|   DVD player as a CD player? Quality? | drewster628
May 2, 2003 10:54 AM | | Hi everyone.
I have a question for all the audio enthusiasts out there:
First, a preface: I'm a college student putting together an audio system. Up until now it's pretty much been all-in-one minisystems. So, I'm finally building a componant system and have always been of the mindset that if you're going to spend money, you might as well spend a little more and get something good, as opposed to crap. But I don't have a *lot* of money, and I am trying to cut corners here and there.
What I'm wondering is this: I need a DVD player and a CD player. While DVD players can play CDs, I'm under the impression that the digital circuitry sometimes leaves something to be desired... Is the difference between a good DVD changer and a normal CD changer that different? I'm not an audiophile; am I going to notice a difference? I was looking into a Yamaha CD player but am now considering just getting a Pannasonic, Toshiba, or Sony DVD changer.
What do you guys think? Suggestions?
Thanks... Andrew |
| Get only a DVD player | Swerd
May 2, 2003 12:29 PM | | Since you say that you need both DVD and CD players, I assume that you plan on getting a home theater receiver. If that is the case, skip the CD player. Most, if not all, HT receivers digitize all incoming analog audio signals. It's better to bypass the DVD (or CD) player's digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and hook it up to send the digital sound signals directly to the receiver. A single cable (either coaxial or fiberoptic, makes no difference which) does this. In that sense, the DVD player is only a disc transport, the receiver does all the DAC. The DAC chip of the receiver will handle CDs just fine. Paying extra for a CD player is only a waste of money. |
| Thanks | drewster628
May 2, 2003 1:51 PM | | Thanks for explaining that the way you did. The explanation really helped me understand why I only need the DVD player. =)
I'm glad there are nice knowledgeable people on here.
Andrew |
| Get only a DVD player | danbry39
May 8, 2003 7:43 PM | | First off, I agree that getting a DVD player might be the best option in this instance. However, I disagree that that holds true in all circumstances. For instance, I own quite a few CD players, as well as five DVD players. In my bedroom, where I do most my listening, I have a Denon 1600 DVD player, an Arcam 72T CD player, and a Rotel 1066 pre-pro. There's no way the Denon, which enjoys a good reputation in this regard, can hold a sonic candle to the sound of the Arcam. I'd add that using the DAC's or the Arcam in pure analog feed is superior to using the digital coax out to the Rotel, which also enjoys a great reputation for two channel sound.
The reason is that proper D/A conversion requires an extremely accurate clock signal with as little jitter as possible, with the master clock as physically adjacent the DAC chips as possible. This is a relatively easy matter in a CD player where everything is slaved to the single master clock, but is problematic in a DVD where there are three master clocks (one for video and two for audio).
Other factors influencing sonic quality include, obviously, the DAC's themselves, as well os things like digital filters, post conversion analogue filters, etc.
Again, I agree with you with regard to most systems, but just wanted to defend those who want to move up the chain a bit here. A lot of us enjoy the "true" differences most midlevel and above CD players can add to our system. |
| re: DVD player as a CD player? Quality? | RGA
May 2, 2003 4:02 PM | | I'll add this note. You won't exactly get the best sound with this route but the other poster noted that the receiver will handle the Digital to Analog conversion. I'm not a big fan of using recievers for music...but you said it's a beginning system so it's not too bad a way to go.
Mynote though is on your idea to buy a DVD/CD changer (I assume carousel).
Here is what I would suggest. The Toshiba SD1800 is quite a cheap DVD player ~$150.00CDN($100.00US). It is an excellent dvd player with high quality video. You could then buy a Sony 300 disc changer for $180.00US CDP355. The reason is this. The carousel changers generally have higher breakdown rates and if it goes you lose both your music listening and your DVD player at once. If you want a changer you may as well get a REAL changer and the mega changers are certainly that). The Sony and the Pioneer actually sound not too bad and they have the option to add an external DAC if you want to upgrade the sound.
Here's a review of last year's model http://www.onhifi.com/product/sony_cdpcx400.htm
I figure if you want the features why not get all you can. Buy a less expensive DVD player like the Toshiba and you can have your cake and eat it too. |
| re: DVD player as a CD player? Quality? | satz
May 4, 2003 6:59 PM | | I agree that you could well use a DVD player as a transport only. I'm doing that. Using my Denon AV Receiver to do the DA conversion.
You could also save on the DVD player by not buying one that has in-built DD/DTS decoder (if you're going to use your receiver to decode)
A DVD player actually makes a very good CD player when used as a transport. Make sure you get as good a Receiver as possible!
cheers
Satz |
| re: DVD player as a CD player? Quality? | mikesnazzy
May 5, 2003 5:41 AM | | I am in a similar situation and have some experiences for you. I have the panny rp82 I am using as a DVD and CD player. I think it is an amazing DVD player, but leaves a bit to be desired when it comes to CD's. I went to my local dealer and listened to some CD players and there is a dramatic difference in quality. Granted I was listening to $300-400 CD players. I have decided that sub $200 cd players are not a lot different sounding than the DVD players, but high end CD players such as cambridge D500 or NAD 541i do sound significantly better. My recommendation is to get a DVD player such as the panasonic DVD rp62 and use that as a CD player. It will sound decent. Then you can save up a few hundred to get a great sounding CD player. That's how I did it. |
| re: DVD player as a CD player? Quality? | Woochifer
May 6, 2003 4:43 PM | | The main reason I would go with a CD player is because the transports on DVD players are not as flexible or precise with the search function as dedicated CD players. If you try out the scan function on a typical DVD player and find it sufficient for your needs, then by all means save your money and stick with the DVD player. The sound quality of a decent CD player can be noticeably better than a DVD player, but it's not such a huge difference as to warrant separate players if you're on a tight budget. Buy the CD player for better functionality or if you want a carousel or jukebox changer. For some reason, for the price difference between a single-disc and carousel DVD player, you can practically buy a standalone CD changer. |
| |
