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DVD-A player with best redbook cd playback

I am shopping for an upgrade and need to hear opinions on DVD-A players that excel in redbook CD playback. I can go demo or pre-owned. Video quality is important (I want progressive scan), but the highest criteria is audio playback. The Integra Research RDV-1 has been recommended to me. I've been looking at the Muse players, but the Model 10 is out of my range (under $2,500). I haven't had the opportunity to audition any DVD-A's yet.

My HT system so far:
Aragon 8008x5 amp
Anthem AVM2 preamp
Bohlender Graebener hybid planar speakers (520 DX fronts & rears, 220 DX center)
Hsu VTF2 powered subwoofer
Panasonic RP-65 DVD (to be replaced)
Tice Solo Power Conditioner & Enhancer
JPS superconductor bi-wire speaker cable(fronts)
Audioquest Slate (rears)
Interconnects are: Stealth CWS, Elko G1999, Siltech G48
TV : old Sony to be replaced within 1 year with plasma screen- model TBD
Room: 14’ x 20’ x 8’, carpeted, 6’ x 16’ window on long wall
No tweaks yet
Power: dedicated 20 A circuit

I am also planning to upgrade my front speakers to probably a demo set of Montana SPX, and then will buy the 42" plasma screen & tuner last.

Please educate this poor boy...DVD-A players, speakers, plasma screens...I welcome all input.
lorenc1
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
You ought to hold out for COMBINED DVD-A/SACD/CD/DVD-V,etc capability. For $500 or less you can get a Pioneer DV-45A that does all this. Decent build quality, and it sounds good to me. I think the sound improvement just due to the new media will keep you happy for a while. Check out the Pioneer website for details on the 45-A.
mgattmch
576 posts
 
I personally use a Pioneer Elite DV-38A and I am very happy with it, both sonically and visually. However, in all honesty I can't tell you how it compares with similarly priced DVD-A players from other manufacturers.
unsound
7,341 posts
 
The Arcams and the Sony 9000ES seem to garner much praise for the reasons you outline.
voodoochile
93 posts
 
Stereophile has the Toshiba SD-9200 listed as a class "A"
DVD-A that does well with redbook also. It just seems wierd
to me that anything Toshiba would be class A for audio.
Who would thought that? They have the list price @ 1499.00.

I would lean toward the universal players as Eldartford
mentioned. I went the DVD-A only route based on advice from
someone and there has been plenty of times i wish i had
SACD capability. It makes more sense to have a universal
player. Maybe a Pioneer universal like the DV-45A with a good outboard DAC for redbook play would be a solution.. And it would easily fit into your budget.. You could always
have the DV-45A modded later on also.
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