DVD CD Quality

In preparation for a reorg of my hi-fi stack (new AV amp coming this week ), I tried playing a CD through my Pioneer 350 DVD, via the Yamaha DSP E492 processor into my Aracm Alpha 3 integrated amp. Compared this with playing the CD from my Arcam Alpha 1 CD staright into the amp.

The Pioneer did a good job of it, but was rather bright and not as focused as using the Arcam CD player. A much more neutral sound was achieved, much tighter e.g. with the horns and trumpets. So this means I keep the CD with the reorg.

Also means I am wquite happy to have spent the £300 on the Arcam a few years ago and it certainly holds up against newer technology.

(Next experiment - once the AV amp arrives, I will try powering main speakers straight from AV amp and compare with using AV amp as pre to Alpha 3 ... may post results in the AV Amp/Receiver forum if you're interested.)