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? <<

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.

Tvad wrote:

> 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.

Correct. I'm looking for a CDP in the under-$1000 range, but I'm also considering going the DVD route, if there's a player that's still decent on redbook CD. If someone has a suggestion for something other than the 3910 that might fit that bill, I'm happy to hear about it.

Mike1000 mentioned the Underwood "Ultimate" mod, and I don't doubt at all that it makes for a wonderful sounding CDP. I imagine the mod doesn't do anything but improve the video performance as well. But it's a $3000 mod, which is way out of the price range in which I'm playing. That's why I asked about the performance of the 3910 as a stock unit.

> 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).

If I can follow up on this, these sound like important, but not earth-shattering, differences. In other words, it sounds like the 3910 is a decent player to begin with, just one that can be bettered on its redbook playback at its cost point by a dedicated CDP. The rest of the system isn't a super-high resolution setup anyway (Audio Research SP-6A preamp, Quicksilver KT88 amps, Thiel CS1.2 speakers), so maybe the Denon would work OK there.

Thanks to all who have responded, and I certainly would like to hear from Bob_reynolds when he's had a chance to hear the 3910 in his system.

Lou

If I can follow up on this, these sound like important, but not earth-shattering, differences.

These differences make ALL the difference if you're looking for resolving, high-end CD playback that aspires to reproduce the sound of real music in your room.

In other words, it sounds like the 3910 is a decent player to begin with, just one that can be bettered on its redbook playback at its cost point by a dedicated CDP. The rest of the system isn't a super-high resolution setup anyway (Audio Research SP-6A preamp, Quicksilver KT88 amps, Thiel CS1.2 speakers), so maybe the Denon would work OK there.

Your definition of decent may or may not correspond with mine, or others', but it's no matter. To me, it sounds as though you're looking for something that will provide pleasant music and need not meet the definition of high-end audio. If this is the case, and if the Denon meets other requirements such as video and multi-channel playback, then the Denon 3910 is an excellent choice. If high-end CD playback is the primary purpose, then you can do better in a dedicated CD player, IMO.

As you mention, the resolution of any digital player will be less or more apparent depending on the resolving power of the rest of the components in the system. Even here, your experience and satisfaction will likely differ from the experience of others, and what others report will be more valuable if you have heard the components that comprise their systems.