[Zoide]

Which one is better for CD playing, the Chaintech AV-710 or the Toshiba SD 3950/60? (other than the fact that they are for different purposes, etc., but in terms of audio quality, etc.)

Thanks.

 

[Earwax]

I've said this before, but since then I've upgraded my opinion of of the AV710 based on additional burn-in and/or better setup. So, I tried a head to head comparison again and my preference is still the 39x0.

My comparison is based on the following setup:

3960 -> JMT CHA47 -> CD780
AV710 -> JMT CHA47 -> CD780
listening to Christopher Parkening Plays Vivaldi, Warlock and Praetorius

The 3960 sounds smoother, yet is still very detailed, the music is deeper with better presence, imaging and soundstage.

I also have a 3950, but it's not so easy to move it around to do a head to head comparison. The 3950 has a slightly better display and it is very close to the 3960 in sound.

[One thing in the AV710's favor, if you have efficient headphones, you don't absolutely need to have an amp, I usually use the HD280 with it ampless.]