Denon Vs Rotel Vs Arcam

ahaydock · 25-02-2009, 10:41 PM

Currently I am using my Denon DVD Player 1920 to listen to CDs through my Arcam AVR250 and 8P combo and its OK. Thats the problem its just OK, and I am wondering whether spending out on a dedicated CD Player may help?

I am not looking to spend much as I dont listen to CDs that often, however I have my eye on an Arcan 7SE CD player on fleabay - would this be a good choice?

I also have a feeling I have my Dads old Rotel CD Player in the loft somewhere. I am not sure what model but we got it in the early 90s and at the time it was a highly regarded machine so would this be better than the Arcam? Assuming I can find it and it works, it will be free

Any thoughts welcome...

jamesl01 · 25-02-2009, 10:58 PM

Have you thought about buying an external DAC rather than a new CD player? Use the digital output from your DVD player to feed the DAC, then analog outs from the DAC to your amp.

I recently added a Beresford DAC to my system for £120 and am astounded at the difference it has made to the sound quality. Either the Beresford unit or Cambridge Audio DACmagic should bring about the improvement you are looking for.

ahaydock · 25-02-2009, 11:00 PM

Hmm no I havent and good thought maybe I'll look into it.

I'm hoping I can find this Rotel and give it a balst but am interested to see what people think about how it may compare.

Out of interest how do you find the AVR-350?

jamesl01 · 25-02-2009, 11:26 PM

I really like the AVR350. It's a very musical A/V amp which suits my needs because it gets used 50/50 between movies and music. Unfortunately it is back with Arcam being repaired at the moment - it started making a very loud distorted sound after about 10mins use and then switched into safe mode.

Do you know which Rotel CD player it is? I've tried the Beresford DAC on my dad's Rotel CD player (forget the model number now) and it made a positive difference. External DAC or not, I'm sure your old Rotel cd player (assuming old doesn't = ancient

) will be an improvement on your Denon DVD player for cd playback.

ahaydock · 26-02-2009, 6:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesl01

I really like the AVR350. It's a very musical A/V amp which suits my needs because it gets used 50/50 between movies and music. Unfortunately it is back with Arcam being repaired at the moment - it started making a very loud distorted sound after about 10mins use and then switched into safe mode.

Do you know which Rotel CD player it is? I've tried the Beresford DAC on my dad's Rotel CD player (forget the model number now) and it made a positive difference. External DAC or not, I'm sure your old Rotel cd player (assuming old doesn't = ancient

) will be an improvement on your Denon DVD player for cd playback.

Thanks - I will try and get up in the loft over the weekend and have a look. I am not sure what model TBH but I would say it is about 15 years old...

evans · 26-02-2009, 7:38 AM

Im running a CA dacmagic and have a denon 1720 dvd player as a transport and suggest you try the DAC route. I am currently moding mine to get even better sound and using just the denon and frankly can hardly listen to music anymore such was the impact of the dac.

ahaydock · 26-02-2009, 5:46 PM

Thanks but am am not sure I follow are you saying the DAC is worthwhile or not?

Also I may be able to get my hands on a cheap 2nd hand Marantz CD63 MKII KI Signature - what do you reckon?

evans · 27-02-2009, 7:50 AM

Thats correct no need to buy another cd player, just buy a dacmagic and connect it to your denon 1920 or any other machine and then from the dacmagic to your amp and your off.The dacmagic also has a usb out so you can connect your pc to the dacmagic and play music that way.