View Full Version : Cheap DVD player as a transport - ever tried it?
Accudazed
13-12-2014, 17:07
Hi
Well, my Accuphase DP-500 is virtually dead (6 months nightmare that is far from over - all will be revealed when it is resolved...). Whilst I am bustin to share my horrendous experience with AoS members because there is much to learn from it, the whole debacle is still at a delicate stage legally, so I am keeping shtum for now.
What I will say at this stage is that I was treated abominably by Accuphase UK who said they would repair my machine and, after testing it, decided they would not even though they knew what the problem was and could get the parts.:eek: So, Richard Barnard reassembled my faulty CD player and sent it back to me at my expense.:steam: The shipping costs I incurred whilst benefitting from this appalling service was £130.:uhho: Nice eh? Imagine if I had spent £36,000 on Accuphase's flagship CD player and then had to suffer that kind of service? So, dear AoS member, I recommend that you give R.T. Services (that's Robert Purnell, Accuphase UK distributor - website not updated since February 2012...) and Richard Barnard a very wide berth.
I am pretty sure that the DAC in my DP-500 is still working (and, it is one helluva DAC too). Accuphase UK thought so, so it must be okay! Since I can use this DAC as a standalone machine I thought (with the help of The Grand Wazzoo) that using a cheap DVD player (strapped for cash!) as a transport for my DP-500's DAC would get me listening to CDs again. You can get new Sony DVD players with a digital output that play CDs, CD-Rs and CD-RWs for less than £30. SH Blueray players can be had for similar money and that would give me SACD capability too. Has anyone tried this?
Imagine if this cheap DVD player transport option produced similar results to the 18lb monster transport in my DP-500? In this crazy world, anything is possible!
Any thoughts on this would be much appreciated.
Cheers
Steve
o. Has anyone tried this?
Imagine if this cheap DVD player transport option produced similar results to the 18lb monster transport in my DP-500? In this crazy world, anything is possible!
I applaud the sentiment but it's not true as often as you might wish.
I've tried using DVD and BD players as transports, using both the DAC of a Cambridge 840C ( tried with both upsampling and regular options) and the DAC in my XTZ amp.
In all cases I thought the players sounded better stand alone. The BD player was noticeably inferior to the DVD player. Some proper CD players fared better than both but again not as good as standalone.
I was gutted since I love a cheap solution. Who doesn't?
On the other hand I have read anecdotal evidence from others where cheap Tesco DVD players used as transports have wiped the floor with a couple of grands worth of Wadia or whatever. So I wouldn't rule out doing your own experimentation, especially as it is by definition, cheap. These things can often be system dependant. It would help if anyone knew precisely why a digital transport effects the sound. I agree that it does but the explanations I have seen are pretty weak.
If you use it as an file based player you can get better results. Worth a try. Use either WAV or FLAC download onto a stick or SSD and connect to the player via the USB input. You will need a screen to access the menu but a lot better performance than using as a CD transport
Silly question, but I was sitting in my car waiting for my Wife this morning, listening to the Pioneer car CD player and wandering if anyone has ever used such a player simply as a transport? They have to be pretty sturdy to put up with conditions in a car, they run on a 12V supply so would be isolated from the mains, they have slot loading so no flimsy drawer to break etc. Just wondered. If they read the digital signal to a decent DAC maybe, just maybe . . . ?
1/Plenty good cheap old dvd players make good transport imo. The old Poneers etc.
2/Keep it in the rack for looks and use flac files from a pc
Silly question, but I was sitting in my car waiting for my Wife this morning, listening to the Pioneer car CD player and wandering if anyone has ever used such a player simply as a transport? They have to be pretty sturdy to put up with conditions in a car, they run on a 12V supply so would be isolated from the mains, they have slot loading so no flimsy drawer to break etc. Just wondered. If they read the digital signal to a decent DAC maybe, just maybe . . . ?
Never tried it, but I see your logic.
I've never tried one of those DJ players that look like mini turntables, either, but I quite fancy giving it a go. Trouble is the well built ones are expensive even used.
If you use it as an file based player you can get better results. Worth a try. Use either WAV or FLAC download onto a stick or SSD and connect to the player via the USB input. You will need a screen to access the menu but a lot better performance than using as a CD transport
This is definitively worth a try. This works for example on my Oppo BDP 105. I have played CD quality rips, mp3s, hi-rez files (flac ans wav) and a fair bit of DSD content this way. In theory this should sound better than reading from a spinning source.
Silly question, but I was sitting in my car waiting for my Wife this morning, listening to the Pioneer car CD player and wandering if anyone has ever used such a player simply as a transport? They have to be pretty sturdy to put up with conditions in a car, they run on a 12V supply so would be isolated from the mains, they have slot loading so no flimsy drawer to break etc. Just wondered. If they read the digital signal to a decent DAC maybe, just maybe . . . ?
Yes I have wondered before about the inherently severe vibration of the motor vehicle. Interesting idea but getting digital output would be tricky.
Ninanina
13-12-2014, 22:33
Steve I'm so sorry to hear of all the problems you are having with Accuphase... nightmare.. :(
I've been using a Pioneer DV717 for a while now and I have no complaints, and I believe there a couple of others on here using them as well. I did have a Meridian 506 before and while it was pretty good I believe I've improved on it by using the 717 into a Rega Dac
I purchased a second 717 just to keep as a 'spare' as they are so cheap.. £50 should buy you a nice one.. my two are in the rather 'fetching' champagne colour, which is nice !! ;)
I have a friend that also swapped his Meridian for a Pioneer DV989, sort of a more up to date 717, and also using it with a Rega Dac and he's very happy :)... However the 717's are proper Made In Japan jobbies which I think makes a difference..
walpurgis
13-12-2014, 23:07
I've been using a Pioneer DV717 for a while now and I have no complaints, and I believe there a couple of others on here using them as well.
You'll never guess what I do with my DV-717. I play DVDs with it! :D
They play dvd's rather well too;) the 737 even better
Ninanina
13-12-2014, 23:36
You'll never guess what I do with my DV-717. I play DVDs with it! :D
True they are ok for that as well.. :doh:
Actually my spare 717 is used for DVD's however it pretty much doesn't ever get used...
The Black Adder
14-12-2014, 06:06
You really need to try one of these my friend.
http://www.dvdts.co.kr/board/sell/image_file/%EC%A2%8C%EC%A0%84%EB%A9%B4.jpg
It's more than probable that it's built to the same or exceeding quality as your Accuphase. Not as pretty, granted but as a transport you simply can't fault it... for the price it's a complete no brainer. Laser pickups are still available too and are 'supposed' to be easy to fit.
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/musical_submarine/blocked/Archive%202013/sony/DSC07717.jpg
Copper plated chassis... blah blah blah, last of the real sony's...blah, battleship/tank build, loss leader, heavy as a fecking AGA, negative re-coupe due to over engineering hence they stopped making such splendid machines. :)
Won't play copied discs though which to some is a bummer but plays CDRW's - Anyway, cd's are cheap as chips these days so why not. For this amount of attention to detail and engineering it's worth it.
http://www.hifishock.org/galleries/electronics/sony/source/dvd-player/dvp-s9000es-1c-sony.jpg
Is it better than a 717?.. no idea as I've not compared them... but it's a lovely thing to use.
jandl100
14-12-2014, 08:08
Sorry to hear of your Accuphase disaster. :(
I have to confess that having heard an Accuphase cdp ( a 55V) directly compared to my vintage Technics SL-P1200 cdp they wouldn't be on my Want List anyway - too laid back and smooooth for me. To my ears the Techie was much more vivid and interesting to listen to.
I use a Pioneer DV-737 as a CD transport - I'd happily put it up against any CD player or transport I have ever heard. £50-£100 on ebay. Superb would be the "1 Word Review", they really benefit from a good digital interconnect. But a very different sound from the Accudoze ;) so it may be a bit upfront for you and not to your liking.
Just IMO & YMMV etc.
What model is that Sony battleship Jo?
orbscure
14-12-2014, 09:27
Looks like a DVP-S9000ES to me...
Can't argue with the Sony option mentioned. My dvp-s7700 still sits here as a spare although I am tempted to let it go. Similar battleship build to the 9000es but as I can't remember the last time I watched a DVD it is a bit wasted.
The Black Adder
14-12-2014, 19:03
What model is that Sony battleship Jo?
Yep, it's the DVP-S9000ES.
You really need to try one of these my friend.
http://www.dvdts.co.kr/board/sell/image_file/%EC%A2%8C%EC%A0%84%EB%A9%B4.jpg
It's more than probable that it's built to the same or exceeding quality as your Accuphase. Not as pretty, granted but as a transport you simply can't fault it... for the price it's a complete no brainer. Laser pickups are still available too and are 'supposed' to be easy to fit.
http://i457.photobucket.com/albums/qq295/musical_submarine/blocked/Archive%202013/sony/DSC07717.jpg
Copper plated chassis... blah blah blah, last of the real sony's...blah, battleship/tank build, loss leader, heavy as a fecking AGA, negative re-coupe due to over engineering hence they stopped making such splendid machines. :)
Won't play copied discs though which to some is a bummer but plays CDRW's - Anyway, cd's are cheap as chips these days so why not. For this amount of attention to detail and engineering it's worth it.
http://www.hifishock.org/galleries/electronics/sony/source/dvd-player/dvp-s9000es-1c-sony.jpg
Is it better than a 717?.. no idea as I've not compared them... but it's a lovely thing to use.
Hehehe… Nice one, Joe. Did you hear me raving about these before? I’ve mentioned them many times in the past as being superb. Enjoy! :cool:
Marco.
Ninanina
14-12-2014, 19:37
Does anyone know if the DVP-S9000ES can play copied CD's ok ?
Thanks
The Black Adder
14-12-2014, 20:33
It won't play burned cd's but will play CD-RW's - As for redbook standard cd's it's a machine to behold, transport wise or with using it's internal dac.
Hi Marco. Sure have matey... they are quite astonishing. :)
Hoopsontoast can also vouch for this machine's qualities as well as it's internal dac. He's been using one for quite a while now.
bigmarty
14-12-2014, 20:51
I must admit it looks quiet sexy in an HIFI sort of way........ I've said it now :doh:
Marty :D
Hi Marco. Sure have matey... they are quite astonishing. :)
Hoopsontoast can also vouch for this machine's qualities as well as it's internal dac. He's been using one for quite a while now.
That’s who I was trying to think of earlier! Yup, I told him not to sell his unless he’s got about £2k to spend on a high-end CDP, and so far he’s kept it ;)
Marco.
The Black Adder
17-12-2014, 18:54
He's also changed the laser in it too without any issues. Jobs a good un. - a keeper!
icehockeyboy
19-12-2014, 09:01
I honestly thought just about every man and his dog had been down the 'cheap DVD as a transport' route!
Some time back I used either Tosh 330 and a Pioneer 575 or something, through a Beresford DAC, and it held its own against my at the time £1k plus CDP.
Even as a standalone CD player, some older DVD players are excellent. I've had a few of the Marantz multi-format players and an Arcam FMJ which were as good as anything I've heard up to £1K plus, and you can pick them up for a fraction of that.
Accudazed
21-12-2014, 21:15
THANKS for all the advice folks - it is much appreciated.
Hats off to the AoS!
Merry Christmas everyone.
:christmas::christmas::christmas::christmas::chris tmas::christmas::christmas::christmas::christmas:: christmas::christmas::christmas::christmas::christ mas::christmas::christmas::christmas::christmas:
Cheers
Steve
gazcarts
23-12-2014, 17:11
I just received a Denon DVD-2900 today. In mint condition and boxed for £135 delivered. It sounds fabulous. Wish I'd known about that Sony though; that looks amazing.
Clothears
26-12-2014, 06:53
I too have recently toyed with the idea of using a cheap DVD player as a transport into my Beresford Caiman Mk II. I bought myself a cheap Arcam DV79 but when I got it hooked up I found that it read and played DVDs fine, but would not read CDs. I contacted Arcam for advice and they said that this old unit has a dual laser assembly and it is quite common for one laser to go whilst the other continues to work perfectly.
It's a shame really as if the DVD playback is anything to go by, the CD playback on the DV79 would have been really good.
I notice that you can buy new laser assemblies off Ebay for about £15 and thinking it might be worth it to get it repaired? I don't have the necessary skills to do it myself and wondered how much I would expect to pay a 3rd party to do the work for me?
.
I had a laser swap on a Sony a couple of years ago. Cost me twenty notes plus the part. I'd guess it took the EE half an hour so he's paying himself £40 an hour. I wouldn't fork out much more than that.
Clothears
26-12-2014, 09:16
I had a laser swap on a Sony a couple of years ago. Cost me twenty notes plus the part. I'd guess it took the EE half an hour so he's paying himself £40 an hour. I wouldn't fork out much more than that.
Cheers.
Some company I found on Google in the Greater Manchester area quoted me £75, which I thought was pretty steep for as you say a 30 min job. I just wish I had some tech skills and could use a soldering iron.
.
I don't think any soldering is required but you do need one of those anti-static set ups. If you can find a guide to doing it on line then you could have a go yourself, not really much to lose. No way is it a £75 job.
Clothears
26-12-2014, 10:34
OK cheers for that. I think I will investigate it further and maybe have a go myself. As you say its hardly got much sell on value as it is, so nothing to lose really.
.
hifinutt
31-12-2014, 20:05
I have frequently tried my msb cd 4 transport against my sony blu ray player and while the latter is very good , the msb was streets ahead . the sound seemed to come from half the speaker with the blu ray whereas with the msb it filled every pore and filled the room and sounded marvellous
Read and sorry to hear about your misadventures, Accudazed!
Interestingly, my experience with one particular Pioneer DVD player almost perfectly matches the opinions of some of the people here.
I have three setups and in the third one I use the Pioneer 656 DVD player feeding digits to an Advance Acoustic 305D integrated amp with a DAC. As it is my third setup (not even second), I do not care much about interconnects and use such simply left over from previous cable endeavors :D - and I have had many endeavors, which means I use cables that are certainly good but have been taken over by better ones.
Hence, I never expected wonders from this combination. But I must emphasize that I find the sound surprisingly good - of course, using interconnects of reasonable quality.
What is more, please, note, that I did not come to the decision by myself. I remember very well that I read an article in tnt-audio.com about 10 years ago in which there was a very detailed description of how one could easily turn a Pioneer DVD 656 player into a very good transport through some upgrade or a tweak. And the author strongly insisted that the Pioneer 656 DVD player was - or could be after some modding - a very good transport.
I just tried to find this article but I can't. I have never made any attempt at upgrading or tweaking my Pioneer 656 - I simply started using it as a transport with a good coax cable - and it works well.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you finding a good transport but let me add that, IMO, using a computer, a good USB interface and a DAC is not only much more convenient but generally yields a better sound that using a CD transport and a DAC. Sadly, of course, but the CD player/transport is approaching its demise.
icehockeyboy
12-01-2015, 22:24
It was the 'In Thing' about 4 or 5 years ago.
I used one of the old Tosh 330 award winning CDP's though a Stan DAC.
It equalled whatever £1k plus CDP I had at the time.
I recall using a Pioneer 575 too....or was it a 757?
Either way it was a real eye opener.
I have made a mistake in yesterday's post where I explain that I use a Pioneer DVD player as a CD transport. The model number is 696, not 656. Here it is: http://www.pioneer.eu/eur/products/archive/DV-696AV-S/page.html
I am sorry - and hope not to have misled somebody!
It is only now that I see that it plays DVD-audio and SACD! I bought it a long time ago, obviously the fact later escaped my attention. It seems to me that its ability to work well as a CD transport may have to do with its DVD-audio and SACD feature.
Ninanina
30-01-2015, 21:04
I recently put my old Marantz CD50se back into my system, used as a transport, which I haven't used for ages... but today I put back the Pioneer DV717 and I much prefer it to the Marantz setup...
I think these old Pioneer DVD players are very good, especially for the crazy low prices they are ..:D
Stresss42
17-02-2015, 20:30
Hi Steve, don't know if you're still looking for a DVD player as a transport - I know the post is quite old now !
I've been using a Pioneer BDP LX-55 as my main source for CD's, USB ( plays FLAC / WAV from USB ) and Blu ray - it's been absolutely superb. I would only ever consider upgrading to an Oppo player -
or a higher spec Pioneer - Flagship model. ( Arcam looks nice - can't afford it :steam:)... I do have a heavilly modded Beresford TC7510 Battery Powered DAC ( Deben Tracer 10ah Battery pack ) and the detail and musicality is simply breath taking. Love it.
Sorry to hear about the grief you've had - hope you get it sorted mate. All the best, Steve.
Edit. 10ah Deben Battery not 14 !!
Pieoftheday
17-02-2015, 21:35
My recent experience of using a pioneer bdp170 blue ray player as transport with a caiman mk11 DAC was, OK sound wise, awful to use, I've recently 'upgraded' to a pro-ject CD box s as transport and the results are stark improvements even in my modest set up, jim
Stresss42
18-02-2015, 19:32
That's got me thinking now Jim...Is the laser pick up that different in a cd player than a blu ray ? Of course it's a different specification laser pick up ...but sent digitally to a Beresford Dac.
I was reading with interest some reviews on the TC7510 ( I have one ) and the reviewer - to my surprise had differing results with various transports.
Sorry if this changes the subject slightly everyone. I bought the BDP LX55 specifically for its rock solid transport. Wouldn't swap it anytime soon...Unless..Lottery.. ? :brickwall:
Pieoftheday
25-02-2015, 16:30
That's got me thinking now Jim...Is the laser pick up that different in a cd player than a blu ray ? Of course it's a different specification laser pick up ...but sent digitally to a Beresford Dac.
I was reading with interest some reviews on the TC7510 ( I have one ) and the reviewer - to my surprise had differing results with various transports.
Sorry if this changes the subject slightly everyone. I bought the BDP LX55 specifically for its rock solid transport. Wouldn't swap it anytime soon...Unless..Lottery.. ? :brickwall:
im afraid i dont know how cd / blu ray player laser pick ups differ, really cant fault the little pro-ject though and the pioneer is fine for films, jim
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