nomdeplume
New Member
Hi Folks
I've been agonizing about my Source situation for the last 3 weeks. Please chime in with your views and help erase the conflict in my mind.
My setup would consist of a Pioneer Elite Receiver (VSX 21 THX), Dali Ikon 2 speakers, Dali Ikon Sub, with a Dali Vokal center and some surrounds to be added later.
The room is 11x18 ft. Music is important for me, Movies for the wife / kids.
The room would be ready in 2-3 weeks' time, and only then would my kit be opened & installed.
Like to listen to Hindustani & Western classical, Jazz, (some) Rock. Kids love hip-hop (can't stand it personally!)...
I do have a few SACD / DVD-A that i picked up in Sales abroad. But the bulk of my music resides in mp3's / CD's / CD's ripped into WMA/ FLAC files.
Currently, I have a Philips DVD player that also does sporadic duty as a CDP.
Now, if I had only Rs. 30-35 k to spend on my source components, which of the following routes would you recommend for me:
Option I :
Get myself a CD 5004/ 6004 or equivalent from NAD (don't know the model #) for Rs. 20-30000. The group buys on Marantz look enticing.
Pair it with a budget BDP (< Rs 9000) and live happily ever after.
Option II:
Get a Denon / Marantz / NAD Universal player (don't know the #) for about Rs. 29000 (list price). It should be able to play BDP, DVD, DVD-A, SACD etc. and technically give me a one-box solution
The Conundrum:
1. My usage of a disc player is quite low. It might increase with the installation of the system, but if I have TWO disc players, they might get prone to dust damage and jamming.
is there any way to minimize the ill-effects of not using a disc player for a while?
2. Would the Universal players from Denon / Marantz / NAD be more finicky while playing CD-R's containing mp3's / FLAC files ?
One of the reasons I like Philips DVD players is that they seamlessly play all types of movies / audio discs that I throw at 'em.
I couldn't get a few dealers to play my discs when I recently went for speakers demo - admittedly they had some seriously good CDPs for the demo, but still, this is a problem I'd rather not have.
3. Most important : Sound quality
Would a Universal player (especially some of the entry models from the premium brands) deliver less impressive sound than a dedicated CDP?
I'm getting advice that is split down the middle w.r.t. the last question.
4. Is there an Option III ? Can I kit out a Universal player with a better DAC and get better audio results within my budget?
Do let me know your views; also do let me know any other models of CDP / Universal player that you may have experienced & can recommend.
I would surely update the board with my own impressions, and final decision.
Cheers,
Nomdeplume
PS: Mod, can I cross-post this in the CDP Forum as well?
I've been agonizing about my Source situation for the last 3 weeks. Please chime in with your views and help erase the conflict in my mind.
My setup would consist of a Pioneer Elite Receiver (VSX 21 THX), Dali Ikon 2 speakers, Dali Ikon Sub, with a Dali Vokal center and some surrounds to be added later.
The room is 11x18 ft. Music is important for me, Movies for the wife / kids.
The room would be ready in 2-3 weeks' time, and only then would my kit be opened & installed.
Like to listen to Hindustani & Western classical, Jazz, (some) Rock. Kids love hip-hop (can't stand it personally!)...
I do have a few SACD / DVD-A that i picked up in Sales abroad. But the bulk of my music resides in mp3's / CD's / CD's ripped into WMA/ FLAC files.
Currently, I have a Philips DVD player that also does sporadic duty as a CDP.
Now, if I had only Rs. 30-35 k to spend on my source components, which of the following routes would you recommend for me:
Option I :
Get myself a CD 5004/ 6004 or equivalent from NAD (don't know the model #) for Rs. 20-30000. The group buys on Marantz look enticing.
Pair it with a budget BDP (< Rs 9000) and live happily ever after.
Option II:
Get a Denon / Marantz / NAD Universal player (don't know the #) for about Rs. 29000 (list price). It should be able to play BDP, DVD, DVD-A, SACD etc. and technically give me a one-box solution
The Conundrum:
1. My usage of a disc player is quite low. It might increase with the installation of the system, but if I have TWO disc players, they might get prone to dust damage and jamming.
is there any way to minimize the ill-effects of not using a disc player for a while?
2. Would the Universal players from Denon / Marantz / NAD be more finicky while playing CD-R's containing mp3's / FLAC files ?
One of the reasons I like Philips DVD players is that they seamlessly play all types of movies / audio discs that I throw at 'em.
I couldn't get a few dealers to play my discs when I recently went for speakers demo - admittedly they had some seriously good CDPs for the demo, but still, this is a problem I'd rather not have.
3. Most important : Sound quality
Would a Universal player (especially some of the entry models from the premium brands) deliver less impressive sound than a dedicated CDP?
I'm getting advice that is split down the middle w.r.t. the last question.
4. Is there an Option III ? Can I kit out a Universal player with a better DAC and get better audio results within my budget?
Do let me know your views; also do let me know any other models of CDP / Universal player that you may have experienced & can recommend.
I would surely update the board with my own impressions, and final decision.
Cheers,
Nomdeplume
PS: Mod, can I cross-post this in the CDP Forum as well?
