Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Matching components or not???

As I sit and wait for my speakers (which hasn’t been 2 weeks yet and is killing me), I decided to start thinking to the future. I need to purchase a few things and I wanted some help from the Guru's on this board.

Ok here we go...first I need to complete my home entertainment system. This means I need a CD player and a DVD player. Keep in mind that I just bought my new NAD T773 receiver. I am trying to decide on matching NAD components or should I go with other brands. One poster on another board suggested that I try NAD C542 for my cd player and the Denon 2910 DVD player. I would like to get everyone’s opinion on this. I will make this purchase later this week.

Ok now for some easier questions...I need speaker cables and other cables for hooking up the new cd and DVD players as well. What are your suggestions? Generic 14 gauge wire from Home depot or should I go with something fancier and more expensive. I’m also thinking of digital coax for the sound but what about the video. Keep in mind that my TV does not have HDMI connections but only accepts RCA or S-video (for now until I get my Plasma next year).

Thanks in advance and I appreciate any help on this!

Inexpensive cables are the way to go. As for the DVD player, I'd be looking to see if I could find a Denon 2900, if that's the amount you want to spend. You will get very different opinions on this subject.

I'm very pleased with my 2910. It does a lot of things very well. I picked up a refurbed unit from eCOST.com, for about $460. They seem to be out of stock at the moment, but they have the 3910 refurb for $730, and a refurbed 2900 for $530. If you were planning on getting a new 2910, you could pick up a refurbed 3910 for about the same price.

I'm not sure whey you feel you need both a CD player AND a DVD player. If your response to that is "because that's what I want," I completely support your decision. However, I use my 2910 for everything; CDs, SACDs, DVD-As, and DVDs.

There are a number or good internet cable companies, that won't break the bank. For my interconnects I use Dayton cables from PartsExpress.com. Their build quality is worth more than their price.

axiom makes damn good cables also, they have been reviewed very highly for the build quality of their cables...

get 12 gage cable.. from anywhere..

Before buying my CD player, I auditioned three cd players in a side by side comparison. The NAD C542 was the best of the 3. I think you will like it very much. Like most NAD not too many bells and whistles just clean design and good performance. See if you can audition one it is worth the trip.
oz

I would not "lock" myself into matching components unless their looks was a REAL big issue to you. I would focus on performance, flexibility and upgradability (in case you want to change your equipment).

I just bought 200 ft of oxygen free 12 gauge cable on ebay for about $50 delivered. Haven't received it yet, but seem to be the going price on ebay.

Most expensive cables are just that: "expensive cables."

For a stand alone CD player, I doubt that you will find one that is much better than the other now a days.

For DVD however, the majority of reviews and user comments I’ve seen claim Denon is the best out there. Just about all of their models, depending on how much money you want to spend.

I haven't had any first hand experience with NAD. Couldn't be happier with my Denon 2900, though. I've read on other boards that some prefer the video of the 2900 over the 2910. I have no idea if that is true, and I doubt if I would be able to tell any difference. It is one solid piece of equipment that makes me feel like I spent my money well. Go with what appeals to you. I don''t think you can make a terribly wrong choice.