New DVD player -- Panasonic or Pioneer?
September 7, 2005
I am in the process of buying a new DVD player. My choice
is between the new Panasonic DVD-S49 and the Pioneer DVD-585A-. Price is not the issue
here, but all-around sound quality and especially picture quality are, as this player be
used with an LCD projector in progressive-scan mode. I had a Sony DVP-NS52P, but I want to
improve my sound quality with music first and then video. Any suggestions as to which one
you perceive to be the better choice? My Sherwood AV7106 can handle the 5.1 input option,
of course.
Hendri
A quick look at both players' specifications reveal very
similar capabilities. The Pioneer does add SACD playback, which the Panasonic lacks,
though I don't know if that is an issue for you or not. As for video quality, I would
expect both players to perform similarly, as I see nothing in the specs that would lead me
to believe otherwise. I have not used either player, but since you mention the 5.1 input
of your Sherwood, and music is part of the reason for the upgrade, the SACD playback of
the Pioneer might make it the obvious the choice.
"I need an all-in-one solution"
September 5, 2005
I need an all-in-one solution. I'm looking for a
receiver-DVD player combination that sounds great with all types of music and movies. I
know that Panasonic made one a few years ago, but I've not seen one in stores. Can you
offer some advice?
Pam
You've come to the right place! As I write this I'm
listening to the brand-new NAD L73 DVD Receiver ($999). This unit includes all the
functionality of a receiver, including a terrific AM/FM tuner, along with a
progressive-scan DVD player. And it's all wrapped up in a titanium-colored package that
should look attractive in almost any environment. You'll see an article on it in a couple
months in the "Surrounded" column on SoundStage!, but I can already
tell you that I love it.
Denon, NAD, and Tannoy
September 2, 2005
My Tannoy Saturn S10s are biwired and powered by a Denon
PMA1500 Mk II (8-ohm rating is 70Wpc, 4-ohm is 140Wpc).
The Denon has preamp-output jacks for adding a power
amplifier. I think that the Tannoys need more power and more bass control. So I am
considering connecting my Denon with an NAD C272 power amplifier (150Wpc). Are there going
to be any problems with the bass control, the treble, or with the volume with my Denon?
Are the Denon PMA1500 Mk II and the NAD C272 a good match?
Henk van Litsenburg
I see no issues with connecting your Denon to the NAD in
the fashion you suggest. It all should work just fine. Whether that will solve your
problem is another issue, though. Although you may need more power, the Denon, at least by
reputation, is pretty powerful. The improvements you seek may not be related to a power
issue, but instead a speaker-placement issue. Many times boomy or lose bass is caused by
sub-optimal speaker placement. Before investing in the NAD I would suggest you experiment
with your speakers' proximity to the walls around them. Small changes in speaker location
can yield huge sonic gains. If that fails to help, then adding more power may be the thing
to try.
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