2. home-theater
  3. 155477-16355

New digital source recommendation

Hello-I'm looking for recommendation on a new digital source. My current setup is a Denon 2900 CD/SACD, Samsung Blu-ray/DVD player (<$100), Integra DHC 9.9 AVR, Anthem 5ch amplifier & PSB speakers. The Denon 2900 is connected via RCA with the AVR setup to play in Pure Direct mode. The Samsung player is connected via digital coax. with the AVR setup to play movies. I have had this setup for many years & very happy with the results; only forced to make this move because the Denon 2900 has developed a problem (it skips). The 2900 is quite old, and not worth the repair in my mind. My priority is high quality stereo playback. I play BD/DVDs but not so much anymore; for movies I stream via the TV. I am open to all recommendations, i.e. one source that can do it all. I don't stream music now, but I would consider it a bonus if the new source is able . My budget is $500. Thanks in advance.
mybuddy
mahler123
3,305 posts
 
I would look at the Sony BDP lineup to see what they offer currently in your price range.  You could do streaming on the cheap with something like Google Chrome, and then if it becomes a more important source for you, upgrade accordingly 
mybuddy OP
16 posts
 
Thank you mahler123. I've been checking out many forum threads here & on AVS to get ideas, and two units caught my eye have been the Sony UDP X800M2 ($250) and X1100ES ($500).
mahler123
3,305 posts
 
They both play SACD, CD and Blu Ray.  It looks like the the higher priced model will stream from a network so if you add Google Chrome then you can also get streaming services.  Not one box but pretty close.  Or get the cheaper unit and Bluesound Node2
mybuddy OP
16 posts
 
Been researching the diff. & best I can find is X1100ES has a built-in DAC and X800M2 does not. Otherwise the two are identical in features. I will use the Integra AVR DAC for SACD, CD & Blue Ray (I don't plan to significantly expand this library).

Regarding streaming, Sony.com says the following 'The UBP-X800M2's playing power goes far beyond 4K UHD Blu-ray discs. You can watch, listen to, and stream almost anything you like – including most High-Definition video and High-Resolution Audio formats, and a host of popular streaming services.' If in the future I get deep in HiRes audio, there's opportunity for improvement with an external streamer/DAC.
soix
9,456 posts
 
Maybe take this as an opportunity to enter the wonderful world of music streaming rather than reinvesting in more “old tech.” You could buy a used Innuos Zen Mini 2 for $500. This would allow you to load all your CDs directly into its internal memory and allow you to access your entire collection of music from your phone, tablet, etc. and be able to make your own playlists or listen randomly or by genre. In addition to having complete access to all your CDs from your chair, you’ll now have music streaming capability so whole new worlds of music will now be available to you. I recently subscribed to Qobuz high-res for 15 bucks/month, and it has literally changed my music-listening world. Frankly, I rarely play my CDs anymore as I find the discovery of new music (new to me anyway) to be infinitely more fascinating and rewarding. Sorry if this is off your original track, but it’s been such an incredible game changer for me I thought it worth bringing up as you seem at least open to streaming at this point.  Best of luck. 
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