Yamaha CD-S700 VS Denon 2900

ZeroG

ZeroG

Super Member
Sometimes the increment in upgrade isn't worth the cost, sometimes it is. This is about a CD player.

Currently running a Denon 2900 with a Dac Magic into an Emotiva preamp and while it sounds pretty good, it isn't great. Seems a little sharp sounding to me. Looked at a Yamaha CD-S700, but couldn't A/B the two.

The Yamaha offers more options for format (mp3, CD-R etc) but the Denon has SACD capability, and I have a few SACDs. Both units were praised for sound quality.


Also, I might be better off with an Oppo universal player, fed into the DAC if needed. Could then opt for blu-ray capability for video.

Comments? Opinions? All appreciated.

Tanks!
 
Register to hide this ad
ZeroG said:
Sometimes the increment in upgrade isn't worth the cost, sometimes it is. This is about a CD player.

Currently running a Denon 2900 with a Dac Magic into an Emotiva preamp and while it sounds pretty good, it isn't great. Seems a little sharp sounding to me. Looked at a Yamaha CD-S700, but couldn't A/B the two.

The Yamaha offers more options for format (mp3, CD-R etc) but the Denon has SACD capability, and I have a few SACDs. Both units were praised for sound quality.


Also, I might be better off with an Oppo universal player, fed into the DAC if needed. Could then opt for blu-ray capability for video.

Comments? Opinions? All appreciated.

Tanks!
Click to expand...

There's a chance the issue could be the DacMagic. Which model is it? They make several "DacMagic" ones, don't they? I've read some reviews where it mentioned a brightness/sharpness to the sound of the base-model DacMagic.
 
Gang-Twanger said:
There's a chance the issue could be the DacMagic. Which model is it? They make several "DacMagic" ones, don't they? I've read some reviews where it mentioned a brightness/sharpness to the sound of the base-model DacMagic.
Click to expand...

This is the one just previous to the current model. Called the Upsampling DAC.
IIRC, the first generation had some issues but this is the one that was raved about.

I also have a first generation Milennia DAC, but that doesn't have the anti-jitter that the DAC Magic has, so I never bothered to try it with the Denon 2900.
 
That DAC is below the capabilities of the one in Denon DVD-2900. And you don't have the SACD option with it anyway.
I have one DVD-2900 and I did replace the OpAmps on the output with LM4562.
LME49720 is the same OpAmp (different numbering scheme). AD8599 is another OpAmp that I did try and sounded nice in there.
Note that, on that Denon, the "Stereo Mix" out has better analog components (capacitors, OpAmps) than the "Surround L/R" out.
 
I have the Denon 2900. I think it's one of the best sounding CD and SACD players I've heard, easily besting several OPPO units. I'm using the Denon's built-in DAC's as this is the only way to get SACD out of the deck.

Jimmy
 
SoNic67 said:
That DAC is below the capabilities of the one in Denon DVD-2900. And you don't have the SACD option with it anyway.
I have one DVD-2900 and I did replace the OpAmps on the output with LM4562.
LME49720 is the same OpAmp (different numbering scheme). AD8599 is another OpAmp that I did try and sounded nice in there.
Note that, on that Denon, the "Stereo Mix" out has better analog components (capacitors, OpAmps) than the "Surround L/R" out.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't say that the DAC Magic is below the 2900 DACS. Have you A/B'd them yourself? I'm running both the digital out through the outboard DAC as well as the 5.1 SACD up through my Outlaw pre/pro. That way the SACD capability is not sacrificed and the redbook CDs get upgraded sound.

HOWEVER...I would be interested in the OpAmp upgrade. Did you solder in a socket first? Is there a link to a site where that upgrade is detailed out?
 
The original posting was about the Denon 2900 vs the Yamaha CD-S700.

Anyone know anything about the Yamaha?
 
I was electronics technician when I was young so I have some experience with soldering.
The OpAmps in DVD-2900 are SMD and require special care. I used ChipQuick low-melt alloy and desoldering wick to remove the original chips. Tacky flux to hold the new ones in place. Youtube might be usefull :)
 
I operated and heard one and was very impressed with the sound and holy cow, the build quality ! Wow.It is a real looker to boot.Mine oughta be here in a couple days :). Doug
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom