Biting the Bullet.

[Babur72]

'Ey up guys,

Considering whether to take the plunge & order an Marantz UD9004 Universal Blue-Ray player or the Denon DVD-A1UD after hearing them on a demo. in Dubai,whilst staying there on my way back from India recently.

I'm also deliberating over whether i should splash out & have the stock model upgraded with improved damping,magnetic shielding,componentry(capacitors,resistors etc.),power-supply & associated circuitry after taking delivery.Costing an additional $2,000.00 plus another $500.00 for shipping & insurance.

Whilst the Marantz player's audio & video performance was slightly more fluid & natural than the Denon player's,i did feel that the Marantz player came across as a tad inhibited & polite.Lacking some immediacy in the attack & decay of notes when playing CD's & SACD's.

Having said that,i still feel the Marantz player's performance(especially with audio playback) was that little bit more accomplished & sophisticated than the Denon player's.

Whilst the Universal player won't be my main CD/SACD audio player it would prove worthwhile & of added flexibility having a player capable of audio performance approaching that of a dedicated CD/SACD player.

I'd appreciate the thoughts of those who've had their stock components customised by upgrade specialists & the results they achieved.

Cheers.

BABUR.

 

[Deleted member 2457]

did not know you could do that.

 

[The_Lhc]

I don't think you'll find too many people here buying either of those at all, never mind getting them upgraded AND not even using it as their main player...

As an aside, I own ten pool cues, some people only own 1, I look down on them...

 

[TheHomeCinemaCentre]

Who is offering the upgrades on the Marantz? It is pretty tight in the chasis so I would be very interested to see what they intend to do.

To my mind the Marantz offers a totally amazing package but if you want gains on the CD front you really have to opt for a dedicated palyer or high performing DAC to accompany it.

 

[Babur72]

TheHomeCinemaCentre:

Who is offering the upgrades on the Marantz? It is pretty tight in the chasis so I would be very interested to see what they intend to do.

To my mind the Marantz offers a totally amazing package but if you want gains on the CD front you really have to opt for a dedicated palyer or high performing DAC to accompany it.

Hi Nick,

The upgrades are done by the Upgrade Co.,in the U.S.

While i appreciate that the manufacturers warranty is automaticly invalidated by any such unauthorised work,i understand that the Upgrade Co. also offer a warranty & repair service of their own.I'll be arranging to pick the brains of those clients who've had work done by them in the near future,before deciding whether or not to carry-out the upgrade.

I'm also aware that for the ultimate in CD/SACD playback performance one would need to invest in a dedicated audiophile CD/SACD player.Which is why i've also attended occaisional demo's to hear players/transports & DAC's over these last few months.

Still.I'd appreciate anybody sharing their experiences with modifications they've had done on standard factory issue source components.And whether the results achieved by doing so were worthwhile.

Cheers.

BABUR.

 

[Babur72]

TheHomeCinemaCentre:

Who is offering the upgrades on the Marantz? It is pretty tight in the chasis so I would be very interested to see what they intend to do.

To my mind the Marantz offers a totally amazing package but if you want gains on the CD front you really have to opt for a dedicated palyer or high performing DAC to accompany it.

Hi Nick,

Great to finally get an opportunity to tap your considerable knowledge about the Marantz UD9004 & Anthem Processor/Multi-channel amps. on the 'phone earlier tonight.

Looking forward to meeting you & the guys next month,while we carry out some A-B source component comparisons.

Thanks.

BABUR.