Hi there,

I looking into buying a new really nice player with good audio and video performance and I think that I have narrowed it down to the following three contenders:

- Pioneer 989
- Marantz 7600
- Marantz 9600

My TV is a Loewe 32 inch CRT display connected with component cables and normal interaced 576i/480i video signal from the DVD player - no need for fancy progressive scan or digital HDMI connects here... just really solid standard video performace is what I need.

If possible I would also like to use the onboard decoding for 5.1ch DD/DTS and connecting it with 6 analog cables to my receiver, for improved audio performance (the receiver is getting old, but still has good and useful amplifiers for my current needs).

I think I really want the Marantz 9600 from all the reviews and tests I have read, but it costs twice as much as the other two. So how much will I suffer if I choose the Marantz 7600 instead?
The Pioneer 989 (aka Elite 79AVi) seems to also be a good player but has some video issues, at least acording to the benchmarks found here:
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volum...on-9-2000.html

Could anyone give me some good advice here....? Are there perhaps other player that I have missed on my list of contenders?

Kind regards,
Tommy

[Damian1978]

I have the DV9500 and its a superb player. I got it primarily for its excellent audio abilities and then its superb video performance (and the Denon 3910 I tried had black level issues at the time).

I use its digital out for picture and it's excellent on an LCD TV.

Out of the three and if you are not upgrading to a flat panel or projector for a while I'd say maybe try the cheaper DV7600 as they are supposed to be really good all round.

But, if you can afford the extra £££ the decoders are superb in the DV9500 so they should be as good in the DV9600 (plus they are built like tanks!).

[creative-av]

You can always keep an eye in the classifieds for a Denon 2900. Rated as one of the best component players.

Steve

Tommy,
I have the DV9600 and tested the Dv 7600 and the Pioneer 989 and the Dv9500 and by far the DV9600 tops them all. The DV9500 is the closest to the DV9600 for Audio and Video ,but the DV 9600 is a tad better In everything!!!
If you have the CASH and you love detailed perfect sound go for the DV 9600, but if you want Dynamics without detail go for the Pioneer and you will save money.
The DV 9600 would be a perfect upgrade and the best money you have put on your main source!!!!! The main source determins the final sound ,so putting money in your main source will give your speakers a good smile and run for the money!!!!!!!!
Cheers,
Chinets

[creative-av]

DV9600 is an awesome DVD player(as reading Kris Deerings report will tell you) but is it slightly ott for a CRT tv(I'm not judging what another person wants but I can't help thinking that the DV9600 is pushing it a bit far)?

Steve

[Liam @ Prog AV]

Originally Posted by creative-av

DV9600 is an awesome DVD player(as reading Kris Deerings report will tell you) but is it slightly ott for a CRT tv(I'm not judging what another person wants but I can't help thinking that the DV9600 is pushing it a bit far)?

Steve

A Xelos 32" will show a 9600 in all it's glory, just without prog scan. Plus the audio side of things has nothing to do with the TV, but is 50% of what you are buying.

P.S. the video issues on the 989 (hi resolution detailing, or lack of it, if I remember correctly) was to do with their progressive scan conversion so wouldn't actually be relevant here. I think the 989 would give you all you need, but the 9600 is a truly lovely bit of kit.

However, I can't help but wonder why there is no Arcam listed here. DV137 (£1,250) and DV29 (£1,600) would leave the others crying in the corner for their mummy - for video and audio. The DV29 plays back CDs like a decent dedicated CD deck does!

[rhino2k]

I have a 7600 on order for tuesday, after looking at many reviews and comments, it appears to be the best player for it's price (£550 is the best online price, but i got a further discount ).

the 989 i could have probably got for another £150ish, but i doubt it would be much better than the marantz.

Thanks for all input!

It comes as no suprise that the 9600 might be the best one in the lineup, but it also cost twice as much. The 7600 and the 989 are roughly the same price which makes the decision harder...

I haven't read that much about the 7600, is it far behind the 9600?

Kind regards,
Tommy

[Welwynnick]

There are seem to be two sorts of DVD player these days - those with HDMI and those without. The former seem to cost around twice the price of the latter, and for a TV without any digital video input, I reckon a component-output-only player would be just as good. I would second the recommendation for a secondhand Denon 2900, or one of the more recent non-HDMI Arcams.

Nick

However, I can't help but wonder why there is no Arcam listed here. DV137 (£1,250) and DV29 (£1,600) would leave the others crying in the corner for their mummy - for video and audio. The DV29 plays back CDs like a decent dedicated CD deck does!

Liam @ prog AV : So does the DV9600, but will it ever sound like a dedicated CD player..NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dedicated Redbook should always remain dedicated redbook whether Arcam,Linn,Marantz, Meridian ,Teac or Rotel, but a universal player should have SA-CD and DVD-A and Video and play well ,and that is what the marantz DV 9600 is best at.

Your Money first, your ears second and your heart third!! that will determine your player. They are all good options, but a Universal player that does everything 100% well..I must say the Marantz DV 9600 by far!!! VIDEO AND AUDIO PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Liam @ Prog AV]

Originally Posted by chinets

Liam @ prog AV : So does the DV9600, but will it ever sound like a dedicated CD player..NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not a dedicated player of the same price of course. But the CD replay of the DV29 is above the quality of other similarly priced DVD decks inc 9600 IMO.

Originally Posted by chinets

Your Money first, your ears second and your heart third!!

Exactly. If your money doesn't stretch to a dedicated high-end CD deck and the same for a DVD deck, then my point has quite a bit of relevance as CD replay is going to be hugely important.

[rhino2k]

well i have my marantz, was not impressed by the PQ at all....

however i then discovered dynamic mode was the default on the hdmi input, so a quick change and things improved. the image is sharper and noise free, i think i need to alter the panel settings a bit now as i prefer the component out on my dv575a in all honesty

may try component on the marantz also

now musically............WOW! cd's sound awesome, i can clearly pick out every instrument with ease

[Damian1978]

I found via HDMI to DVI that the second setting for digital picture (sorry I can't remember at this point but it's the one that changes the black levels to or from PC black) gave more depth to the image.

Also Marantz by default enables video noise reduction so make sure all of these are off on the Video setup as it makes a nice difference.

[rhino2k]

Originally Posted by Damian Arstall

I found via HDMI to DVI that the second setting for digital picture (sorry I can't remember at this point but it's the one that changes the black levels to or from PC black) gave more depth to the image.

Also Marantz by default enables video noise reduction so make sure all of these are off on the Video setup as it makes a nice difference.

did'nt notice VNR in the setup, will have a looky

tried the second setting but i can use the highest 10bit processing (no4) via hdmi and my panel. you can only go as far as the 2nd setting via dvi according to the manual.

just listening to some music and all i can say is it's truly an awesome CD Player i can hear where everyone is and even better which part of the drum is being hit and exactly what side it is on as clearly as if it were in front of me bassy parts are much more defined too, not as low and loud but they usually sound wrong (or too much) to me where now it sounds just right

[Damian1978]

Yep I got mine more for music than video but its equally adept at both.

Not a dedicated player of the same price of course. But the CD replay of the DV29 is above the quality of other similarly priced DVD decks inc 9600 IMO.

Liam@Prog Av:
I still believe that the Dv9600 sound just as good as those Arcams In CD and Redbook play back!! And some of those Arcams have only DVD-A and NO SA-CD???
I've tested and auditioned the Arcams discussed by Liam above, and if it isn't a totally dedicated Redbook player then the sound of your CD will not get their Max benefit out of it.

A Universal player will NEVER sound like a dedicated player and the sound of the DV9600 sound just like the Arcams discussed and in my opinion they even sound better than the Arcams ,beacuse I have the DV 9600 playing with 800 series B&W speakers and Marantz is known for their Low mid range and tight Low ends, and the B&W are known for the Mid highs and High freq. so they mix well together and giving a perfect balance, so speakers and other gears in between like your Pre/Pro and amp also may affect the total outcome, and the speakers for sure really determines the final sound.

I stiill believe if you can afford the Marantz DV 9600 go for it, as you'll get the best out of Music and Video IMHO!!!!!! And you'll never look back!!!!!
Cheers,
Chinets

[Liam @ Prog AV]

I've got a "dedicated" Technics SL-PG490 lying around somewhere. Cost me 50 quid. Must be better than my DV137 cos it's dedicated mustn't it??

Look I get exactly what you're saying, but I think you've asssumed I've made an arguement that I actually haven't. Personally I prefer the CD playback of the DV29 to the DV9600, fine. We have different tastes. And I don't doubt an equally priced CD deck will FAR outperform both DVD players we are discussing. Jesus what do you think I do all day? (ok admittedly not a great deal of work, but I get to see/hear and awful lot of kit)

My point was purely to highlight how good the DV29 CD replay is for a DVD player, as good as a decent (not high end, not reference, not big budget, just decent) CD player. And if this is a consideration for the OP (which for many it is), then bear this in mind. Why you've got your knickers in such a huge twist I just don't know.

[Damian1978]

Both the Arcams and high end Marantz are know for their quality CD playback.

I think Arcams have a different sound to the Marantz and other Japanese players in that respect as they are a bit British sounding (sounds daft I know but it's a hifi thing) and I guess that's were Liam was coming from.

Anyhoo....I'm not arguing the fact as I had an Arcam shortlisted but sadly it didn't do everything I wanted at the time (upscaling, SACD etc) but there latest player does and a bet that'll take some beating!

Liam,
I am not here to argue with you.
I didn't even check to see whether you are a retailer or not. You, assumed that I knew you were a retailer. I really don't give a rats hoot if you were the owner of Arcam and company. All I am saying is that we have different taste in sound ,as you put it. I IMHO believe the sound of Arcam is just the same as the DV 9600 in CD play back ONLY, and that is my opinion and I will stick to it.
I don't know whether you wear knickers or not or your fetishism in twisting your words or your knickers is beneath me ,but to each his own!! I suppose!!!
You through the first punch, Not I !!!!!!!!! Can't we have our own view on this forum? Who made you moderator here!!!
Have a nice day!!!
Cheers!!!!!!!!

P.S. Thanks Damian for your kind comments!!!!!

[Liam @ Prog AV]

Originally Posted by chinets

Liam,
I am not here to argue with you.
I didn't even check to see whether you are a retailer or not. You, assumed that I knew you were a retailer. I really don't give a rats hoot if you were the owner of Arcam and company. All I am saying is that we have different taste in sound ,as you put it. I IMHO believe the sound of Arcam is just the same as the DV 9600 in CD play back ONLY, and that is my opinion and I will stick to it.
I don't know whether you wear knickers or not or your fetishism in twisting your words or your knickers is beneath me ,but to each his own!! I suppose!!!
You through the first punch, Not I !!!!!!!!! Can't we have our own view on this forum? Who made you moderator here!!!
Have a nice day!!!
Cheers!!!!!!!!

P.S. Thanks Damian for your kind comments!!!!!

Be calm my man . I'm only trying to make my point clear , but you keep going off on tangents I can't keep up with !!! For the OP, I think he has all the input he needs from us two!!! Although you might want to make your mind up as to whether the arcam sounds the same as the marantz or different

I must say the Marantz DV 9600 by far

the DV9600 sound just like the Arcams

in my opinion they even sound better than the Arcams

IMHO believe the sound of Arcam is just the same as the DV 9600 in CD play back ONLY

[rhino2k]

@ liam..........


you forgot to add "owned" at the bottom

"I don't care to belong to a club that accepts people like me as members"

This is Liam's OWN Quote about himself??? That should summarize Liam In a Nut Shell ,and of course his description about himself, as that is his OWN direct quote about himself!!!!!

I am calm!!!! And I am not going on Tangents here!!

Poor Tommy who started this Thread has got NO answers here ,as we keep quarreling about nothing.

All I said is that in Redbook CD the DV9600 performes as good as the Arcams, and In my opinion ,I prefer the sound of the DV 9600 In combination with my 800 series speakers as it performs a great compliment with this combination. Arcam with my 800 series makes them sound very bright and Not warm!!! On the other hand, Arcam with other speakers like Klipsch etc.. make the sound as good as the DV 9600 IN CD perfornmance ONLY.

The DV 9600 In DVD-A or DA-CD, is another story ,including Video and picture which are specatacular, and that is where I differ with Liam, because IMHO the DV 9600 outperforms the Arcams in these areas!!!!

Not trying to argue here!! I just want Tommy to get honest answers from owners of these players ,so he can have ideas and get answers to his questions in order for him to benefit from this forum..That is all!!!!!!!!!!

I don't need to start quoting you all the time to get revenge and whatever childish things you are insinuating!! So please cool down!!!

P.S. : And Rhino2K what is with the " Owned" stuff??

Have a nice days !! Liam!! Come on ,as we are here to learn not fight!!! Opinions are just opinions no more no less, so stay cool buddy!!!!

Cheers and take it easy!!!!!

Originally Posted by Damian Arstall

I found via HDMI to DVI that the second setting for digital picture (sorry I can't remember at this point but it's the one that changes the black levels to or from PC black) gave more depth to the image.

Also Marantz by default enables video noise reduction so make sure all of these are off on the Video setup as it makes a nice difference.

I have a DV9500 and I agree it's brilliant. I do find that the HDMI defaults back to 576p after playing a CD, SACD or DVD-A. This means I have to manually upscale to 720p next time I watch a DVD. Anyone had this problem?

[Damian1978]

No not had that. My digital output doesn't work if say I played a CD with my panel switched off (therefore the DV9500 did not detect the digital signal of the TV and display 720p) then switch the TV on, switch to the DV9500 and try and watch something.

A quick reboot sorts it. It doesn't do it everytime but I'm guessing it maybe a small software bug somewhere. Shame you can only update via the RS232 socket.

[Hessu]

Originally Posted by geoffcb

I have a DV9500 and I agree it's brilliant. I do find that the HDMI defaults back to 576p after playing a CD, SACD or DVD-A. This means I have to manually upscale to 720p next time I watch a DVD. Anyone had this problem?

Never had that with the 9500. (I now have a 9600 and that's fine too)

Could be in the player/display combos HDMI handshake but that's just a guess.

[avlava]

Ok people as the arcams have been mentioned ( and not to bring back old ground ) but does anyone recommend i swap my dv-137 for a marantx 9600 ? I got the arcam becuase i got the arcam 350 amp and wanted a decent dvd player which was upscaling, sacd plus good quality cd and dvd.

I understand people have different opinions but one thing made me interested and that was this brightness sound. I have got QED silver xt cable see and have read its quite bright ( not set all my kit up yet ) so am interested in getting a player which adds warmth to try and combat some of the brightness i might get from the cables.

I tried using my dv137 on friday but it wont read any disks so i must have a dud one. Also with the sacd multichannel support not being avaiable at the moment and no 100% gurantee it will be im seriously considering changing it.

So...do i keep dv 137 or swap to 9600? Does the 9600 do upscale to 768p like the arcam and does it play divx/xvid ?

Cheers

[Liam @ Prog AV]

Only the Arcam does 768p, but it's no use for your panel anyway so I wouldn't be worried (I don't think the Sony accepts 768p timings).

Personally I prefer the DV137 over the Marantz, but only when it works LOL. If SACD is a must-have-now make the swap while it's not gonna cost you anything.

If your only changing because of the cable - why not change the cable? BEsides surely it would be the amp that would have the bigger effect than the player, and if you want warmth and musicality then the Arcam is the better IMO.

[Damian1978]

Is'nt there a new Arcam coming out with SACD and upscaling or did I imagine it????