pre-amp section, digital section, build quality, and ergonomics.

ugly gold color and looks too japanesey with the blue lights

After auditioning a digital based system at a client's house, consisting of Theta tranport/converter, I was thoroughly impressed. But I became totally enthralled with the music even more after the same client added a Meridian 518 in between the transport and the converter. He claimed the 518 reclocked the jitter, manipulates dither, and allows you to choose word lenths, and remasters 16bit recordings to 20bits at a faster processing speed.
Whatever all this means, it translates into gorgeous music. I auditioned the client's system with Streisand's vocals, and the A/B comparing the differences with and without the 518 is night and day. All the life that "digital" allegedly steals from audio is brought back by the Meridian 518. Since, I've been trying to save up, so I can afford to get myself one of those 518s and a seperates digital system.
Many things have changed since my audition of the client's stereo system. Seperate digital fronts are passe, giving way to single unit players. High quality digital components no longer utilize seperate chasis. Not only that, most audio companies are utilizing multibit D/A converters; however, there are two adversities that I felt audio companies are not addressing in mid-fi audio products, especially cd players.
CD player must have two properties, a great digital end, transpornt and conversion, and a great pre-amp section, the output, and I feel most mid-fi products are greatly lacking these. Lots of new products that are out promises greater resolution and eliminating "digital" harshness by using multi-bit processors, but they are still going to sound harsh with cheap pre-amp sections; furthermore, sound quality of 16 bit digital recordings are not going to improve by using DACs with more bits.
For the past 5 years, I have been using my KEF 103/4, powered by an Aragon 8002. I have used various digital fronts. My favorite thus far has been the NAD 502 because the sounds from this machine is rhythmic and modest in detail and resolution. Unfortunately, this machine died very quickly, and I replaced it with a Marantz 63SEII. The Marantz offers a better D/A converter than the NAD, delta sigma vs bit pulse, yet, the Marantz somehow felt short in providing my system with necessary warmth and pace. Especially since my KEF's are sensitive to being "dry".
I tried everything to make the Marantz sound better in my system. I switched from monster reference cables to audio quest crystals, I took out the pre-amp (nakamichi ca7aII) and installed the cd player directly into my amp, and I have played around with my speaker cables switching single to bi-wire, using audioquest argents and midnights. Yet, the sound coming from the Marantz sounds dull; the highs are sharp and the bass is flat. I thought about adding a tube pre-amp or a velodyne F series sub to add dimension and warmth to my soundstage.
One day, I was looking at my roommate's commercial mailer from Goodguys, and one product caught my eye, and this rarely happens since Goodguys doesn't usually carry any audio products that I am interested in especially since they stopped carrying Adcom. Anyways, they advertised the Technics DVDA10N at $500. The description depicts a DVD-A player with audiophile guts and a REMASTERING function for regular cd playback.
I got really curious about the remastering function, so I got onto the internet to see what it's about. I suspected this unit's remastering function might be a kin to the Meridian 518's remastering function, so I went on the web, searching high and low. Audioreview is the first webpage I checked, and, sure enough, a few reviewers did try to explain what the remastering function on the technics is, but either because I don't trust these reviewers or their language is too complex, I didn't get what they are saying.
I then stumbled on a review by stereophile on the DVD10, reivewed by my favorite reviewer, Jonathan Scull. He didn't paint a favorable picture of the DVD10, but I think it's mainly because he's on the SACD camp in the war waging between new CD formats. Scull did explain that the digital information from CDs that are under 48khz are upsampled to 24 bit information. So, the information derived from the CD is massaged before it is fed into the MASH digital converters.
The operations that the Technics player has is similar to the Meridian 518 that I've been enamoring over. Because of this, plus Etronics 30 day satisfaction guarantee, and it's extremely low price, I decided to pick up an unit to try out in my own system. And, so far, I have been really pleased.
I hooked up the player into my stereo system as my sole source unit by connecting it directly to my power amp. Yes, this dvd player does have volume control that allows you to attenuate as you would your pre-amp. It takes a little bit of fumbling with your remote control, but it's rather intiutive and easy to get the hang of.
After careful auditioning numerous CDs, I find this unit definitely quailed my thirst for high end audio, at least for the moment. This player's pre-amp section is phenomenal. My power amp and speakers have never performed with as much smoothness, control, transparency, pace, and power. The re-mastering section of the player gets a little bit of getting used to. First thing I noticed was the sharpness that were inherent in CDs were not present when being played in this unit, yet, the sound is not as lively as it is from my vinyls or my NAD 502.
After living with this unit for another week, I feel each CD I had listened to sounded even better after each additional audition. Perhaps the sound of this unit is growing on me, perhaps this unit is breaking in, or perhaps this unit is a bit "cool" sounding in the midrange compared to most high-end products, and you just need to get used to the sound.
Four stars for value, because I have yet to audition some of the pricier high end CD players to compare the Technics with, so I can't say whether or not it is a "giant killer", however, I'd have to say the build quaility and functionality is phenomenal. I am not sure how they can pack so much quality at this kind of pricing, I suspect it is market driven due to the format wars.
5 stars for overall rating, because, as I previously mentioned, this machine has quailed my appetite to upgrade my components for the mean time. My system now sounds clear, power, and mellow at the same time, I can't think of any upgrades to any of my components that can improve on the sound using the current speakers I have.

Similar Products Used:

Marantz 63seII

Built very well. Has lots of convenient features if you plan to connect it to a 5.1 ready reciever. (almost has as many settings as a A/V preamp) CD playback amazing! DVD-Audio very promising and a taste of something new. DVD-Video playback very clean and sharp. (not progressive, but most of us don't have HDTV anyway yet)

None for this price.

I bought this new from vanns.com via an ebay auction paired with a SA-DA8N reciever. I sold the reciever for half the auction price, so that's why I was able to get this player so cheap. Since I got it out of the box and hooked it up I've really enjoyed this machine.

Despite all the childish put-downs from many below, this machine is an unbeatable value. It's a wonderful CD player and DVD-Video player, and think of the DVD-Audio stuff as a bonus. It does sound very good as compared to CD, but if it doesn't catch on you won't cry over spending tons of money on a new technology. You'll still have a great CD/DVD-Video player. I am reluctant to spend any money on either DVD-Audio or SACD because I doubt either one will get to far. If they do, great, but I think other formats are probably going to appear down the road that will outdo even those two. At least with this player you get to try it out for about the same price as a regular DVD player, and without sacrificing quality. This thing is unbelievable. It's truly one of the rare bargains in the world right now.

I will post another review as I get more acquainted with this machine and its capabilities. I really don't think you can go wrong with this player for the price. Nothing else will sound this good and look this good for $400. Enjoy, and Greg.... consider growing up.

Similar Products Used:

Sharp 750U, Sony $250 DVD player, etc.

Excellant CD section

No progressive scan

I was putting together a system for a friend... under 1K. I paired this with the Technics SADA10 reciever (230 from ubid) and Mission HT70 (260 from ubid).
This was the first to arrive and I immediately noticed its construction... heavy and quality. It made my 626 look and feel like a toy. After I hooked it up, to my Nakamichi CA-1/PA-1 system it totally blew the Pioneer away.
I never liked way the Pioneer sound playing CDs. That is why I only used it as a transport and let my CA-1 due the decoding. The Technics on certain sources was even better than the Nakamichi. The upsampling (something Perpetual Technologies also does) does make a difference. I could not believe how real, smooth and detailed the sound was.
This is not worth the 1200 list (not unless you have money), but for what I paid -- let's just say my friend was really happy.
Sidenote: After hearing DVD Audio... I believe there is no reason to release CDs. The difference in audio quality is obvious to even the most casual listener.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer DVD 626

Build quality, picture quality, dvd audio

No cdr playback

I was surprised how good the picture quality was. I felt it
was noticeably better than my sony player. It's built like a tank too. I like the dvd audio as well.(mainly in 2 channel mode though). I liked the new steely dan dvd audio.

For your information the fact that the dvda10 can play cdrw's is not a feature. Every dvd player can play cdrw's. Im not sure why every dvd player can play cdrw's, I think it has something to do with the wavelength that is reflected from a cdrw. If you dont belive me put a cdrw in your old dvd player(even if that old dvd player does not not play cdr's) and watch it play a cdrw.

Similar Products Used:

sony dvps330

Very easy to use and I have no complains.

I would rather they used light up buttons rather than the glow in the dark ones. Does not play CD-Rs.

I like the blue light it gives off when the power is on, thought that was rather different. This unit has some weight to it. Very solidly built easy to unit and manual I thought was easy to read and informative. I don't where the suggested price of $1200 came from, but I thought it was very good deal for $156.00. It has a joy stick type of control to move through and select different menus. It takes a little while to get use to. If you buy this DVD player you will not be disappointed.

Quality of build-it seems to be a good combo player at a clearance price.

Limited menu access without the remote. Won't play CD-RW's like other DVD players. Color and glaring blue light.

I couldn't resist this one at the price listed. I fully intended to get the Sony SCD CE775 SACD player for $350 but when I saw the build quality and heft of this unit for the money I had to have it 'cause I knew it wouldn't be there long. I realize that SACD is probably just a tad better sounding in most situations (it probably would not be at the full 24/192 resolution) but I'm very happy with the sound of this unit. I plan to keep it at the high resolution two channels for audio listening and I have the digital coax. hooked up for surround movies. DVD performance is better than the previous Sony DVD player that I had before. The picture is sharper and the sound is much more refined to my ears. Two channel performance is first rate. A tip about buying from the Good Guys-If you hold firm about not purchasing the extended warranty, they sometimes cave in and lower the sales price and then add in the service agreement price to bring the total back up to the original price. The reason is that they make more commission on the extended warranties so if you don't buy it, they make less. Just tell them that you don't intend to keep it for very long and you don't want the extended warranty-the salesman more than likely will find some way to get it done at the same price. If you can still find one, buy it-at least it's not much money for the sound quality and you can always get an SACD player later when prices go down even more-until then this player will satisfy your high resolution needs.

Similar Products Used:

Sony DVD/CD player (not SACD Capable)

Good picture & build quality

Freeze-up problems

Just a note that I like the player- at this build quality it was a great buy. However, in the past month or so, many DVD's freeze and stop playing after an hour or so. Doesn't matter if it's a Netflix rental or a fresh out of the box purchase. I'm going to send it in to see if it can be repaired.

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer DVD/LD combo, XBOX

From an engineering standpoint:
Solid build quality (die cast base), durable,quiet transport & spindle motor, high quality laser pickup, outstanding electrical/mechanical chassis layout for the money.

After reading the user manual very carefully, the a10 appears not to support firmware upgrades to handle future formats & progressive scan upgrades.

I am a firm beleiver to research & buy a product that will last for years of use in a home environment requiring little or no service and NOT purchasing the salesman profit making "extended warranty" packages (a waste of your money).

Based upon audio engineering experience the last 25 years, if the component is manufactured in China, Malaysia, Korea, or any other country for that matter (other than the USA, Europe or Japan) you could be wasting your money on the long haul.

Low labor costs & manufacturing quality control standards are very laid back in these respective countries and it surfaces with time. DVD players, home theatre receivers & VCR's will normally develop problems within the first 2 years or less with normal use & power cycles. You will then be out to purchase another replacement component. This is how these countries make money off of USA consumers who do not know better.

I originally purchased a new, samsung progressive scan DVD player before buying the technics a10. Took the samsung out of the box & hooked it up & it would not read 2 new DVD discs!! I realized then the cardinal rule was broken...this unit was made in Korea. Took it back to the dealer & exchanged it for the Technics A10.

Putting this comment of truth aside, the a10 has performed superbly as a stand alone DVD video player in my auxillary (2nd) home theatre system. I dont use it to play audio CD-R's, CD-RW, MP3, etc...which the A10 will not play these nor do I care. A separate SONY ES CD player standalone tracks these without any problems.


Overall, the a10 exibits exceptional spatial characteristics putting you in the center stage of a dolby digital 5.1 active mode. The video performance is stable, well defined & lifelike after playing some 30 DVD movie rentals. It has not skipped a beat as a dvd video player & should last many years. Nice remote also!!

Bottom line:
This dvd player is very inexpensive as compared to it's retail cost last year. If you are looking for a dependable player, this is the one to shoot for. Inside & out, it is well engineered in Japan!

Similar Products Used:

Pioneer elite, SONY ES, McIntosh, ONKYO, JBL, Yamaha, Crown, Accuphase & Meridian (with japanese powerhouse audio separates with outstanding build quality from the 1980's).

WELL BUILT, SOUND,PRICE

none major

This unit no longer available,too bad,this is a very solid built and sounding machine.I was looking for a second dvd player w/ dvd audio.I found it on the shelf,last one 199 offered 169, said ok.Could not pass it up it looked new w/ remote, no paper work,panasonic.com had manual on web.I came home,went to this site soon as i walked in,i value all your opinions.Unit sounds great, now enjoy my old cds.I have 6 ch out into a onkyo 777 multi ch, 777 out to carver 505amp which i use as 4 ch stereo.Steely Dan never sounded so good, if you own or buy, get any remastered cd and you will be IN MIDFI HEAVEN at low fi price.Thanks for all your reviews on this and all equipment here. AUDIO REVIEW .COM RULES.

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yamaha, denon

Everything!!!!

None

This is one the the best built unit's out today. Do you hear me you Sony schill's so quit blowing sony's horn for them.
Sony makes good product's but i don't want to hear some a$$hole push his opinions upon other's just review the product once!!!! GOT IT!!!!
This unit is trouble free

Similar Products Used:

Panasonic