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Pioneer DV-37 vs. Sony DVP-9000ES

I have been waiting for the new Pioneer DV-37 progressive scan DVD player to be released, and noticed that Sony will release the DVP-9000ES soon. I am wondering which DVD player will have the best picture. Pioneer has always edged out Sony in picture quality, if not ergonomics. The new DVP-9000ES has a new 12 bit video DAC, and the Pioneer has a 10 bit. As a soon to be buyer I want the best video quality first, audio second. The SACD capability of the Sony throws a monkey wrench into the decision. It will be very hard to compare the two machines now. Even IF the Pioneer beat the Sony in a direct video comparison, the SACD factor is a big plus if it sounds anywhere near as good as their more expensive SACD players. Any advice or opinions would be most appreciated.
bmpnyc
bmpnyc OP
713 posts
 
Thanks guys, I bought the DV-37. I was too impatient to wait for the Sony. Well... I don't think I will regret it. The CD aspect alone sounds as good as many mid priced high end cd players I have heard, and the video can't be beat. SACD will have to wait for me now.
bulldogger
275 posts
 
Albonilla, yes the Proceed units will could with a software upgrade and some sort of digital connection decode DVD-A or SACD it would not be a full resolution. The dacs in that combination are 20 bit dacs, Burr Brown 1702. That combination would be decoding dvd-a at 20/96 resolution, far short of 24/192 resolution. I would not be surprised though if Proceed does not upgrade these dacs to ones that can decode 24/192 probabely in about 1 year from what my credible sources say.
kmccarty's avatar
kmccarty
99 posts
 
One caveat in my response - I changed video displays at the same time I "upgraded" from the Pioneer DV-05 to the Sony DVP-9000ES. In comparison - the Sony is grainier and colors are not as realistic. The Sony's controls are quirky and unresponsive sometimes. But, CDs and SACDs sound superb. I have a Theta Gen V D to A processor, and the Sony CD sound definitely gives the Theta a run for its money. SACD is in a league by itself. Anyone have advice in tuning in the Sony DVP9000es and Sony 36XBR400 combo? I've tried Avia test disc...
bezeemya
20 posts
 
I truly love my 9000es. Easily replaced the dv37. Detach. cord is also nice. 36XBR400 mates very well. No need to adjust things on the 9000es much. Picture is so film like out of the box. It will replace the Audio Refinement cd complete If the 9000es outperforms it. Tray can be pain if discs not centered. Unplayable cdr's also a minor setback. SACD's will have to be ordered via mail as no local suppliers.
bmpnyc OP
713 posts
 
Bezeemya, let us know what you think of CD playback through the Sony.
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