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suggestions for DVD player as transport

Can you audiophiles recommend a DVD player that works as an excellent transport? Or would you recommend a separate CD transport as "better"?

I already have a top-notch DAC that handles 24/96 inputs, so I'd bypass the internal DAC on the DVD player, though not the DVD player's Dolby Digital decoding in the digital domain.

I currently use a Sony DVP7700 for DVD and CD, but it downconverts DVDs to redbook specs for digital output. I'd hate to get both a new DVD player *and* a CD transport if that can be avoided. I'd like to hold off on the CD only transport until the SACD/DVD-A picture settles more. An AES/EBU output would be great too.
128x128turnaround
dopogue
1,767 posts
 
I disagree. The Pioneer DVDs like the 4l4 and 525 make excellent transports, especially when modified. Better yet, my Musical Concepts-modded 4l4 didn't even need a DAC except to achieve some audiophile cred ( When hooked up to a full-bells-and-whistles MSB it sounded identical with and without the MSB). If you don't believe it (and I probably wouldn't either), you simply haven't heard one. I'll be selling mine soon; finally found something that sounds better (a Sony XA777ES SACD player). Cheers, Dave
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
I'm using a Muse 9 sig as a transport only now into a DCS Delius. The DAC is a big improvement over the digital section in the Muse. And the Muse is pretty highly rated. You could go with a Muse 8/Erato and pick up DVD-A as well.
jdlepera's avatar
jdlepera
234 posts
 
Your answer may be at tweakaudio.com .Good Luck!
mchd1
93 posts
 
The Theta DaViD is a very good transport. You can find them used for around $2000.
jbecker
22 posts
 
You don't specify a price range; I was in the same boat and bought a Denon 2800 DVD player. I use it as a transport with my MSB (The plate) DAC and it is sweet sounding (for CD's). My main love remains analog (read: that's where the big money goes). The Denon retails at 799, and I have had no problems with it as a DVD player. It also offers progressive scan. Good Luck.
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