Strictly Redbook playback - CE595 vs. DVP642

[hciman77]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo Source: Philips DVP642 : $39 Cables: coaxial and rca : $50

I know $50 is a modest outlay for cables but spending more on cables than on the source !, no wonder outsiders think we are all nuts

My setup is

Phillips DVP642: $60 - boy was I fleeced

Number Cruncher 203.2: $35
MisterX M^3: $270
Digital Cable(eBay) $1.25
RCA Cable(ebay) $4.99
Total ~$371
Result happiness

 

[khbaur330162]

As you all know, I've been researching some of the cheaper DVD and CD players as a possible source for my modest, but growing, headphone rig. My family actually happens to have one of these lying around the house, unopened. I asked the rents if I could adopt it as my own because it's been sitting around for over a year, but they told me they were planning on returning it.

First off, I'll tell you what exactly it is. The box says it plays VCD's, SVCD's, DVCD's, CD-R's, CD-RW's, HDCD's, and mp3 discs. On the back there's RCA (5.1 and stereo) outputs, both optical and coaxial digital outputs, an S-Video Out as well as a plethora of other "Component Video Out" jacks. I'm thinking I can use this set of DIY IC's I got (RCA to RCA) to go from the Daewoo straight to my Headfive, and later if I'm ambitious enough, I can purchase a DAC to hook up to either the optical or coaxial out.

What do you guys think? Should I even waste my time opening it up and giving it a listen? I'm not looking to mod it in any way, and I wasn't looking to spend much more than $100. ($150 would be around my max point for specifically a transport) Free is a damn good price though, don't you think?

khbaur

 

[infinitesymphony]

It can't hurt to try. At least then, you'll have some basis for knowing what you want from an upgrade. It's nice to start with a low-end device that isn't perfect; the only way to go is up.

Also, I doubt it decodes HDCD. I've investigated a bunch of cheap and off-brand players that have "HDCD" listed in the specs, and like any CD players in existence, they can play back HDCDs. However, they can't decode them, which requires a separate chip.

Edit: Did you know that the Daewoo DVDP4851 is region-free, does PAL-to-NTSC conversion, and is fully-suited to play KARAOKE?! It even has a built-in pitch control. So, have fun singing along to some Europop.

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hciman77 I know $50 is a modest outlay for cables but spending more on cables than on the source !, no wonder outsiders think we are all nuts My setup is Phillips DVP642: $60 - boy was I fleeced Number Cruncher 203.2: $35 MisterX M^3: $270 Digital Cable(eBay) $1.25 RCA Cable(ebay) $4.99 Total ~$371 Result happiness

LOL, actually I was fleeced as well since when I bought my DVP642 I paid $52 including S&H. Oh well, live and learn.

 

[khbaur330162]

infinitesymphony, your comments are much appreciated. I didn't know it had varying pitch control or karaoke playback, but honestly, I won't ever use it. Also, It'll most likely be set up in my room, or at my computer table. neither of which have a TV close enough by to use it for DVD's. I'll be using it for "Strictly Redbook playback".

My only qualm is that once I open it, it's sort of difficult to return a 1+ year old DVD player, even to Costco... I'll see what the rents have to say. It doesn't look too shoddy in my opinion. I bet it sounds half way decent as well. (worlds better than my JVC no doubt

)

Has anyone ever used their Xbox or PS2 as a source? I got two collecting dust in my basement. (Halo 2 and Kingdom Hearts have lost their luster for the moment...) I might even be able to load music onto the PS2's HDD and play music off that. I installed a 300 gigger in there, so there's definitely 'nough room to go around between Sega Genesis Roms, PS2 games, and then my music collection... I wonder if there are any worth while audio playback programs for the PS2...

 

[hciman77]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo LOL, actually I was fleeced as well since when I bought my DVP642 I paid $52 including S&H. Oh well, live and learn.

I have to admit I have had a few problems with the Phillips lately. First I noticed that one of my older CDs - Solti/CSO Wagner Overtures (1984) vibrated big time - it was an unusually thick CD but even so, one of my badly pressed CFP Vaughan-Williams CDs misread at the start, both read perfectly on other CD players.

Then the Coax Digital crapped out - the Optical digital is still working fine. So reports of reliability problems are borne out somewhat. I still have no reservations about the sound quality (when it plays) but these problems are a nuisance and if it had been a $300 player I would be really pissed. Whereas I am just somewhat annoyed. If I buy a replacement I will definitely send the warranty card in next time.

 

[khbaur330162]

I'm worthless... I know. I opened it up. The treble is simply breathe taking. It really sounds great with the H5 and CD3K's. The opening track on the Discovery album by ELO has got all these randomly placed synth noises that seriously seem to float around my head. Crazy stuff indeed.

Not everything is good though. The glossy face plate is a thin piece of lucite with some cheapo glue on the back to hold it in place. As I removed the protective covering off of it, I could literally see it bend away from the aluminum body. The disc tray is also of dubious quality. The bass response is nearly as full as before either, but that's because I eq'ed the crap out of the CD with the JVC. I'll get used to this. All in all, I'm glad it was free, but it's a slight upgrade from my previous setup, so I'm happy.