Okay, so i've been going over some options and would like to hear some thoughts and expereinces of those that have used some top end h/u's.

Doing some research and some system planning, the CD unit that i purchase will only be used as a transport at best it seems..

therefore what is the best transport you think available at this time. I've been looking at 9255's, Denon's, Nakamichi, Alpine (though don't particularly like them) Pioneer P9, Macintosh, Ural, iabyss, and possibly a RF8250 (Denon in RF clothing..)

I've read the user reviews, studied the layouts, specs and operability, advantages and disadvantages but need more feedback.

I would prefer to go digital and i will be using external processing so there is no need for on board TA or EQ functions.. stacker controlability is a possibility as well as controlling external media in the future (be it MP3, DVD, TV etc)

Let me know your thoughts.. keep it clean and reasonably on topic please

Cheers

Dave

I think you need to be a little more specific on your application.

As if you are going digital and using it merely as transport as you say, a lot of the contrallability is going to be lost at the source unit.

Are you going to be using an external processor that will allow volume control etc, or an external DAC (then how are you going to control volume etc?).

If its merely transport I don't think you are going to find much difference in any of those top end units.

I've used P9, HXD2, 9255, Eclipse (not true digital output), Alpine etc.

But, to better make a recommendation, I'd need to know more about your actual application, especially seeing as though you mention control of external sources. That to me would almost rule out anything but Alpine at first glance.

hmm.. i know its a but of a hard one to kind of pin down Marc, but basically i want to be able to upgrade to DVD audio in the future, but also want to use external music sources as well.. I guess i just want the best sounding unit and i deal with external sources as they come up.

I'm figuring out the general system plan at this stage and after some seesawing i'm still left with figuring out the source unit unfortunately.

source > digital format convert > digital processors > amplifiers > speakers is the easiest way of looking at it. (foramt convertor used to send digital signal to more than one digital processor )

Alpine is cost prohibative at this stage..

your thoughts on those top end units - care to give a quickie rundown perchance - and any particular reason you switched to a carputer (debating all avenues at this stage..)

Okay - i'll make things easier for people:
Point blank - best unit for SQ (i'll figure out the digital output later..) or a reason to go to carputer..

okay - after talking BR and Gooki - we're doing a headunit comparison..
watch this space.. DRX-9255, Caliber ATV835, Denonford 8250, Naka, Mac 406, and we'll see if we can rustle up some other stuff

Put HXD-2 on that.

in the comparison?? i'm not sure if Abmolech will let that sweet little puppy out of his hands..

how you find the DCT-1 compared to the Clarions Reza?

yup hx-d2 is good, also consider naka cd700mkII,Denon-1,Alpine F#1

i've listened to the old F#1, naka mb100,hx-d1,p9. denon r1, all of this hu is amazing, it's realy depend on your type of music u listen to

okay then Brucee.. pick one above all others then what is your all time favourite? aesthetics, usability, reproduction? one and only one

if only for cd transport i'll pick naka cd700mkII ,i haven't hear it, but i'm sure it's great,naka hu is realy my all time favorite, but if realy for me and hopefuly one day i can afford it, is the new F#1 combo, cos i like to tuning eq,ta and crossover

cheers.. thats the sort of answer i was looking for

The above will never happen the way you want as DVD Audio is a locked format - ie DVD audio units are not allowed to output audio digitally (this is from what i remember).

And don't let that make you think a car PC is the answer as the soundcards that claim DVD Audio compatibility resample down to 44.1/48 when outputting via digital anyhow (99% sure unless there have been some new DVDA hacks or hardware released lately).

I'm using DRX9255 as my HU and I love it..Althou DRX9255 is very very plain as in compare to others fancy HU ..But I dun really need those fancy stuff anyway.I've heard the Naka CD-400, Reza's Denon DCT-R1, Alpine 9835 and ofcourse my DRX9255..Comparing these 4 based on SQ wise..I think DCT-R1 produced warmer and softer sound..The DRX9255 IMO produced brighter sound and very clean SQ i supposed. The Naka CD-400 and the Alpine 9835 that I listened were hooked up to Scanspeak 9700 tweets and Esotar..so They sounded AWESOME anyhow..

It mite be coz of the diff components that installed with these HU as well..but I've heard many people opinions as well on these HU,so yeah kinda back up my opinions towards these HU.

I'm interested in audition the Mac 406..People said its a decent HU as well..

CHeerz

As Ferry said, Denon produce more natural, softer and warmer sounds compare to Clarion, on the other hand i find Clarion is more revealing and transparent.

Nak would be my choice for SQ if processing power like eq or ta is not required. I have gone through the Nak mb100, the cd700II and now the tp1200 and they are all great.

Tonal wise, the mb100 sound flat compared to the cd700 but is very smooth. It also have the 6 cd stacker and a detachable face which make is very convenient. I think the downside is when the phone ring, you will hear that buzz noise (dun know what its called) which is quite a turn off for such a pricey unit.

When switched from the MB100 to the Cd700II, I realise the music is more dynamic and I notice more details. The build quality of this unit is also a step up from the mb100, solid like a tank. However, it gets quite hot after running awhile and I realise there is a bit of harshness (female vocal, kind of like its been boosted , IMO) that I never encountered with the MB100.

When I bought the TP1200 in May this year, I also bought the DAC100 and a 100MB stacker which is all old school stuff. They are also the most solid and best sounding pre-amp I ever have so far. It tend to sound more like the MB100 but its more detailed and mellow. The preamp unit of the TP1200 look bloody impressive alone.

If budget is not the issue here, I'll definitely go with the new F1 status (with it's pxa).

Unfortunately the cost for the HU it self is already $3000 :mellow:

what processor do you have in mind? this can matter. for example, i think alpine offer some of the best incar processors around: user-friendly and very tunable/sophisticated. with these, you are best to use an alpine HU (with digital output) for full integration including being able to use the HU for preamp functions (volume, balance, fader, sublevel).

however, you are obviously resigned to 'alpine sound'. you may or may not prefer this.

still, i think time correction is a valuable tool. but if you can do without this, you can always use another brand HU and add an EQ (although the EQ may become a weak link). most amps will have xovers to suit your needs.

I did a comparison between the Mac 406, Kenwood KCD-01, and a Pioneer P9 combo here. If you are interested in my Mac 406, I still have it for sale ... here.

@nThOnY - funny you mention the TP1200 - I was trying to convince DeeCee to track one down.