Stereo Steve
Banned
Just bought a mint 747 from Johndl (thanks John) and thought I would post a few thoughts. I have never had experience of this player and from reading some reviews it seemed I would not notice any difference from my 656 which I have been very pleased with.
Firstly, I was very impressed with the build quality out of the box. It felt substantial and I like the use of a proper IEC mains plug, allowing easy upgrading of power lead if required. I decided to set it up in conjunction with my 656 to test back to back.
All the reveiws suggested the 747 was a poor CD player but I must say I'm impressed. I can see what they mean about harshness in the higher ranges but it's a minor problem. Detail is transparent and instruments are 'layered', a very 3D soundstage. Switching between the 5.1 out and the digital to the DACS in my temporary 2802 amp revealed that the player was doing a better job of conversion than the amp could, something not discernable with the 656.
DVD-A and particularly SACD were noticably better than the 656 which I felt was weak in this department, especially SACD. Comparing back to back, the 747 sounds like a veil has been lifted.
As for video, well it's very good, as was the 656 and I can't say I could see any noticable difference but then, I'm more of an audio guy really.
I was concerned that upgrading to the 747 would be a sideways move form the 656 but it turns out that it's a very worthwhile step up. I'm suprised this player had such average reviews as it oozes quality and sounds great, especially for a few quid over £250. I would recommend anyone looking for a good secondhand DVD to find a 747. I think it'll do me fine until Denon A11's are a sensible price second hand.
Firstly, I was very impressed with the build quality out of the box. It felt substantial and I like the use of a proper IEC mains plug, allowing easy upgrading of power lead if required. I decided to set it up in conjunction with my 656 to test back to back.
All the reveiws suggested the 747 was a poor CD player but I must say I'm impressed. I can see what they mean about harshness in the higher ranges but it's a minor problem. Detail is transparent and instruments are 'layered', a very 3D soundstage. Switching between the 5.1 out and the digital to the DACS in my temporary 2802 amp revealed that the player was doing a better job of conversion than the amp could, something not discernable with the 656.
DVD-A and particularly SACD were noticably better than the 656 which I felt was weak in this department, especially SACD. Comparing back to back, the 747 sounds like a veil has been lifted.
As for video, well it's very good, as was the 656 and I can't say I could see any noticable difference but then, I'm more of an audio guy really.
I was concerned that upgrading to the 747 would be a sideways move form the 656 but it turns out that it's a very worthwhile step up. I'm suprised this player had such average reviews as it oozes quality and sounds great, especially for a few quid over £250. I would recommend anyone looking for a good secondhand DVD to find a 747. I think it'll do me fine until Denon A11's are a sensible price second hand.