Hear your music differently with this unit.
Written: Mar 05 '03 (Updated Mar 05 '03)
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Pros: Sounds excellent. Great Value
Cons: poor remote and interface
The Bottom Line: The sound produced by the DCM-370 far outweighs its weaknesses in ergonomics and noisy disc changes.
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| holeydonut2k3's Full Review: Denon DCM-370 5-Disc CD Changer |
This unit is incredible. I currently have a Yamaha 795a receiver hooked up to a pair of Paradigm Monitor 7s. Previously, I was using a Sony CDP-CE545 as my CD source - and was using the Yamaha's D/A converter to process the sound data. I was able to borrow a friend's Denon 370 to try in my system and was completely blown away. The next day, I returned the Sony, and had to go out and get one for myself. I cannot believe that this unit can be had at its price.
I believe that the new DVD-Audio format may be causing retailers to sell their 'old technology' units at a lower price, but for regular 2 channel stereo sound, this unit can't be beat.
Initially, I was skeptical of the claims that this unit could *improve* the sound from conventional CD's. However, I can attest to the fact that this unit lives up to its claims. Not only does music in the HDCD format sound better than normal 16bit CD audio, the Denon DCM-370 proves a vast improvement over the standard Digital to Analog conversion that my Yamaha receiver offers.
Just to make sure that it wasn't just wishful thinking, I hooked up both the digital output (skips the DCM-370’s own decoders) and the L/R output (the only reason to even get this unit) to my receiver. I had my roommate switch input at random while I listened, and 9 times out of 10, I could pick out the sound that was being processed by the DCM-370. It is just amazing to hear your CDs again - and to notice aspects of the vocals and instruments that weren't heard before.
I already had an HDCD CD before I purchased this unit (Econoline Crush - Devil You Know ... a very good album) and was just amazed at how much better it sounded when it was presented in HDCD. Almost all sound seems more 'full' and the staging seems more pronounced. While before it seemed as if I were listening to *sound*, I actually felt that I was listening to a live performance. Simply try switching between the unit's digital source and its decoded analog source - you WILL hear a difference (that is, assuming you're listening thorough decent speakers with a decent amp).
I must say again, this unit has definitely lived up to my expectations - and has raised the bar at which I listen to music. I cannot afford DVD-Audio, and I definitely don't want to re-buy all my CDs. But, if you have a nice 2-channel stereo setup, and haven't been swayed by Sony's SCD, you should definitely consider an HDCD player. While there should be finer HDCD players out there, I feel that this unit outclasses anything else at its circa $250 price range.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 230
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Epinions.com ID:
holeydonut2k3
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Location: Rochester, MI
Reviews written: 16
Trusted by: 1 member
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