Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Pioneer 45A vs. Denon 2900?

Hello again,

I face a dilemma in my search for an affordable AND durable universal player. I can easily afford the Pioneer 45A, with a street price of little over $300. On the other hand, I have been stunned by the rave reviews of the new Denon DVD-2900, particularly in the audio department (which I care more about than video). The Denon is currently running for just under $800.

Here's my dilemma: If I opt for the Pioneer, I'll have enough money left over to buy a pair of surround speakers right away (Axioms, to match my mains). If I opt for the Denon, I'll have to wait on the surrounds, but presumably I would end up with a better system in the end.

So here's my question: in your expert opinions, are the audio advantages of the Denon 2900 sufficiently great to justify the additional $500?

Many thanks!

i tend to never buy pioneer anything. they run hot and have bad dynamic headroom.

Denon's tend to always run smoothly. I'd pick it over pioneer anyday

Rob, looking at what you have now, it seems clear to me that adding surrounds should take precedence over a DVD player. You could use DPLII on your 1802 to enjoy surround effects from CDs and other stereo sources. It seems premature to be thinking about things like DVD-A and SACD. Developments are moving very quickly in this area and players are beginning to appear which are cheaper and better, so you should wait a bit. Also, don't be "stunned" by raves about supposed audible superiority; instead take them with a ton of salt.

I'm right with JohnK here. I'm waiting until they figure out which one "wins". Also, considering the power of internet music up and coming, is anyone going to buy DVD-A or SACD? I know, it doesn't sound as good (I personally just use CDs), but will the market exist for the studios to keep turning out media?

Yeah, other things about DVD-A/SACD that I am kind of waiting for a little more "shake out" are: (1) digital connection/encryption standards, and (2) bass management standards.

I'd go for the Pioneer and surround speakers. If you feel you need more bass management, you can add an ICBM later.

Many thanks to all of you for your help! (Am I the only audiophile plunged into existential crises by dilemmas of this type?) I took your advice and ordered the VP100 and QS8s to complete my speaker system. As for the uniplayer, I'll get the upcoming Pioneer 563A if it gets half-decent reviews, and the Pioneer 45A if the 563A gets panned.

By the way, if it had not been for the new maple/tan finishing, I doubt very seriously that I could have obtained spousal approval for on-wall surrounds. Clever move, Axiom!

Thanks again!