Phillips 963 SA or Denon 2200 for SACD playback?

How close (or far) do these two players compare for pllayback?

imin2u02-01-2004 12:39am

dweller Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,781 posts 02-01-2004 at 06:52pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I own the Philips but don't use it for SACD. Unles you want multi-channel SACD playback, get a Sony 9000ES. These do SACD right and can be had for $500 or so (used).
thegeneral Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 16 posts 02-04-2004 at 02:20am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I can tell from personal experience that the 963 is a little less bright for standard Redbook playback (especially when upsampled). I was not able to compare SACD playback but the redbook difference was pretty noticable. However, if you are looking for more functionality, and DVD-Audio playback -- I would go with the 2200. It is probably the best "bang for the buck" piece out there. My dad owns it and he absolutely LOVES it. It is a really nice unit -- very intuitive controls and very hassle free compared to the 963 (don't even get me started on the Philips remote). However I am still happy with my 963. BTW I compared the two players using one of the newest Sunfire reference AMP and preamp, playing through some Meadowlark Kestrel 2's. Good luck with your decision. If I could do it all over again I would be pretty stumped as the Denon beats out the 963 in MANY ways. However the SQ of the Philips does have it beat by a bit. :)