The 2900 has discrete DSD dacs. There is no DSD->PCM
conversion it is done in native DSD. Not sure about the 2200.
I've owned a 2900 for about a year now and I find SACD and
DVD-A playback to be very fine with the 2900. CD playback is
just OK but that's compared to my Wadia 861es so take that
opinion for what it's worth.
Avguru is correct in that the transport in the 2900 is not the
greatest. Slow disc loading times and audible disc spinning
although I must say that the spinning can only be heard within
a few feet of the player and only when there is no sound. I
can't hear the spinning when music is playing or from my
listening position about 10ft away.
I bought the 2900 mostly as an upgrade to my DVD-V player.
The video section is really top-notch. Check avsforum.com
for general impressions both audio and video. I just play
around with the SACD/DVD-A stuff. I have about 20 SACDS and
20 DVD-As. CDs are still my main source. Although I must
admit that I love DVD-A's that permit access to their
high-res PCM data, such as Santana's 'Supernatural' which
I can use my 861es to play back the 24/96 stereo tracks.
conversion it is done in native DSD. Not sure about the 2200.
I've owned a 2900 for about a year now and I find SACD and
DVD-A playback to be very fine with the 2900. CD playback is
just OK but that's compared to my Wadia 861es so take that
opinion for what it's worth.
Avguru is correct in that the transport in the 2900 is not the
greatest. Slow disc loading times and audible disc spinning
although I must say that the spinning can only be heard within
a few feet of the player and only when there is no sound. I
can't hear the spinning when music is playing or from my
listening position about 10ft away.
I bought the 2900 mostly as an upgrade to my DVD-V player.
The video section is really top-notch. Check avsforum.com
for general impressions both audio and video. I just play
around with the SACD/DVD-A stuff. I have about 20 SACDS and
20 DVD-As. CDs are still my main source. Although I must
admit that I love DVD-A's that permit access to their
high-res PCM data, such as Santana's 'Supernatural' which
I can use my 861es to play back the 24/96 stereo tracks.