Video Asylum

Posted by John C. - Aussie (A) on April 07, 2007 at 20:55:06

I put a post up on the digital board about an A/V universal player and had some feedback, but pretty obviously the inmates lurking there are not into video as well as audio. So, I'll be interested to get feedback from you people who are as interested in quality video as well as quality audio as I am.

There are just too many players in the main system now so I'm contemplating the Denon as a single unit replacement. I've read some good reviews of the Denon, particularly if modified. One such rave review is up at
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1180296271)

However that company has some different views on upgrading. I quote from their site:
The Upgrade Company does not recommend installing a "Superclock" nor any additional wiring nor circuit boards. Doing so simply collects more RF (radio frequency) and EMI (electro magnetically induced) noise and distortion, making the sound "different" but never better. The additional circuitry and wiring with aftermarket "clocks" negatively affects both digital signal and power supply lines because the additional circuitry and wiring perform like receiving antenna's, as all wiring and circuits do, picking up both internally generated and airborne RF and EMI, injecting a lot more noise directly into the data stream and power supply, compounding problems and hurting performance. Also the delay lines they create cause smearing and ringing. Very bad idea. In fact many installers are not aware that these supposed "Superclocks" radiate MORE RF directly into the other circuits and electronic components inside the unit like a sonic jackhammer, dramatically reducing measured and perceived performance. We have a better solution!"

With clock upgrading one of the first used by other modders it is difficult to accept what they say but I guess the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Unfortunately, living in the lovely place we do, auditioning of even unmodded universal players is impossible. Not sure it would tell much anyway if the unit is to be modded.

Anyway, if anyone has experience with modded Denons, I'd appreciate feedback. They have a great reputation for high quality video. Now if only the bar can be raised enough on the audio.

The audio set up would be:
(1) 2CH - Player digital out -> a Steve Nugent "ultimate" mod (Empirical Audio) on a Benchmark DAC1 \-> McIntosh C200 -> Halcro amps -> Sound Labs full range electrostatic speakers
+ synthesised surround (7.1 system) - Preamp out -> Meridian 861 -> various amps & electrostatic speakers
(2) MC ex DVD-A (sadly I have a few) & SACD - L/R direct to preamp, amps & speakers as in (1)
+ the 3.1 surround -> (special input card) Meridian 861 -> varous amps etc as above
Sound has to be balanced between the preamp & the Meridian - not difficult.

Madness I know, but this IS an asylum after all!

John

Do not criticise the idiots in this world - we need them as they make the rest of us look so much better :-)