the 3960 sounded rediculously good on redbook playback.
it rivaled my $2k Musical Fidelity CD-PRE24's sound.
When I bought mine ...I plugged it into the CD-PRE and did some A/B comparrisons of the transports and A/Ds. I could hear the difference w/the transports, but I could not hear any difference running ananlog.
so, I sold the CD-PRE and was happy.
Now I have a new Toshiba love.
4-5 years ago when SACD and DVD-A were new, Toshiba decided to embrace DVD-A and went with that format for their flagship deck, the SD-9200. This CD/DVD-A/DVD player costs over $2k new back then. I think it pushes 40lbs. BIG bitch...solid transport. Quality stuff. Stereophile gave it a class A rating.
So, you know its analog stereo performance kicks ass.
The best part is...this sucker runs for $450-600 used now.
winky winky!
I use my Sony as a DAC, so in my world it will be passing redbook and DVD-A LPCM. But if I ever go back to componants, or dont have a DAC...I know I wont really need one to get HQ sound from my playback. The 9200 should take care of that end with style. But'...we'll see.
I was going to go w/the Denon 2900 as they are in the same ballpark in terms of used price. Did my homework for a week, and decided the Toshiba was a better choice for me.
Lots of them out there.
One on eBay now that is only $299 and has not been bid upon. I think it ends today!!
Too bad I commited to someone on agon or I would have bought it. $200 cheaper than the regular agon price.
FWIW...
Class A action for cheap. I love it.