Denon USA will follow up the success of its popular DVD-2900 universal/combo DVD-Audio + SACD multichannel player, introduced earlier this year, with the launch later this month (September 2003) of an up-scale model, the DVD-5900 ($2,000 US).
Think of a desirable audio feature, and Denon's new high-end DVD-5900 ($2,000 US) universal multichannel player almost certainly has it covered
Like Denon’s top-of-the-line DVD-9000 player, which handles DVD-Audio but not SACD discs, the new DVD-5900 features a proprietary Denon Link output. Denon Link provides direct digital transfer of multichannel DVD-Audio signals to the similarly-equipped Denon AVR-5803 audio/video controller/receiver.
The DVD-5900 will also sport a proprietary (and defeatable) PCM- and DSD-compatible IEEE-1394 (Firewire) I/O port, featuring Denon’s exclusive new Clock Synchronized System. This port will apparently work with upcoming Denon IEEE-1394-equipped products, to support direct digital transfer of multichannel audio from both DVD-Audio and SACD sources. When switched ‘off’ the ports are ‘Universal Standard,’ according to Denon’s preliminary information.
Audiophile buyers who have been disappointed by the compomised quality of the SACD format’s DSD output (Sony’s proprietary Direct Stream Digital method) from earlier universal multichannel players will be pleased that Denon is using a Sony second-generation CXD-2753 DSD decoder board in the DVD-5900. This means full-resolution SACD output, with no conversion of the DSD bitstream to PCM format.
Pure SACD/DSD output is also supported by 24-bit, 192-kHz PCM/DSD 1790 audio digital-to-analog output convertors (DACs), custom built to Denon specifications by Burr-Brown, that decode both PCM and DSD signals discretely with no down-conversion of DSD.
On the other hand, Denon also allows you to choose to convert the DSD output from SACD discs to DVD-Audio’s PCM bitstream format, in order to take advantage of options that are not supported by DSD: variable bass management crossover points (40/60/80/100/120Hz rather than fixed 100Hz), and adjustable delay time and channel levels.
On the PCM/DVD-Audio side, Denon indicates that DVD-5900 uses the new ESS Vibrato “Chroma Bug Free” DVD-Audio/MPEG decoder.
Like the DVD-2900 before it, the DVD-5900 also offers full digital bass management for both DVD-Audio and SACD output, using dual Analog Devices Melody 100 ‘HammerHead’ processors. This important feature means easy integration (and proper full-range playback) with the vast majority of multichannel audio receivers and controllers that do not apply their own bass management features to multichannel inputs.
The new player also comes loaded with support and decoders for an impressive array of audio formats and standards, including Dolby Digital, DTS Surround, HDCD, MP3, Windows Media Audio (WMA), SRS TruSurround, and something new labeled “AL24 Processing Plus” for all 6 channels.
For the ultimate in audio performance, Denon’s Pure Direct Mode allows you to turn off un-needed portions of the player’s video and audio processing path. Purity is further enhanced by the unit’s 3-box, 5-block internal layout, which isolates analog, digital and video circuits.
Other Features and Specifications
- Plays Audio/Video CDs; DVD-Audio/Video; Super Audio CD; D+/-R/RW (conditional); Audio CD-R; Audio CD-RW; MP3/WMA CD-R/RW
- Powered by the latest “DCDi by Faroudja” FLI-2310 Decoding Engine – finest available processing for film, video, graphics or mixed-mode content
- Adjustable Chroma Delay and Level, White/Black Levels, CCS On/Off controls
- Dual, discrete, Analog Devices ADV-7310 – 216 MHz, 4:4:4, 12 bit Video D/A Conversion system featuring Noise Shaped Video processing (1 chip each Progressive and Interlace)
- 8x Oversampling Progressive and 16x Interlace output
- Wideband relay switched component video outputs
- Variable Black Level (Setup): 0 and 7.5 IRE
- Passes below-black (PLUGE) on progressive and interlace outputs
- (1) DVI-D (HDCP) Output with selectable 480p/720p/1080i output (DVD-Forum has not approved DVI output at this time, so this output will not be functional. Once Forum approved, an upgrade will be made available)
- (2)Component Video outputs, 1 with Gold BNC connections
- (2)Composite and (2)”S” Video outputs
- 2X DVD read speed; 4X CD/CD-R/CD-RW read speed; with 8MB drive buffer memory
- JPEG photo file viewer, Kodak Picture and Fujicolor CD compatible
- Anamorphic Scaling for 4:3/16:9 Sets
- 4:3 Squeeze and Zoom Controls
- RS-232C and Remote in/out ports
- Glo-Key remote control
- Dimensions: 17.1″w x 5.5″h x 17.1″d
- Weight 27.7 lbs.
Creative Labs has had the market for 5.1 surround audio add-ons for Windows computers to itself for a while now, with its Audigy 2 series of cards and interfaces. No longer: rival developer TerraTec has come up with a competing product that will be especially appealing to laptop users.