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DVD-A and SACD player combo

I know very little about these two formats but I do know that I want to stay with a 2 channel audio system. I have a decent progressive scan DVD player that I use to watch movies and it connects to the TV's S-video input and the TV's speakers. I suspect it will stay connected to the TV as I don't watch many movies and don't really want a HT set up. I know Pioneer already introduced a player that plays all formats but it also plays DVD Video disks. Has any one heard about a player that is still focused on audio output only that will play redbook CD's, DVD-A and SACD's. I would want to use it in my 2 channel system and would have no need for video playback.
msnloeth
soix
2,133 posts
 
I agree with Aroc. One word of caution that I didn't see mentioned above--the Pioneer universal player converts SACD to PCM, which probably seriously compromises the quality of the SACD playback. The point is that this is still new technology and there will be lots of little-known bugs like this that are definitely not optimal for an audiophile-type person. Personally I'm waiting until things stabilize or at least until there's a digital connection so I can upgrade with a high-quality DAC in the future if need be. Best of luck.

Tim
keis
176 posts
 
Read this month's Stereophile. The front cover and a review of just such an animal. And they give it a good review.
flex
292 posts
 
In response to Tim's comment, my understanding is that the old Pioneer 2-ch universal player converted DSD to PCM, but that they got much flak for it and redesigned the new one to mimic the data handling of the Sony SACD units. This point should be clarified with Pioneer again.
chelillingworth
309 posts
 
The new pioneer 47 sells for $1200 and does not convert DSD to PCM like th AX 10 did.
chams_uk
158 posts
 
I have the Apex 7701. The unit is suprisingly good on SACD, almost the equal to the Sony SCD-777ES I have. On CD, it needs help (I have a Taddeo Digital Antidote II on my Sony, may try it on this). As far as DVD-A, the only one I have is ELP "Brain Salad Surgery." I have nothing to compare it to, however, I wasn't super pleased with it in general; only a LITTLE better than the quality I got from CD, and not as good as the SACD discs I have. Again, it'd be interesting to see how it would do with the Taddeo off it, but I haven't got off my butt to swap it in yet....

I'd check the cheaper Pioneer when it's available. Sounds like it could be a nice deal.

BTW, the Apex 7701 is $300.
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