DVD, as a format, is ten-years-old and it's going as strongly as it has ever done, but these three high-end super-decks may be the very best spinners we're likely to see before the new order comes sweeping in. Denon, Arcam and Marantz don boxing gloves and baggy shorts...
The Winner
Arcam DV139
£1,800 (approx)
01223 203200
Reviewed: HCC #142
Arcam’s DV137, reviewed back in HCC #134, was in the running for a nomination in this category, thanks to its classy audio performance and sumptous imaging. Then its replacement landed on the HCC test bench, and we had to re-evaluate.
Packed into its trademark Arcam chassis are some mouthwatering components: Zoran Vaddis chip; Wolfson 24bit /192kHz DACs; an analog devices video encoder and Anchor Bay Technologies scaling and deinterlacing chippery.
Connectivity is equally high-end, with analogue 5.1 and stereo audio outputs, optical and coaxial digital outputs, and an RS232 port for system control, residing alongside HD-compatible component and HDMI, plus the usual Scart and S-video outputs.
Performance is exactly what you’d expect for the price: spinetingling. Images are crystal clear, boasting vibrant colours, amazing depth and not a trace of artefacting.
Arcam’s audio heritage is also in evidence, with multichannel material (be it DVD, DVD-A or SACD) benefiting from clear channel separation and healthy dynamism.
The DV139 is a world-class partner for your mammoth DVD collection, and a worthy recipient of our this accolade badge – you won’t find better!
Arcam's legendary John Dawson receives the Starman
Also nominated
Denon DVD-3930
£1,300 (approx)
01234 741 200
Reviewed: HCC #139
Successor to the DVD-3910, this feature-packed player has enough extra silicon to justify its price point. Faroudja processing has been replaced by a Silicon Optix Realta processor previously only available in the flagship DVD-A1XV. The video section uses 14bit DACs, video upscaling is available up to 1080p, and both DVD-Audio and SACD play are supported.
Setting challenging standards for both video and audio playback, the 3930 shows that there is vigourous life left in standard-definition DVD.
Marantz DV7001
£600 (approx)
01753 680868
Reviewed: HCC #142
Marantz’s DV7001 is a worthy runner-up for this category thanks to its polished playback of DVD-Audio and
Super Audio CD, quality upscaling abilities, and mighty-meaty build-quality; an impressive feature list effectively borrowed from the far more expensive DV9600 with few negative caveats.
The inclusion of the Faroudja DCDi video processing chip makes the most of the players upscaling talents. Colour and detail fidelity is superb, but it is in the audio stakes that the Marantz DV7001 packs a punch well above its weight.
The DV9600’s Cirrus 192kHz/24bit DACs are also found on here to great effect. Plenty of dynamic range and with a mellow mid-range, it capably handles music and movies alike, while truly coming into its own with DVD-Audio.
We may be approaching the end of an era for standard-definition DVD, but this Marantz is one way of going out in style.
