How does the ABT scaler in the Denon AVR-2310 compare to the HQV in the DVD-3930 and the 3800BD?

[admin_exported]

Hi,

I'm looking at getting a dvd/bluray player and a reciever to replace my current setup. I don't have problems with buying last years models etc, just interested in performance. My question is this:

What would give better performance with normal dvd's?

1) Using the upscaler on the 2310 and using a 2500bt to pass the original signal through to it

2) Using a 2809 and connecting it with a good upscaling dvd player like the 3930 or the 3800BD (I understand that the HQV is better than the 2809 solution)

Any thoughts would be welcome.

Many thanks,

Simon

 

[Anonymous]

Simon - good question, and one I have been trying to resolve for a little while now, So, what is the better: Anchor Bay ABT2010, or the Silicon Optix Realta HQV? Unfortunately, I have not been in a position to do any side-by-side comparisons.

My main concern is that I often think that it is more the sum of all the parts for a particular product, rather than simply a comparison between the ABT & HQV. I say this as the Denon 3800BD gets a great write-up in most reviews, including its HQV capabilities, yet the review of the Marantz UD8004 Blu-Ray player in this month's WHF (cost £2.5K) gets five stars and uses the ABT2010 and not the HQV. So, based on this should the Denon AVR-2310 (ABT2010) outshine the Denon 3800BD Blu-Ray (HQV)? I somehow think not, as the higher-end Denon AVRs use the Realta HQV chip.

For me, and based on the Denon 3800BD review in the link below, I would go for this blu-ray player based on its overall build quality and Realta HQV integration and pass it through the AV, and go for the Denon AVR-23120 that has the ABT2310 and use this to upscale my Sky+HD SD channels. I am tempted to go for a high-spec Denon AVR that has the Realta HQV, but will I see a big enough difference in the upscaling and / or is the much higher price justified when connected to KEF KHT3005SE speakers (and would the higher power rating be too much)?

Here is the 3800BD link:

LINK REMOVED - House Rules

Any more thoughts from the Forum?

Paul.

 

[Anonymous]

Excuse the typos in my previous reply in the last paragraph:

'....and go for the Denon AVR-23120 that has the ABT2310... '

should read: '....and go for the Denon AVR-2310 that has the ABT2010 ....'

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Paul,

Ended up getting a 2310 as I was offered one for a great price. Am currently using a PS3 slim as a dvd player until I can decide what to get. As it stands at the moment, I've tried the upscaler in the PS3 and the upscaler on the amp and I prefer the amp.

It's only on my 32" LCD at the moment, but it's full HD and I was sitting pretty close lol

As for dvd/blu-ray player, I can see myself getting the 3800BD. OK, it's a little more expensive, but I can semi-justify it to myself by saying it should be pretty good as a cd player. As I'm limited on space, I need something thats's great with dvd's (whether it's as good as the 3930, I'm still can't find a definitive answer), awesome with blu-rays and does a pretty decent job at playing cd's.

Sounds like a 3800BD then!

As soon as I get one, I'll do a comparison and let you know.

All the best,

Simon

 

[Anonymous]

Simon - good luck with the 3800BD, and it would be great to hear your opinion.

If you ever upgrade your TV to a bigger screen, let me know how the 2310 upscales compared to the new TV's native upscaler.

Also, how is the 2310 sound and what speakers do you have?

Paul.