DV-38A DVD AUDIO/VIDEO IS SUPREME!
Written: Aug 17 '01 (Updated Dec 14 '01)
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Pros: Pristine progressive scan video quality, DVD Audio playback, Great looks
Cons: None worth mentioning
The Bottom Line: Final recommendation stated below
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| Placidman's Full Review: Pioneer DV-38A DVD Player |
" Elite " is Pioneer Electronics brand name for their high end gear. The DV-38A is without question a high end piece with it's hefty cabinet ( 23 pounds ), urushi ( high gloss ) finish, and $2000 list price. The real question is, what does this player offer for that $2000 that others don't?
The DV-38A is a THX Ultra certified ( video output only ) DVD audio/video player that features on board Dolby Digital and DTS decoders, 192 Khz/24 bit digital to analog convertors ( stereo ), 96 Khz/24 bit digital to analog convertors ( multi channel ), composite, S - Video, and component video outputs with the component video output switchable between interlaced and progressive scan, Pioneer's Pure Cinema progressive ( or the ability to perform 3:2 pulldown ), DVD Audio decoding, video CD playback, CD, CD R, and CD RW playback. Whew! I tried to hit the highlights, and if I left something out forgive me.
Let me say that everything about this player exudes class. From it's rosewood side panels, smooth polymer disc tray, to it's handsome front panel and gold plated connectors. I connected the DV-38A to my HDTV ready monitor via the component video outputs, and the first thing I really liked was that the output was switchable between interlaced and progressive scan. You had a choice on the back panel of either switching it there or choosing " menu select " which means it can be done using the remote and the players on screen menu. I found the players onscreen menu to be intuitive and easy to use, and for users with experience it has an " expert menu " which in my opinion is the one everyone should use as it has all the options that the player has to offer. Setting up the player was simple using it's automatic setup navigator which walks you through setting up each audio/video option ( verrry nice! ). I connected the players digital output ( it has both coaxial and optical ) to my Pioneer Elite VSX-39TX digital input, and its 5.1 channel analog output to the 5.1 analog in on the receiver as well.
I must say that setting up this player was a breeze, the manual was well laid out, and comprehensive. I found the remote to be just fine, and contrary to what I have read, it's jog dial does not feel flimsy to me at all. Ok, on to the units performance, let's sum it up in one word " Fantastic "!
The DV-38A's progressive output on my RPTV displayed an absolutely flawless picture, which I would best describe as razor sharp, film like, and natural. I upgraded from the Toshiba SD5109 which was a progressive scan player. This unit blows it away. It's picture is so good that my wife even commented on the fact that she could see details like the fabric weave on a blanket during the " Other Sister " which is a non anamorphic DVD. With anamorphic DVD's the DV-38A really shines with a picture that is sharp, film like, and finely detailed. I have about six DVD Audio discs, and the first one I played on this unit was Natalie Merchant's " Tigerlily ". The clarity, richness, depth, and extended dynamic range was incredible. The higher resolution of DVD Audio as compared to standard compact discs is stunning to say the least. The DV-38A also sounds great with standard CD's. I listened to Enya's latest CD, and I could not believe the overall richness this player lent to her warm vocals, and sweeping keyboards as compared to my CD player AND the Toshiba!
On the technical side this player has a few advanced functions worth mentioning. The player has numerous video quality settings that allow you to tweak the picture. Sharpness high and Mid, White level, Black level, Hue, Chroma level, Chroma delay, Progressive motion, and several video noise reduction settings. I won't go into all that these tweaks do, but I will say that depending on your display they can be very useful. The player has three memory storages so you can save your settings.
The player also has a function called " last memory " which enables you to return to a specific spot on a DVD once you have turned off the unit and removed the disc. You can store up to five different discs into memory this way ( cool! ). Lastly this player allows you to fast forward and reverse at several different speeds, forward/reverse in slow motion at several speeds, and advance a frame at a time.
The bottom line is that this is a solid player capable of filling all the needs of any audiophile, and then some. If you want to spend your money on quality, but are not sure where to look give the DV-38A an audition. Please feel free to e mail me at placidman1802@netscape.net with any comments/questions.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 973.00
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Epinions.com ID:
Placidman
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Member: Ralph Potts
Location: Middletown, NY
Reviews written: 22
Trusted by: 9 members
About Me:
I am an Audiophile who loves to read and write about Home Audio/Video.
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