Topic: ISO a new transport

[nickgregory]

Looking to replace the CD player in my office system so that I can play 24 bit recordings back (utilized both DVD-A and DVD-V authored discs).  I will be going analog out of the player to my NAD 7175PE integrated (older receiver, doesnt have digital inputs), so I am looking for something that has good quality d/a conversion built in and solid transport.  In quick perusal through audiogon, I am looking at the toshiba SD-9200, marantz dv-6400 and the denon 2900 as they all appear to be available used in the price range I am looking for (~$450).  Any input on these units, or other units I should be considering?

Thanks in advance....

[Nick's Picks]

I enjoyed the heck out of my toshiba SD9200.  that thing is a TANK.  excellent transport.  I'd say its in another class of decks than the others.  this was the flagship of toshibas line circa 1999/2000.  It was $2k new.

[nickgregory]

I enjoyed the heck out of my toshiba SD9200.  that thing is a TANK.  excellent transport.  I'd say its in another class of decks than the others.  this was the flagship of toshibas line circa 1999/2000.  It was $2k new.

thanks Nick...how would you rate the D/A conversion or did you only use it as a transport?

[Nick's Picks]

the D/A is top notch...from 10 years ago.
I dont recall if it upsamples or not.  I do recall being very dissapointed in my LITE DAC 60 as it didn't improve the sound at all comparred to the analog output of the toshiba.
that is...until I rolled tubes in it.
but...still, its a class A deck.  no slouch.

[Nick's Picks]

oh, it also does HDCD as well.

[carlbeck]

I am looking for the same thing, another contender in the used for $350 crowd is the Denon 2910. I may end up with one of these or the Toshiba's.

[Brian Skalinder]

Home office or work-site office?  If the former, I suggest considering PC-based playback:  Foobar > soundcard S/PDIF out > DAC > integrated.

[nickgregory]

Home office or work-site office?  If the former, I suggest considering PC-based playback:  Foobar > soundcard S/PDIF out > DAC > integrated.

home office, and I would do this (and look into upgrading my integrated to take a digi in) except about half of my listening is studio released stuff...so CD/DVD-A/SACD playback are important in my decision...

[nickgregory]

and I may end up with the pioneer elite dv-45, as I have one downstairs and already know what its capability is...have a line on a fantastic deal for it...will see if it is still available...

[jdawg]

I just recently bought a Denon 2910 and couldn't be happier. Bought used ~$330. I even did side by side comparisons with a Bel canto PL-2, and imo, the difference was minimal. I also did some experimenting with the 2910 going digital out to a Bel canto DAC 2, and again, little, if any difference that I could detect. Of course, room dynamics, speaker setup, and a whole bunch of other factors go into the equation. With that said, I think you'll find the Denon 2910 to have a wonderful DAC and you'd be hard pressed to improve it with an outboard DAC (within rea$on). And if you could, might as well just get an updated player for that kind of money.

[scervin]

I just recently bought a Denon 2910 and couldn't be happier. Bought used ~$330. I even did side by side comparisons with a Bel canto PL-2, and imo, the difference was minimal. I also did some experimenting with the 2910 going digital out to a Bel canto DAC 2, and again, little, if any difference that I could detect. Of course, room dynamics, speaker setup, and a whole bunch of other factors go into the equation. With that said, I think you'll find the Denon 2910 to have a wonderful DAC and you'd be hard pressed to improve it with an outboard DAC (within rea$on). And if you could, might as well just get an updated player for that kind of money.

My experience with the 2910 was much different.  Just didn't do it for me audio wise.  I thought the 2900 was closer to the 39XX series which are much better units.  The SP1000 bested them all though in MCA and 2 channel, but if using as just a transport the 2910 would be fine. 

[nickgregory]

I just recently bought a Denon 2910 and couldn't be happier. Bought used ~$330. I even did side by side comparisons with a Bel canto PL-2, and imo, the difference was minimal. I also did some experimenting with the 2910 going digital out to a Bel canto DAC 2, and again, little, if any difference that I could detect. Of course, room dynamics, speaker setup, and a whole bunch of other factors go into the equation. With that said, I think you'll find the Denon 2910 to have a wonderful DAC and you'd be hard pressed to improve it with an outboard DAC (within rea$on). And if you could, might as well just get an updated player for that kind of money.

My experience with the 2910 was much different.  Just didn't do it for me audio wise.  I thought the 2900 was closer to the 39XX series which are much better units.  The SP1000 bested them all though in MCA and 2 channel, but if using as just a transport the 2910 would be fine. 

If I recall correctly you also had a DV-45A as well...how did it compare to the 2900 for analog out in your opinion?

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

I also did some experimenting with the 2910 going digital out to a Bel canto DAC 2, and again, little, if any difference that I could detect.

I heard a similar comment regarding the 2900 vs DAC-2, that the DAC-2 was better but not enough to justify the additional cost compared to getting a higher end player.  Another member brought over a 24-bit DAC one evening and there was a difference but it was close enough that I lost interest in getting an external DAC and spent the money to bi-amp.  The 2900  alone has been satisfying for me.

[carlbeck]

I ended up purchasing a Denon 3800 on Agon. I was listening to my Onkyo SP-1000 last night & can't wait to compare the two when I have both in my hands. The Onkyo is a VERY nice universal player so this should be a fun "test"

[Nick's Picks]

nice deck Carl.