Need your thoughts on Denon 3910 vs McCormack UDP1

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?

Can anyone comment on the DVD playback of the UDP1?

Wow -I'm so glad to see the action pick up on this and related thread next door!
Avguru - DV50's cost, non-universal, "best w/ balanced" all rule it out.
Ears - I just might see if I can readily find the Onkyo for home audition. But if there aren't major mod options, I am very skeptical it could compete with UDP or Exemplar on redbook, and that is the issue that is most driving my decision.
labtec - thanks for such solid advice. I'm leaning to just getting the UDP, but I'm trying to think carefully about the Exemplar angle BEFORE I listen to the UDP crush the stock 3910, fall in love, and end the investigation.

I will have about 1 more week before I have to decide to keep or return the 3910; so far I've simply concluded that the stock unit's redbook and SACD performance is unacceptable for what I'm aiming for.

What I really need is ANYBODY w/ MODDED DENON IN DENVER AREA?? - Come over and help me settle this!