[humanflyz]

I'm looking to upgrade my source right now, and I'm looking for an universal player because I'm beginning to get a small collection of DVD-A and SACD together right now.

My setup so far is the K701 amped by a PPX3-6CG7. I'm looking for a source that is resolving but not harsh, won't take away the midrange magic of the K701, and have a tight, controlled bass. But the most important thing right now is that the source must have a good soundstage because I am positively in love with the K701's soundstage. If the source decreases the soundstage in any way, that's a no-no for me.

Musically, I pretty much listen to a wide variety of music, so I would prefer a balance/neutral source. I have no idea what the options are at this price point, so I'm throwing this out there for some suggestions, and then I can start to do some research.

 

[Yikes]

There are several SACD/CD players that might qualify. But if you must do DVD-A that makes it much more difficult to find anything that stands out from the pack.

Best bet a used Denon 3910. It's good stock, but it also takes well to modding. Great Video, with very good SACD, CD, and DVD-A performance.

 

[humanflyz]

@Yikes:

DVD-Audio is not a must have, since I can do DVD-A playback on my PC, but it would be nice to have a universal player. But even then, what would be some suggestions for a SACD/Redbook player within my price range?

 

[Yikes]

Look for a used Music Hall Maverick. Or any one of many Sony SACD players that have been modded. Mods tend not to increase the used retail of a player significantly, but often do increase the sound quality. Stretch your budget up to one of the used Exemplar 2900's (modified Denon 2900) should be able to find one for $1000-$1500. You can not get a better player for the money.

I have a loaded Exemplar 3910 and it can't be touched for under $10,000. The 3910 still draws $2500 to $3500 used.

YMMV

 

[humanflyz]

Lol, I'm afraid I can't stretch my budget anymore than it already has. I was originally planning on having a $500 budget, but then I stretched it to $800, and any more stretching would be unrealistic at the moment. I'll try to search the used market. Also, what Sony universal players are considered "decent"?

 

[humanflyz]

Does anyone have any opinions on the Marantz SA8260? It plays both SACD and Redbook, and it is within my price range, and I've heard some good things about it. I searched the forums, but all the threads were pretty old, so I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on this?

 

[humanflyz]

Just throwing another choice out there to see if I can get any feedback:

Pioneer Elite DV-59AVi

I did a search on the forums, and mostly Welly Wu is the one posting about this. I think this looks like an attractive option, but I need some more info.

 

[jumping jupiters]

I have the Marantz DV6600 which is a universal...roughly $600...I'd recommend spending more or looking elsewhere from this model if you are not intending to use it as a DVD player predominately...I like the suggestion to go with a Denon 2900 to allow for future mods.

 

[humanflyz]

^

Thanks. I'm beginning to settle on the Denon 2900/2910. I take it that the 2910 is an update on the 2900? Am I correct?

 

[ServinginEcuador]

A Denon 2900/2910 would be a great place to start. That way when you save enough money to have some mods done you can always improve upon the sound of your unit.

 

[humanflyz]

Is there a difference between the 2900 and the 2910? From the model number it looks like the 2910 is some kind of revision of the 2900, but it has been known that in consumer electronic devices, the bigger number doesn't automatically mean the better device. I'm just trying to see the differences between the two, but so far I haven't got anything conclusive.

 

[ServinginEcuador]

2910 also plays HDCD, the 2900 does not.

 

[humanflyz]

Ah, I see. Thanks for the info. Well in that case it looks like I'll be getting a Denon 2910 in the future.

 

[Yikes]

2900 Discontinued original retail approximately $1500

2900 replaced by the 3910 retail $1500

The 2910 retails for $750 +-

Look at the weights of the players.

 

[humanflyz]

@Yikes:

Thanks for clearing that up.