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Audiophile Quality 2 Channel DVD Audio?

The next step on my higher end audio journey is to explore DVD audio. Mostly classical, historic, and acoustic concert performances. To see Monteaux conduct the Chicago Symphony, or a Bayreuth production of the Ring, Segovia or Eric Clapton play in an intimate setting would add a huge dimension to the aural experience. So my question is: Does audiophile quality 2 Channel Audio exist? Multi-channel formats seem to dominate, and "Oh yeah, DVDs play 2 channel too." Just how good is it? Rather than replace my very satisfactory modded Sony sacd player, I plan to add a used DVD player through A-gon. Much DVD programing that I'm interested in won't have high definition video, and enough has already been said about the consumer being held hostage in the HDCD and Blue Ray format war. So for my needs, Audio quality trumps Video quality. Life is compromise. What's affordable that has great sound, or can be modded? And what's your opinion on the future of DVD audio? Thank you in advance for your insight. A-goners are simply the best.
jeffkonicek
narrod
1,064 posts
 
DVD-Audio, like SACD, is pretty much a niche product and, in my opinion, will be nothing more. The war is over and both lost. The Denon 3910 is an excellent universal player. 2 Channel DVD-A can sound quite good. There is just not alot of it available.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Both SACD and DVDA provide theoretical and actual audio quality improvement over CD. But not enough better than a well made CD to make it worthwhile for 2-channel. The major benefit of these new media is multichannel, and if you can't or won't try MC don't bother with SACD or DVDA.

Of the two I think that DVDA is best. There are some technical questions about SACD HF performance, although I don't hear a problem. The DVDA protocol is much more flexible as to what the producer wants to use the bandwidth for. For example some discs let you choose your acoustic location in the hall..."Stage" or "Audience". The video on many DVDA is quite interesting...interviews with the performers, historical notes, and such. SACD lacks these extra features.
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
Here's another recommendation for the Denon 3910. A superb player for very little money. Gently used ones are selling for $450+ on Audiogon - this is a smokin' deal.

-RW-
jeffkonicek OP
14 posts
 
Thanks for your insights and recomendation of the denon 3910. It's disappointing that there is not a lot of DVDA programing out there, but my interest in historical performaces leads me to think that collecting a library that documents 20th century conductors and performers is worth the effort . Also it seems to me that there should be a small but steady stream of Tape transferred to Digital format as the archivists seek to preserve those documents in a more permanent form. Again, thanks.
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