Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater 2900, 2910 or 3910.......Need help

Good Evening,
I was already to purchase a 2910 once my local dealer gets them back in stock. Then somebody told me about the 2900 and how it has a different type of chip in it that is better than the Faroudja(sp) Processor. I was sold on the 2910 because of the DVI connection in the back. I have a Hitachi 57T500, so with that in mind My question for anybody that might be able to answer it is:
Which DVD player has the potential to give me the best picture quality with my TV? I know this is a subjective question, but any insight would be great.

Thanks in advance.

Coach,

I am basically doing the same thing, since I building a new HT system. I found this link http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi

You can sort by reviewed dates, manufacture, types and some other stuff. BTW, I decided on the 2900, mainly because the 2910 was not reviewed here and the 2900 appears to be the best bang for the buck.

Del D

Jeff, I apologize for the information I provided in your original post this morning at 11:11 (BTW, it works better if you stay within the same thread as opposed to making a new post on the same subject). The info may have served to confuse.

I'll try to answer your question a bit more directly. The issue isn't necessarily the TV. It really boils down to what the DVD player processes and sends to the TV. The 2900 Silicon Image chip provides a picture that has more vibrant color, is smooth and has an almost 3-D quality. The 2910 uses the Faroujda chip which gives good, but less vibrant color, is crisper and more detailed on the edges and does not have a 3D quality. The audio on the 2900 is much better.

Having said all of that, you really owe it to yourself, as I suggested this morning, to spend an hour at the AVS Forum where this subject has been covered in great detail. It will give you a much better feel for the sizeable expenditure you are about to make. The gist of the information is that the 2900 PQ is better than the 2910. If possible, see if you can view the 2900 and 2910 side-by-side or even in different stores if you must.

If you are looking for a recommendation, my input is that the 2900 PQ is noticeably better than the 2910. Del also makes anther good point, for a variety of reasons, including build quality, the 2900 is a better bang for the buck. But, as everything in HT tends to be, my opinion is subjective and is pleasant to my eyes. At the end of the trip, you will need to make your own decision.

Thank you very much for your help. I am going to call a couple of different dealers in the Cincinnati area and see which locations have the 2900 and 2910. There are 4 Denon dealers in Cincinnati, three of which are good dealers. I am not sure which locations will have both on display. I am willing to purchase from 3 of the 4 dealers because the 4th has lied to me a couple of times....

I guess I am still torn between getting a player with newer technology for the same price as one with out it. But, if the Silicon Image Chip is going to be better for watching movies, then that might be the one for me. Do any of the new Denon DVD players with DVI/HDMI connections utilize the Silicon Image Chip?

No, the newer units don't use the SI chip. It is more expensive and Denon made a conscious decision to use the cheaper Farojda chip to keep the price down. Also, don't get hung up on newer/older technology. The reason DVD players exist, first and foremost is for PQ. Audio is nice, but the film's the thing.

The technology add-on in the 2910 and 3910 really boils down to upconverting and zooming. They also have DVI/HDMI. Most accounts I have read on these things, even beyond Denon equipment, is that they don't provide the end result that people get excited about.

Shop where you will, but keep Crutchfield's $699 (or less in their Outlet or Scratch & Dent) price in the back of your mind. Their Customer Service is as legendary as Axiom's and everything comes with a 30 day no questions asked return privelige that includes freight both ways.

As a matter of fact, I just checked and they have a black 2900 in Scratch & Dent for $594 as I type this. Hmmmm! It won't last long, but another would likely show up soon.

Ray,
What cables are you using to hook up your 2900? I was a "Monster" guy due to my 7 years with Circuit City. But, after purchasing a 35 dollar subwoofer cable from BlueJeancables.com that made my sub sound better than 300 dollars worth of monster cable, I have changed my mind. I think due to having the type of TV I have, and the price, I might go for the 2900. One more question, what kind of audio cable are you using?
Thanks

Jeff, all of my interconnects came from Blue Jeans. I use the Belden 1694A with the Canare connectors. Well made and reasonably priced (as opposed to Monster Price). I'm not a big believer in the "magic" of super copper, silver and gold - Blue Jeans stuff just works. As a matter of fact, I have the 2900 hooked up with Blue Jeans component cables.

I notice you also use the Denon 3803. How do you like it? I moved up from the 1803 to get mine (nothing more compelling than upgradeitis ).

I was just about to add another post when I saw your reply here. Just thinking out loud. The Scratch & Dent unit at Crutchfield isn't going to last and it's at a killer price. You might consider grabbing it right now. You are going to spend money on a DVD player anyhow and the shipping to and from is free (double check that BTW). Worst case is that you try it for 30 days and ship it back. Best case is you love it (and you will) and you save another $100 to boot. Also pay no sales tax.

Once you get all settled down with the DVD thing and you are enjoying movies, we need to get you into a Home Theater master MX-700 remote with the money you save on the DVD player . You can set it up to make that 3803 dance, including individual + / - controls for each of your speakers and subwoofer.

Let us know how this all works out for you.

Ray,
I purchased the 3803 last year from 6ave.com when they were offering the 3802 for 699.99 and were out of it. So, they subbed the 3803 for the same price. Previously I had the onkyo's flagship model. I was in a rental house with an awesome basement, so It was a great receiver. Then, my wife and I bought a new house and I went to a smaller room. The 3803 seems to do great for me. I have been happy and have considered even upgrading to the 3805, but no need to do that. The priority for me right now is to purchase a better DVD player. The 910 is just not cutting it.

As far as remotes go, I just purchased the RMAV3100 from a local retailer for 104 plus tax. I was shocked that they were selling this for 149.99 regular price and I got "Preferred Customer" price due to the fact the store manager used to work for me when i was at Circuit City. My uncle has either the same remote or the previous model and it was VERY easy for my wife to use and that is the main reason for getting the remote.

I am still trying to figure out if I should use an optical cable or a Coax. cable for my new 2900? What is your opinion?

The debate rages on optical vs. coax. I've tried both and found no difference in sound. I settled on optical because it was more flexible and easier to work with. Picked up RCA at a local Home Depot.

Interesting about the 3100. I had one and the touch screen drove me nuts. Sounds like you are enjoying yours though.

Actually, i just bought it earlier tonight and I have not even taken it out of the box. I will get to messing around with it on Friday because my wife has to go in and get caught up on work..... So, If all goes right, i will have a new remote to setup along with a new DVD player. I will just use my current COmponent cables until i get the component cables from Bluejeancables.