Survey: Best CD Audio Sound for DVD Player

[N. Abstentia]

If your H/K sounds bad when connected with analog cables that means it has crappy DAC's and poor audio stages. Using the digital cable bypasses all that and uses the DAC's in your receiver. This also means that as long as you're using that digital cable there won't be any differences in sound between players, it does not matter what you get. Using the analog outputs is the only way you can test the sound quality.

And my choice is the Marantz DV-6400. I tried many, and still have this one

[EdwardGein]

I know we've had this recurring argument but there really was a big difference between the optic on the Harmon Kardon & hearing the optic on several other DVD players with the same receiver. Also the optic on the Harmon Kardon also sounded better then the analogue as well as these DVD players. None of the other DVD players I tried were over $300 so maybe that's why.

[topspeed]

By using digital ic's, every cdp/dvd player you hook up is a glorified transport. Nothing more, nothing less. If you feel you can hear a difference between transports (and you certainly wouldn't be alone), then that's fine. Just know what you're listening to, because it isn't the player per se. The transport and tray on the 2910 are rock solid, a fact illustrated in this Audioholics review that plainly demonstrates the difference between entry level players and the 2910.

Hope this helps.

[EdwardGein]

Thanks for the link Here are the specificiations from the Harmon Kardon DVD 31 Player I have: Digital-to-analog conversion: Video: 10-Bit/27MHz-54MHz D/A conversion; audio: Wolfson 192kHz/24-Bit D/A conversion

Is this significantly different then the Denon DVD-2910: 24 bit, 192kHz DSD-1791 audio DACs, an Analog Devices 32-bit processor and 80 Hz crossover with 12dB and 24dB low pass slopes, HDCD decoder, and 24/96kHz compatible digital outputs.

If I play the same CD back to back on the Denon through my same receiver (Denon 3801)
connected analogue or optical (whichever gives the best sound to me) will it sound significantly better then my Harmon Kardon (attached by optical cable)? If not, would you guess it would sound 20% better, 40%, whatever, or is their basically a point of diminishing returns where sound quality improvement is not that noticeable?

Thanks

[shokhead]

I've been playing everything through the analogs on my Sony because it just sounds a bit different then the Denon Receiver. Different better sometimes and not as good sometimes. I still go back and forth but the Sony can hold its own. Dont know what its got inside but the difference between them is very small.

[topspeed]

Thanks for the link Here are the specificiations from the Harmon Kardon DVD 31 Player I have: Digital-to-analog conversion: Video: 10-Bit/27MHz-54MHz D/A conversion; audio: Wolfson 192kHz/24-Bit D/A conversion

Is this significantly different then the Denon DVD-2910: 24 bit, 192kHz DSD-1791 audio DACs, an Analog Devices 32-bit processor and 80 Hz crossover with 12dB and 24dB low pass slopes, HDCD decoder, and 24/96kHz compatible digital outputs.

Well first off, the stats you listed for the Denon were it's audio processing. The video side uses a Faroudja FL2310 12bit/216 MHz video D/A converter. What does it mean? For one, it's a lot faster than the HK chipset. On the audio side, it's all a matter of taste. You might like the Wolfson better than the BB's. That's up to you to decide.

If I play the same CD back to back on the Denon through my same receiver (Denon 3801) connected analogue or optical (whichever gives the best sound to me) will it sound significantly better then my Harmon Kardon (attached by optical cable)?

Define "significant." It's rare in audio to encounter night and day changes, especially in cd players that are close to the same price point.

If not, would you guess it would sound 20% better, 40%, whatever, or is their basically a point of diminishing returns where sound quality improvement is not that noticeable?

There is absolutely a point of diminishing returns. Where the point is depends on how committed you are to this hobby. For the vast majority of the population, mid-fi gear is plenty. For the lunatic fringe, there is no end to their quest for ultimate fidelity. Neither are right or wrong, it's simply a matter of how serious you are and, more likely, how deep your wallet is.

[EdwardGein]

Any idea what stores carry & will play this model?

[topspeed]

Any idea what stores carry & will play this model?

In answer to your question, check Denon's website for authorized retailers. It's not like they are a boutique brand like Ayre or Wadia. You can find them at Magnolia Hi-Fi, Tweeter, and any number of A/V shops spread throughout the Southland. In SoCal Hershon, you very well may have more options available to you than in any other area in the country!

Now then, you say you're on the lunatic fringe? Cool. Understand this basic tenet: every quest for ultimate fidelity starts with the speakers. If you really want to improve the sound of your rig, I'm talking about a night and day difference here, you should forget about your HK and focus on replacing your speakers. As we have told you countless times they are, without a shred of doubt, your limiting factor. To affect a quantum jump in performance, forget the snake oil cd treatments and magic rocks. Change your speakers. It's not that Orbs are bad, it's just that there are a lot better to be had.

Hope this helps.