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What's a great multi format player under a $1,000?

Hey folks, I'm stumped. I would like to get a multi format player for under a grand. New or used, don't matter to me... much. Primarily for DVDA & DVD... though one that does the rest of the disc types would be great.. CDR, CDRW, photos, SAcd TOO, (what the hey), etc.

I'd also prefer one that you don't have to mod. My short list has Marantz, & Integra, on it. Yep. that's short, huh? OSD is a must. Decent video, great sound thru onboard proc & analog outs, are the preffferences. go figure. Multi channel isn't too high on the list but yeah, throw that in too as a oh, by the way aspect.

Many thanks.
blindjim
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
The Denon 2910 is well under that #, new, in stock form and I imagine the 3910 is as well, at least used.
blindjim OP
3,092 posts
 
Swamp....

You really think the Denon is worthwhiel? I get the impression for some, that once it's modded it is good, but not until... sort of bothers me a unit needs far more work to become acceptable. Just seems like a hassle to me. Though I'll keep in mind the 2900, and 3900 as you say...

It's odd that no one has hit on the Marantz units. they get a bunch of press, as do the Denons. My experience with Denon isn't too good... all the ones I've heard have been with so-so gear, usually mass media equipment. So I've always envisioned them as only in that category... save the modded ones. When the 'mods' are added into the fray, it's a different story altogether, isn't it?

It's begining to look a lot like a transport & DAC to me as the way to go with digital and that'll sure stretch things... and be lots harder that way 'round. though it is appreciated much to hear the notion.
fishwater
178 posts
 
I love my Onkyo DV-SP 1000. It is built like a tank & sounds very good with my Benchmark. I have not run audio outs as I listen through my Benchmark DAC but it has a similar liquid quality like my old belt driven transport, almost analog like if at all possible.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
At $1K for a multi-foramt, I think your options are limited. Not sure "great" is in the cards. The advantage of the Denon is that if you like, you can have it modded later, unless you are philosophically opposed to it. If you are, then maybe you want to think about older gen multi-players like the Sony 9000ES, although it apparently has some known glitches. Or maybe a Muse unit, although I am not sure if there is on w/DVD-A that will come in under $1K. The problem with a DAC and Transport is that you can't get SACD (not even sure if you can get DVD-A) that way unless you go with the megabuck EMM stuff, IIRC. BTW, if you have DVD, you will get multi-channel.
robm321
932 posts
 
I don't think you'll find "great" SACD/DVD-A (or even one of those) for under $1K, esp. multiplayer. The Denon's are not very good IMHO until heavily modified. Then, they have potential to sound "great", but the mod's to get them great will be over $1K by themselves.

Just my experience and opinion.
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