Denon DVD-3910 vs CD-only Player

A dedicated stock CD player in the $1000 range will outperform the Denon 3910's CD playback. Makes sense, right? The manufacturer of the CD player can allocate all the production dollars to maximizing CD playback, while the Denon's production dollars go into CD, SACD, DVD-A, DVD, video...

>> A dedicated stock CD player in the $1000 range will outperform the Denon 3910's CD playback. Makes sense, right? <<

You'd like to think so, but the fact of the matter is that the 3910 is available on Agon for $600-700 right now. Now, take that $600 3910 and mod it and you'd have to spend >$3,000 to do better. I'd buy the 3910 in a heartbeat - the sound quality is terrific and the video quality is *stellar*. Add in the fact that Denon products are built exceptionally well and it's a no-brainer. Buy the 3910 and BE HAPPY!

...the fact of the matter is that the 3910 is available on Agon for $600-700 right now. Now, take that $600 3910 and mod it and you'd have to spend >$3,000 to do better.
Rlwainwright (System | Threads | Answers)

True.

However, the author's question is specifically limited to stock players (as indicated by the last sentence in the post), and in that scope a dedicated $1000 CD player like a Rega Apollo or a used Audio Aero Prima will outperform a stock Denon 3910, IMO.

How will a stock CD player be better? Primarily, in a quieter, less grainy, and therefore more resolving presentation due to a superior power supply design (which by the way is the primary area that would be addressed by a modification of the Denon).

I have a Denon 3910 and I use it for CD, SACD, and DVD playback. I really enjoy it. I ended up going with the Underwood "Ultimate" modification and it sure sounds wonderful to me... I did change to Pearl cryo-tubes. The rest of my system is Vienna Acoustic Mahler speakers, Mcintosh MX-119 processor and Mc-402 amp.