Audiophile DVD player with volume control

Neutral schrieb:

If anyone knows of any audiophile DVD player having a volume control on its remote, please let me know. Even if it is not available in India, I am open to importing it.

Hi Neutral,
Did you mean DVD-A?
Regards Deaf

I would prefer a universal player with DVD Audio and SACD support and decoders built in. But would consider even a simpler player. 2-channel analog output is of critical importance.

Neutral schrieb:

I would prefer a universal player with DVD Audio and SACD support and decoders built in. But would consider even a simpler player. 2-channel analog output is of critical importance.

Dear Neutral,
Along with seperate decoders and volume control,I am not aware of any player capable of these specs.
Regards Deaf.

I am not sure if this is audiophile quality (Thats a relative term ). But you can check out pioneer DVD 588A...plays both DVD-A and SACD...Read some nice reviews on this one!

kvish schrieb:

I am not sure if this is audiophile quality (Thats a relative term ). But you can check out pioneer DVD 588A...plays both DVD-A and SACD...Read some nice reviews on this one!

He wants one with a volume control too,and PCM and DSD decoders.Tough.
Regards Deaf.

Apl-Hifi Moded Denon 3910, my dream player DVD-A, SACD, and PCM with vol control.
US$5000.


Regards,

Satyam

http://www.linn.co.uk/spec_sound/product_display.cfm?ProductID=179&activeNavBar=products&activeSubNavBar=Source

Type
Universal Disc Player

Size
(H) 80mm x (W) 381mm x (D) 368mm
(H) 3.15 inches x (W) 15 inches x (D) 14.5 inches

Weight
4.9Kg/10.8 pounds

Function
High quality universal disc player that supports all major disc types

Supported Disc Types
CD
SACD (Super Audio CD)
DVD-Audio
DVD-Video
VCD and SVCD
Data discs containing MP3 and JPEG Files
CD-R, CD-RW
DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD +RW

Audio Decoding
PCM, LPCM and MP3 streams for simultaneous analogue/digital stereo output
DSD (from SACDs) and MLP (from DVD-Audio) for analogue only output (max. 6 channels)
Dolby Digital to Lt/Rt Downmix
Outputs undecoded digital data for Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Out

Video Decoding
PAL, NTSC US, NTSC World
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 Pan Scan, 4:3 Letterbox, 16:9

Digital Audio Outputs
TOSLINK™ output
SPDIF BNC outputs

Analogue Audio Outputs
5.1 Phono Socket outputs (Front L, Front R are double connectors)
Stereo XLR Balanced Audio Outputs

Video Outputs
Progressive Scan- RGB, YPrPb – BNC Connections
Interlaced YPrPb – BNC Connections
R, G, B – SCART output
2 x S-Video outputs
2 x Composite outputs
HDCP

Control
RC5 input and output (KNEKT)
RS232 in & out (RS232 & Flash Upload)
6 button keypad interface
128 x 64 graphical monochromatic display
On-screen and front panel text display for SACD
On-screen set-up menu

Power Supply
Switching power supply with auto-ranging (90v to 240v a.c. 50-60Hz)

Note on Dualdisc Compatibility
Recently, several titles have been released on the new 'DualDisc' format. This is a disc format with DVD content on one side and ‘CD’ on the other (see http://www.dualdisc.com for details). The DVD side comprises DVD-Video and/or DVD-Audio content. The ‘CD’ side is designed to play on CD players but is not in fact a CD as it is not compliant with the Compact Disc Digital Audio Specification (the industry 'Red Book' CD Standard). These discs are also thicker than standard CDs or DVDs.
As these discs are not compliant with current industry standard, Linn cannot guarantee that they will play on our range of disc players and audio servers. Nor can we guarantee that the thickness of DualDiscs will not cause problems for these Linn products – possibly damage to the product and/or the disc – if played. Any damage resulting from the playing of DualDiscs will not be covered by the Linn warranty, so using these discs with a Linn disc player or audio server is entirely at the user’s risk.

LINN UNIDISK 1.1 IS AN OPTION THAT CAN BE CONSIDERED.

BHAGWAN 69

Thanks for the helpful postings. I will check out the players mentioned. BTW I have a budget of 5 to 15,000 rupees. So I can rule out the $5000 player

I think Pioneer and Toshiba are a good buy at entry level. And Marantz and HK at mid level. But getting that volume control is difficult.

Dear SBFX,Bhagwan,
Do both these machines have dedicated DSD decoders?Not converting DSD stream to PCM which I think they do.The Linn does not sport a variable volume control I think.
Regards Deaf.

deaf schrieb:

Dear SBFX,Bhagwan, Do both these machines have dedicated DSD decoders?Not converting DSD stream to PCM which I think they do.The Linn does not sport a variable volume control I think. Regards Deaf.

Hi Deaf,

Yes the APL denon has a dedicated DSD decoder, but the designer gives you the option of converting it to PCM too, as he thinks it is much better but you have the option of both.

Satyam.

sbfx schrieb:

deaf schrieb: Dear SBFX,Bhagwan, Do both these machines have dedicated DSD decoders?Not converting DSD stream to PCM which I think they do.The Linn does not sport a variable volume control I think. Regards Deaf. Hi Deaf, Yes the APL denon has a dedicated DSD decoder, but the designer gives you the option of converting it to PCM too, as he thinks it is much better but you have the option of both. Satyam.

Hi Satyam
That is a cool player then.
Regards Deaf

Hi !

At 300 US $'s you are not going to get shit !

Why are we wasting our time.

Any Half descent volume control will set you back by a couple of grand [$'s i.e.] at the least.

The player that is wanted is a 'universal' player from Pioneer or the likes @ 200 to 400 dollars.

We have gone off tangent, the players that we have suggested are 'state of the art' high end machines.

What is the rest of the set up ? Where is it going to be used ? Let us see that and then try and suggest.

You cannot fit a MRF Tyre on a Ferrari 430 can you ?

Sorry !

Regards,

BHAGWAN 69

bhagwan69 schrieb:

Hi ! At 300 US $'s you are not going to get shit ! Why are we wasting our time. Any Half descent volume control will set you back by a couple of grand [$'s i.e.] at the least. The player that is wanted is a 'universal' player from Pioneer or the likes @ 200 to 400 dollars. We have gone off tangent, the players that we have suggested are 'state of the art' high end machines. What is the rest of the set up ? Where is it going to be used ? Let us see that and then try and suggest. You cannot fit a MRF Tyre on a Ferrari 430 can you ? Sorry ! Regards, BHAGWAN 69

Dear Bhagwan
Precisely why I have not mentioned a single product on this thread.
Regards Deaf

The amp + speakers cost Rs 25,000 only. Locally made Indian stuff.
I think 'DSD' is slightly high-end in context. Standard and MP3 CDs are the greatest content. A few DVD-As or SACDs may be played at a later time.
No use putting any top dollar source in this system.

Neutral schrieb:

If anyone knows of any audiophile DVD player having a volume control on its remote, please let me know. Even if it is not available in India, I am open to importing it.

Bladelius Gondul 1 / 2 / 3 is an option to consider.

http://www.bladelius.com/

Price is there on :-


If I am not wrong the player comes in 3 options;

Gondul Level 1 @ 10/- K Euro
Gondul Level 2 @ 12.5/- K Euro
Gondul Level 3 @ 15/- K Euro

http://www.hificonsult.se/index.php?menuid=008,002

This player will do CD + SACD + DVD Audio + Digital Volume Control.

Regards,

BHAGWAN69

>>You cannot fit a MRF Tyre on a Ferrari 430 can you ?

well said Bhagwan69!

would it be possible to use, say, a sound-card on his computer to do the needful? Use the CD-RW or a DVD-R drive in the computer to spin the disk. Spend some money on a versatile sound-card like Lynx or something.

bombaywalla schrieb:

>>You cannot fit a MRF Tyre on a Ferrari 430 can you ? well said Bhagwan69! would it be possible to use, say, a sound-card on his computer to do the needful? Use the CD-RW or a DVD-R drive in the computer to spin the disk. Spend some money on a versatile sound-card like Lynx or something.

Hi !

I cannot comment on the 'tyres' part of things, however a sound card will ve a very very good option to consider.

HOwever, I am not so sure if there will be a rom drive available in the 'market' that does DVD-A & SACD ??
Would have to look for it;

Volume Control issues would be addressed for sure.

BOB

there is no player you are looking for.
the only way to help this ist
a) diy a multichannel volume control
or buy one like
b) spl 2489 surround monitor controller
http://www.soundperformancelab.de/smc/smc_D.html
you won't find anything better for less.
can be motorized for remote controlling (AFAIK).
ask the guys at spl.

for the diy stuff check www.thel-audio.de out.
they got multichannel motorized pots to build whatever you like to.

have fun.

i solved the same problem you got with an standard sacd/dvd-a player with a mulichannel amp with volume control (motorized multichannel pot).

A dvd layer of your choice with a good passive volume control comes closest I think to your requirement.

manek.

Manek schrieb:

A dvd layer of your choice with a good passive volume control comes closest I think to your requirement. manek.

Kindly Suggest an option [brand] !!

I do not know of any DVD Player [Budget - Under 300 US $'s]
that has a built in volume control.

Regards,

BHAGWAN69

My answer to Neutral:

You will not get any "audiophile DVD player with volume control" for the price range quoted by you. Don't even look for one.

Though now a days several commercial DVD players, including those of Pioneer & Toshiba, have very good sound quality, audiophile quality volume control on the DVD player implies that the DVD player either should have a quality analog volume control (which is very rare, considering that a DVD player is basically a digital device), or a very high-end digital volume control such as the one used in Wadia's players. Attenuation using the digital volume controls on commercial DVD players, denigrates the sound due to the inherent nature of the digital volume control (this discussion took place once before on this forum).

There can be a different solution to the problem if you are looking at volume control at the source level. Buy a quality pre-amp (Benkenobi on the other day was heaping praises on Arasu Kumar's pre-amp), and control the overall system's volume control through the pre-amp. If remote is important to you, then buy a pre-amp with remote, which will be much easier.

If you are using a Pioneer or Toshiba as source, keep the DVD player's volume always at maximum. Any attenuation, there will be degradation in sound.

Best wishes,
kspv.

By the way, I am guessing (from your past postings) that your query arose from the fact that your Pulz RS-250 does not have a remote, and does not have a common volume control either (being dual-mono). In that light, a pre-amp with a remote-control would be an appropriate solution for you. Don't feel apologetic at all (I thought so because you were referring to your amplifier all the time merely as a "local" one) for having a Pulz RS-250. It will serve you well & leave you satisfied for years to come.

kspv schrieb:

My answer to Neutral: You will not get any "audiophile DVD player with volume control" for the price range quoted by you. Don't even look for one. Though now a days several commercial DVD players, including those of Pioneer & Toshiba, have very good sound quality, audiophile quality volume control on the DVD player implies that the DVD player either should have a quality analog volume control (which is very rare, considering that a DVD player is basically a digital device), or a very high-end digital volume control such as the one used in Wadia's players. Attenuation using the digital volume controls on commercial DVD players, denigrates the sound due to the inherent nature of the digital volume control (this discussion took place once before on this forum). There can be a different solution to the problem if you are looking at volume control at the source level. Buy a quality pre-amp (Benkenobi on the other day was heaping praises on Arasu Kumar's pre-amp), and control the overall system's volume control through the pre-amp. If remote is important to you, then buy a pre-amp with remote, which will be much easier.

Thanks kspv,

I think I was looking for a chimera or a unicorn No wonder I was unable to find such a DVD player so far. Yes, I will go the preamp with remote route when I upgrade my source to a DVD player.

kspv schrieb:

If you are using a Pioneer or Toshiba as source, keep the DVD player's volume always at maximum. Any attenuation, there will be degradation in sound. Best wishes, kspv.

What I understand by this is that digital VC is inherently sound degrading. Whereas analog VC which is found on a preamp or gain control on a power amp is superior quality.

kspv schrieb:

By the way, I am guessing (from your past postings) that your query arose from the fact that your Pulz RS-250 does not have a remote, and does not have a common volume control either (being dual-mono). In that light, a pre-amp with a remote-control would be an appropriate solution for you. Don't feel apologetic at all (I thought so because you were referring to your amplifier all the time merely as a "local" one) for having a Pulz RS-250. It will serve you well & leave you satisfied for years to come.

Your reasoning is correct. Appreciate your effort to read my past posts. The Pulz has great sound. But it is important to be 'apologetic' sometimes to avoid getting flamed on this forum

The Pulz has great sound. But it is important to be 'apologetic' sometimes to avoid getting flamed on this forum

Neutral, that's not true

Say Krish,

We all think our own equipment is the best. Until someone else compares it with equipment costing 5 times more and soundly thrashes us for daring to say our own stuff is good. I learnt this the hard way when I compared Pulz + Pulz to Plinius + Dynaudio.

No one really cared about the price difference. Just blasted me for my views

bhagwan69 schrieb:

Manek schrieb: A dvd layer of your choice with a good passive volume control comes closest I think to your requirement. manek. Kindly Suggest an option [brand] !! I do not know of any DVD Player [Budget - Under 300 US $'s] that has a built in volume control. Regards, BHAGWAN69

I guess what manek means is to get a Pio or a toshiba and have a passive pre (diy) to drive it direct but then again a good diy passive pre would set one back by about 200+US$

Satyam

sbfx....thats exactly what I meant....but passives in India are hard to find as well....someone told me that marbin had a couple of pieces but dont know if he has them yet.

Neutral, Pulz is nothing to be ashamed of.....its a good sounding amp for its price....BTW how much did you pay for the RS250(inclusive of taxes) ?

manek.

Purchased it from Oranges & Lemons at the listed price of Rs 8750 a year back. Got the bookshelves for Rs 15,750. I guess the tax is included in this price. Didn't get any discount for either product.

tks for the info.

passive Pre amps are not a great idea for sources whose output is not enough. Since the Source would need to drive the full load of the power amp and the speakers, and most CDPs do not have enough "Juice".

usual victim in these cases is dynamics, especially low level (Bass)

I am not sure if any DVDP will be outputting more than 2 to 2.2 V.

But again only one way to find out if it works for you

(Active Tube buffers are one way of shielding the CDP from such loads and in those cases actives do work)

Arj schrieb:

passive Pre amps are not a great idea for sources whose output is not enough. Since the Source would need to drive the full load of the power amp and the speakers, and most CDPs do not have enough "Juice". usual victim in these cases is dynamics, especially low level (Bass) I am not sure if any DVDP will be outputting more than 2 to 2.2 V. But again only one way to find out if it works for you (Active Tube buffers are one way of shielding the CDP from such loads and in those cases actives do work)

I didn't understand your post Arjun. Please explain. The power for the speakers comes from the power amp. When Junia attached a high end CD player to my power amp, the dynamics and low end were excellent. It's just that there was no way to control the volume properly.