite impression. In particular, the bass of the UDP was much more refined with better pitch definition. The Esoteric seemed bloated in comparison. Admittedly, this was on a system with $20k speakers. When we listened on smaller speakers, it was fairly even, imo, but I understand a few preferred the Esoteric.

In terms of the original question, I think it depends on many factors.

1. If you're a videophile, DVI inputs could be important, so the Denon would be the choice. For most though, component inputs are impressive enough.
2. Mods are a great way to get reference level performance for less $$$, but the key is choosing the right modder.
3. I suspect the UDP will be open to mods too by Steve McCormack one day, so that may be a consideration if you're looking long-term.
4. If you don't want to rely on reviews or the internet to make your decision (probably a smart thing). Find a dealer to let you demo a UDP and, if you like it over your stock 3910, buy it. Mods take a leap of faith that you may or may not want to take.

Labtec: I'm about to spring for the UDP 1. I like that it's supposed to have an analog-like sound for redbook, but is it robust as well? With regards to the bass, I'm hoping it's similar to the Marantz SA14v.2, which not only had thunderous, defined bass; but also incredible imaging of that bass--percussion sounded as if in its own space in the room. I'm all ears if you've heard both.

Labtec,

The Esoteric was designed to sound better in balanced mode so you HAVE TO LISTEN TO IT BALANCED to hear it at it best. All the reviews that have been done (as well as the owners manual) explicity state this. The Electrocompaniet EMC 1UP and the Ayre CX-7 also sound better in balanced mode and the owners manuals for those respective units point that out. Its amazing to me how many people use this player or demo it with cheap pre/pro's or receivers that don't have balanced inputs.

Secondly, you have to experiement with the different filter settings on the unit. You can considerably tighten the bass by using the middle filter (FIR). Again, the Esoteric owners manual states the bass will tighten with the use of this filter.

I did find the UDP-1 bass to be tight and well defined but at the expense of bass slam and impact. Bass slam is also important with drums as you can better hear the impact of floor tom toms, kettle drums and other orchestral instruments.

Many audiophiles eschew bass slam because they don't want to hear a lot of bass in their music. They mistakenly associate it with rap or hard driving bass lines that can overpower the music when the truth is deep,tight bass with impact benefits the whole sonic soundscape. Bass and drums are the anchor for most types of music including jazz, blues R&B and country.

AB the two units again and let me know your impressions.

AVGURU

Avguru: I find it interesting that you mention the Marantz 8400 as one in a group that you prefer--I found the bass to be OK in this unit, but *lacking* in the very bass slam and impact you find lacking in the UDP1. Granted the Marantz is a less expensive player, but surely the UDP1 is better than the Marantz 8400 when it comes to the bass aspects? Are you a salesman who has been able to do good side-by-side comparisons of all these units?