Denon DVD-3910 player...sound impressions.

[Iguana Man]

Well, I picked up this beast and wanted to share my first impression on it's audio playback with cd's.

I'm not the most fluent or descriptive guy you know, but here goes:

My previous multitasking dvd/cd player was a Pioneer Elite DV-05. This unit has been moved into my living room.

My HT comprises of a Pioneer VSX-24TX driving B&W DM604S2's. I've had plenty of sessions with one particular track by SRV (the late Stevie Ray Vaughan). The track is 'Tin Pan Alley'. Some consider this a 'reference audiophile' track, while I consider it a damn good song and one I'm very familiar with .

The first thing I notice with the Denon, is that it presents the song in a less harsh way. Meaning, the highs are not as forced, and using the known audio terms to me: more laid back. I wouldn't say the highs are not there, but they are less shrilly (shrilly! - you know, less piercing).

The soundstage seems about the same as the Pio, meaning I don't think I notice anymore width or heigth to the sound, but it does seem more 'full'. I guess it seems like I'm getting more of each note, more of the thumb on the strings of the guitar, and more, I dunno...robustness?

So far, I'm very happy, but I've got a lot more cd's to test...especially my Jazz collections like Pat Metheny, Foreplay, and David Benoit type of stuff. For the money (this Denon cost twice what I paid for the Pio), it doesn't seem like I've gained twice the audio, at least to me, but that may change when I get more critical listening AND video viewing under my belt. I'm running 5.1 in this room, there is no way I can do 6.1 let alone 7.1, so make note of that.

Oh, and keep in mind, my room is 12'x12' which is an acoustical nightmare....so your mileage will more than likely vary!

[chlngr1970]

Try listening to some DVD-A, or SACD discs I think you will be MORE than impressed. I am currently listening to Dark Side of the Moon on SACD with my Pioneer DV 563As, through my 1014 TX, and am LOVING it

FWIW

j

[EM3]

DSoTM is the best for SACD. For a good DVD Audio try Fleetwood Mac (Rumoors).

[Iguana Man]

Embarassingly silly question... ...but given my system is 5.1, will I still be able to enjoy the suggestions above?

[chlngr1970]

as long as you have a 5.1 input, and good speakers ( ) you should have no problem enjoying DSotM on SACD

j

[EM3]

I know on my Onkyo system nothing beats DSoTM and my system pales in comparison to what most people have here. The 5.1 is a necessity thought. Sadly I have too few many SACD's and I have to travel at least an hour to find them. My last trip the store I bought them at didn't have any SACD's or DVD-A"s displayed. Looks like online shopping for me. To be honest though I think SACD's are the best. If you system has the capabilities then you owe it to yourself to hear these. Nothing beats Pink Floyd and a good buzz. Hell just pick a copy of The Wall DVD and your in for a real treat.

[snipsnapsappy]

Iggy,

Get your Denon manual out and learn how to hook up DVD-A and SACD. Then go buy some SACD's and DVD-A's.

There is no better way to show off sound available to the consumer today.

[J Greer]

I've thinking of picking up a 3910 or 2910 for the past couple weeks. Iguana Man what made you go with the 3910 over the 2910. Also how much did that beast set you back? Cruchfield list the only differances between 3910 and the 2910 is the 3910 features ,massive vibration resistant design, shielded 3-box chassis, Denon Link, adjustment functions picture quality, digital bass management with selectable crossover frequencies. (And I noticed the remote has backlight). Also are you taking advantage of the HDMI/DVI connection? How well does the video upconversion work on DVD's?

[Iguana Man]

Originally Posted by snipsnapsappy

Iggy,

Get your Denon manual out and learn how to hook up DVD-A and SACD. Then go buy some SACD's and DVD-A's.

There is no better way to show off sound available to the consumer today.

Aw man....I gotta read the manual? Crap..all those letters look so small. Thanks Snip, I will (after I get a magnifying glass cause I'm too damn stuborn to see and eye doctor).

Originally Posted by J Greer

I've thinking of picking up a 3910 or 2910 for the past couple weeks. Iguana Man what made you go with the 3910 over the 2910. Also how much did that beast set you back? Cruchfield list the only differances between 3910 and the 2910 is the 3910 features ,massive vibration resistant design, shielded 3-box chassis, Denon Link, adjustment functions picture quality, digital bass management with selectable crossover frequencies. (And I noticed the remote has backlight). Also are you taking advantage of the HDMI/DVI connection? How well does the video upconversion work on DVD's?

Well, I was impulsive and said "screw it, get the player at the top of the Shootout list". Plus, I couldn't find the 2910 locally, so I blew my load ($1,199) on the 3910. Digital bass & selectable crossovers on this puppy? Hmmm. I will have to read the damn manual.

No HDMI or DVI (yet). I'm running component since my PJ accepts one component and one DVI in, and the DVI is coming from my HD Sat unit.

EDITED: J Greer...I meant "(yet)" since I may be considering a switcher box allowing me to have both the Denon and HD Sat receiver run DVI to the pj's one input.

[snipsnapsappy]

The 3910 has better audio circuitry than the 2910, although the differences are likely negligible to most listeners.

I am sure for most of the people in this forum, the 2910 would be more than enough player.