hershon
02-01-2005, 01:56 AM
I really would appreciate a good explanation for this, if nothing else this might save someone some money in the future. Yesterday, I went to an excellent High End Audio Store in LA called Shellys (for some reason there are about 5 or 6 big electronic stores in that area within walking distance of each other) & the sales people were excellent and gave great service. I basically reiterated to them what has been a recurring theme of mine on this board, even though I'm happy with my CD sound played through a JVC DVD 500watts receiver (JVC RX-DV31SL) & Orb Speakers, how could I improve on my music sound quality. The sales people basically advised me to start with a new CD player, they all but guaranteed the sound would be better as they said it was better to play CD's through a CD player not DVD player & not a DVD receiver & then get a better receiver. I should add the sales people were great, they didn't try to hard sell or push anything on me. They seem to be the only store that carries Marantz in the area and I heard 3 of their CD players which they recomended I listen to on headphones and they said I'd notice a difference in the sound.. I brought in a remastered CD by the Byrds & I listened to their $150, $350 & $750 Marantz CD players. There was a significant difference between the $150 & $350 model but not as much between the $350 & $750 one, I actually preferred the $350 sound believe it or not. The salesman let me buy a floor model of it (Marantz CD5400) that was on display for a month (it was actually dated when it went on display) for $50 off with the regular warranty & features & accessories and said no problem returning it if I didn't hear a difference. So I got home all excited. I should mention I connected everything digitially via an Optic Cable. For the fairest comparison, I pressed 2 CDR's of the Beatles "Revolver" a CD I was never particularly thrilled with the sound & placed them in both in the JVC DVD & the Marantz CD player. I played several songs back to back between the 2 machines, all the receiver settings were the same (I played them on my all channel 5 speaker mode)& to my shock and dismay, the sound from my JVC DVD was alot better than that of the Marantz. The Marantz if this makes any sense at all seemed to have a harsher in your face sound yet it spread the sound thinner over a wider area while the JVC had a fatter warmer sound in a narrower area. I put on another Beatles CD, Rubber Soul, and same results.
Finally, I listened to both systems on my headphones attached to my receiver. Again same results. I'm returning the Marantz to the store tommorow. Can someone please tell me what exactly is going on? Just to show you I wasn't biased or delusional, I played the same stuff for my sister & she had the same conclusion I had. Your thoughts on this will be appreciated.
Finally, I listened to both systems on my headphones attached to my receiver. Again same results. I'm returning the Marantz to the store tommorow. Can someone please tell me what exactly is going on? Just to show you I wasn't biased or delusional, I played the same stuff for my sister & she had the same conclusion I had. Your thoughts on this will be appreciated.