JJs Reviews: Pioneer Elite DV-48av SACD/CD/DVD Player (Entry-level) - Blu-ray Forum

JJ · 06-07-2009, 05:05 AM

JJ's Review of the Pioneer Elite DV-48av DVD/CD/SACD player:

I must first say though, that I use it primarily to play my CDs and SACDs. Runs around $125-$175, from brand new to open box or used.

Anyway, this all began on a whim. That's what one gets for browsing, I suppose - somehow I wandered onto the "Is SACD ok on my system?" thread on the Music section some time ago, and began to wonder if I could get into it. My music tastes were hella eclectic as it is anyway, so I first began looking at www.sa-cd.net to see if there were enough albums out there to interest me (a good place to start for any interested in getting into SACD). I never considered vinyl since - I have no place for a turntable, and, heck, I'm only 23, lol. One step at a time!

Upon a recommendation from dobyblue, he suggested the Pioneer Elite DVD players which also did SACD - the DV-48 and DV-49, although he did say the DV-48 had better DACs, so I lurked on eBay for both of them until I found mine - they pop up every now and then and go for anywhere from $125-$175. Hell, I couldn't resist the sexyness factor of having another Pioneer Elite product on my rack either!

My first two SACDs were Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon and the Top Gun soundtrack. Since I had no other SACD comparison testbed, I compared it to a high-bitrate download of the songs from DSOTM, and my own CD copy of Top Gun. DSOTM was a multi-channel mix, and TG just a stereo mix. What really blew me out of my seat was just that from DSOTM. The multichannel. Each speaker coming alive in quick succession, or when they would each kick in as part of the music - the clocks, the cash register, the instruments, the vocals...in particular, I found song #6 Us and Them to be as beautiful a song I've ever heard on my system, as close to being at a concert as I could've imagined. Just being completely enveloped in the sound was a breathtaking experience. The entire album was a revelation to me, since I didn't know much of Pink Floyd or any of their music until this purchase. From the moment I ended that song, I became a devotee of SACD. When the Take My Breath Away, Mighty Wings, and Lost That Loving Feeling song came on from the TG SACD, I mean - let me tell you. I'm usually only listening to music when I have people over or whatnot, and it's usually my urban youth side that selects it - reggaeton, hispanic music, rap - but now I feel like I can sit on that couch and just relax. Not anymore. Comparing the DSOTM to the 320 kbit downloads wasn't even fair. Like swatting a fly with a Buick. I played it, Stereo, from my PS3 as a CD (since it is a hybrid) - but losing the directionality that multi-channel offers and the depth...comparing the TG SACD to the CD wasn't as big as a difference, but it was a slightly noticeable difference in detail, more clarity to the vocals. Not huge, say, a 3/4 on a 1-10 scale.

I tested CD playing as well, inbetween the PS3 and the DV-48. I used the Master and Commander and the Star Wars: Episode III soundtracks as my test beds, since they are some of my favorite instrumentals. They did sound near identical, and any placebo effect there might've made me think that the DV-48av made them sound better, but - I'm sure it was probably the same. In any case, I use the 48 for CD playback regardless.

Quick ending notes - DVD upconversion was also a wee bit better than the PS3 - but it does play all DivX movies, which the PS3 does not, which was a big advantage. The front USB port also helps, as does the analog outs/ins. But I use my PS3 for DVDs regardless - but I like the flexibility. Plus, it's cool in some weird way that all three of my Pioneer machines are on when I watch a DVD on it,

So in conclusion - if you were thinking you wanted to get SACD, this is the entry-level player for you. Unless you want the complete power of the Oppo 83, which, by the way, you should seriously consider - but it is $500, 4-5x the price of this Pioneer. It has the flexibility, aesthetics, and technical aspects at a great entry-level price for anybody who wants to expand their musical repertoire. And pick up Pink Floyd's DSOTM as your first album!

JJ · 06-07-2009, 05:27 AM

What? lol

My PS3 doesn't do SACD.

Clark Kent · 06-07-2009, 05:39 AM

Great review. There are lots of SACD's you will discover that sound incredible. SACD is really the best way to hear classical music. Check out a couple of the cheap RCA Living Stereo SACD's on Amazon for a taste.

http://www.amazon.com/Rimsky-Korsakov-Scheherazade-Stravinsky-Nightingale-Hybrid/dp/B0006PV5VC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1244353070&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Mussorgsky-Pictures-Exhibition-Mountain-Showpieces/dp/B0002TKFRM/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1244353070&sr=8-6

Hammie · 06-07-2009, 05:51 AM

Hiromi is great if you like funkadelic jazz. Search her Kung Fu Fighting clip on youtube for a hint of what she can do with a keyboard and piano.

The Seventh Taylor · 06-07-2009, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Opips2

PS3 SACD system is better audio only using HDMI.

Agreed. And of course it plays BD too

Check PS3SACD.com

Johnny Vinyl · 06-07-2009, 10:27 AM

Nice review JJ!

I just checked the Pioneer Canada site and they carry the DV-49av with a MSRP of $249.95. The DV-48av in not available here, but I'd say it's probably the same unit.

Although my PS3 does play SACD, I really like the idea of a seperate player to take the load off. Just bought my first SACD as well (PF-DSOTM) and waiting on Dire Straits: Brothers in Arms & Roxy Music: Avalon. Being without a turntable for the next while means my PS3 will have to do double-duty, which I'd like to avoid.

Going to have a look today at the DV-49av and see what kind of price I can negociate.

John

btf1980 · 06-07-2009, 11:31 AM

The current PS3 models do not offer SACD playback. If you have a PS3 that can playback SACD hold on to it. However, if you were serious about SACD, I doubt a PS3 would be your player of choice.

Johnny Vinyl · 06-07-2009, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btf1980

The current PS3 models do not offer SACD playback. If you have a PS3 that can playback SACD hold on to it. However, if you were serious about SACD, I doubt a PS3 would be your player of choice.

I know that my launch PS3-60GB plays SACD...which other ones did? Just curious.

John

btf1980 · 06-07-2009, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John72953

I know that my launch PS3-60GB plays SACD...which other ones did? Just curious.

John

20gb and the earlier 80gb models.

zicmubleu · 06-07-2009, 02:36 PM

Cograts on the new addition. I got the DV-49A on Big Daddy's suggestion, from Vann's, they didn't have the DV-48 which I thought was MFD. You didn't mention the ability to play DVD-A, not as good a SACD but another group of albums to choose from as well. Dave Matthews, John Mayer come to mind on DVD-A. I am not an opera-classical listener too much, but you should check out "Andrea" on SACD, I found the detail in the music is incredible, not sure if it really does surround since I use headphones at the moment. Also check out Dire Straights "Brothers in Arms".

-DLS- · 06-07-2009, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btf1980

The current PS3 models do not offer SACD playback. If you have a PS3 that can playback SACD hold on to it. However, if you were serious about SACD, I doubt a PS3 would be your player of choice.

I just had a chance to compare the PS3 SACD playback to the opp BDP-83 and there was actually a pretty big difference which I wasn't expecting. The oppo gives much more detail so far I'm loving the new toy!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by communicable

Also check out Dire Straights "Brothers in Arms".

+1

HAMP · 06-07-2009, 06:30 PM

I know my Launch PS3 has SACD, but I also thought software update 1.80 had added this to all the PS3's

**[Bitmapping (Super Audio CD)] has been added as an option under [Music Settings].

Clark Kent · 06-07-2009, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HAMP

**[Bitmapping (Super Audio CD)] has been added as an option under [Music Settings].

Sadly you can't add SACD playback through a software update alone. That option of Bitmapping is really another name for a noise filter for upconverted redbook audio.

JJ · 06-07-2009, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HAMP

I know my Launch PS3 has SACD, but I also thought software update 1.80 had added this to all the PS3's

**[Bitmapping (Super Audio CD)] has been added as an option under [Music Settings].

Trust me, if I knew that, I wouldn't have bothered - but I looked into all possibilities - and I was sure that SACD-playback couldn't be added via a simple firmware, kind of like how bitstreaming will never be possible via firmware, either. Like Clark said. I'll look into the titles you chaps suggested...

dobyblue · 06-08-2009, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Opips2

WASTE MONEY!
PS3 SACD system is better audio only using HDMI. PS3 has manual audio for calculator 48.khz , 192kHz ...etc

I hear to listened a music is 24BIT/ 192kHz. It's very awesome sound.

Wrong, DV-48 allows for DSD output avoiding PCM conversion altogether, which is the whole point of SACD to begin with.

The Pioneer is better for SACD.

JJ · 06-08-2009, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Wrong, DV-48 allows for DSD output avoiding PCM conversion altogether, which is the whole point of SACD to begin with.The Pioneer is better for SACD.

That I didn't know.

jkwest · 06-08-2009, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Wrong, DV-48 allows for DSD output avoiding PCM conversion altogether, which is the whole point of SACD to begin with.

The Pioneer is better for SACD.

whoa....nice new avatar, doby!!

dobyblue · 06-08-2009, 03:42 PM

Gracias!

It's from a convention that Designers Republic were at.
http://www.thedesignersrepublic.com/
Sadly they shut for business in Jan 2009 after 23 years, but the coolest graphics ever.

Opips2 · 06-08-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Wrong, DV-48 allows for DSD output avoiding PCM conversion altogether, which is the whole point of SACD to begin with.

The Pioneer is better for SACD.

LOL! hahahhah

WRONG!!

PS3 60gb has a blu-ray and SACD is better.

The Pioneer DV-48 is nothing with blu-ray and only work SACD!! hahahhah

JJ · 06-08-2009, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Opips2

LOL! hahahhah

WRONG!!
PS3 60gb has a blu-ray and SACD is better.

The Pioneer DV-48 is nothing with blu-ray and only work SACD!! hahahhah

...That's the point. But the DV-48 is 1/4 the price of a PS3. I'm not understanding your logic (or your language) in this, here...if I wanted the best of both worlds, I would just get an Oppo 83, and that would hush you real quickly - if the DV-48 is only $100, and give me better SACD playback than the PS3, which my PS3 can't even do, why would it be a waste of money?

06-07-2009, 05:05 AM	#1
JJ Blu-ray Count Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Miami, FL Home Theater Gallery:99 4K collection:619 Blu-ray collection:1293 DVD collection:31 Digital collection:5 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:203	JJs Reviews: Pioneer Elite DV-48av SACD/CD/DVD Player (Entry-level) JJ's Review of the Pioneer Elite DV-48av DVD/CD/SACD player: I must first say though, that I use it primarily to play my CDs and SACDs. Runs around $125-$175, from brand new to open box or used. Anyway, this all began on a whim. That's what one gets for browsing, I suppose - somehow I wandered onto the "Is SACD ok on my system?" thread on the Music section some time ago, and began to wonder if I could get into it. My music tastes were hella eclectic as it is anyway, so I first began looking at www.sa-cd.net to see if there were enough albums out there to interest me (a good place to start for any interested in getting into SACD). I never considered vinyl since - I have no place for a turntable, and, heck, I'm only 23, lol. One step at a time! Upon a recommendation from dobyblue, he suggested the Pioneer Elite DVD players which also did SACD - the DV-48 and DV-49, although he did say the DV-48 had better DACs, so I lurked on eBay for both of them until I found mine - they pop up every now and then and go for anywhere from $125-$175. Hell, I couldn't resist the sexyness factor of having another Pioneer Elite product on my rack either! My first two SACDs were Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon and the Top Gun soundtrack. Since I had no other SACD comparison testbed, I compared it to a high-bitrate download of the songs from DSOTM, and my own CD copy of Top Gun. DSOTM was a multi-channel mix, and TG just a stereo mix. What really blew me out of my seat was just that from DSOTM. The multichannel. Each speaker coming alive in quick succession, or when they would each kick in as part of the music - the clocks, the cash register, the instruments, the vocals...in particular, I found song #6 Us and Them to be as beautiful a song I've ever heard on my system, as close to being at a concert as I could've imagined. Just being completely enveloped in the sound was a breathtaking experience. The entire album was a revelation to me, since I didn't know much of Pink Floyd or any of their music until this purchase. From the moment I ended that song, I became a devotee of SACD. When the Take My Breath Away, Mighty Wings, and Lost That Loving Feeling song came on from the TG SACD, I mean - let me tell you. I'm usually only listening to music when I have people over or whatnot, and it's usually my urban youth side that selects it - reggaeton, hispanic music, rap - but now I feel like I can sit on that couch and just relax. Not anymore. Comparing the DSOTM to the 320 kbit downloads wasn't even fair. Like swatting a fly with a Buick. I played it, Stereo, from my PS3 as a CD (since it is a hybrid) - but losing the directionality that multi-channel offers and the depth...comparing the TG SACD to the CD wasn't as big as a difference, but it was a slightly noticeable difference in detail, more clarity to the vocals. Not huge, say, a 3/4 on a 1-10 scale. I tested CD playing as well, inbetween the PS3 and the DV-48. I used the Master and Commander and the Star Wars: Episode III soundtracks as my test beds, since they are some of my favorite instrumentals. They did sound near identical, and any placebo effect there might've made me think that the DV-48av made them sound better, but - I'm sure it was probably the same. In any case, I use the 48 for CD playback regardless. Quick ending notes - DVD upconversion was also a wee bit better than the PS3 - but it does play all DivX movies, which the PS3 does not, which was a big advantage. The front USB port also helps, as does the analog outs/ins. But I use my PS3 for DVDs regardless - but I like the flexibility. Plus, it's cool in some weird way that all three of my Pioneer machines are on when I watch a DVD on it, So in conclusion - if you were thinking you wanted to get SACD, this is the entry-level player for you. Unless you want the complete power of the Oppo 83, which, by the way, you should seriously consider - but it is $500, 4-5x the price of this Pioneer. It has the flexibility, aesthetics, and technical aspects at a great entry-level price for anybody who wants to expand their musical repertoire. And pick up Pink Floyd's DSOTM as your first album!

06-08-2009, 03:42 PM	#18
dobyblue Super Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jul 2006 Location:Ontario, Canada Home Theater Gallery:71 4K collection:55 Blu-ray collection:655 Blu-ray reviews: 15	Gracias! It's from a convention that Designers Republic were at. http://www.thedesignersrepublic.com/ Sadly they shut for business in Jan 2009 after 23 years, but the coolest graphics ever. Last edited by dobyblue; 06-08-2009 at 03:47 PM.

Similar Threads
thread	Forum	Thread Starter	Replies	Last Post
Need a rec for an entry level player...	Blu-ray Players and Recorders	Raymond23	2	10-22-2009 12:45 PM
Entry Level- Mid Level- High End Speakers Thread	Speakers	CRMA	155	04-05-2009 07:49 AM
Quickie HTiB Review: Pioneer HTP-2920, $220 (Entry-Level)	HTiB (all-in-one systems)	JJ	8	03-13-2009 03:41 AM
Pioneer Elite DV-48 SACD/DVD-A new for $99	Blu-ray Music and High Quality Music	dobyblue	2	10-28-2008 11:44 PM
HD GURU Reviews 2008 Pioneer Elite Kuro Pro	Plasma TVs	J_UNTITLED	7	07-11-2008 02:49 AM

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

06-07-2009, 05:27 AM	#2
JJ Blu-ray Count Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Miami, FL Home Theater Gallery:99 4K collection:619 Blu-ray collection:1293 DVD collection:31 Digital collection:5 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:203	What? lol My PS3 doesn't do SACD.

06-07-2009, 05:39 AM	#3
Clark Kent Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Oct 2007 Location:Metropolis Blu-ray reviews:2 Trading Score:184	Great review. There are lots of SACD's you will discover that sound incredible. SACD is really the best way to hear classical music. Check out a couple of the cheap RCA Living Stereo SACD's on Amazon for a taste. http://www.amazon.com/Rimsky-Korsakov-Scheherazade-Stravinsky-Nightingale-Hybrid/dp/B0006PV5VC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1244353070&sr=8-1 http://www.amazon.com/Mussorgsky-Pictures-Exhibition-Mountain-Showpieces/dp/B0002TKFRM/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1244353070&sr=8-6

06-07-2009, 05:51 AM	#4
Hammie Blu-ray Champion Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:May 2008 Location:Washington, DC Metro Home Theater Gallery:53 Blu-ray collection:545 DVD collection:12 Trading Score:12	Hiromi is great if you like funkadelic jazz. Search her Kung Fu Fighting clip on youtube for a hint of what she can do with a keyboard and piano.

06-07-2009, 10:27 AM	#6
Johnny Vinyl Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:At the crossroad of Analogue Dr & 2CH Ave Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:205 DVD collection:7 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:8	Nice review JJ! I just checked the Pioneer Canada site and they carry the DV-49av with a MSRP of $249.95. The DV-48av in not available here, but I'd say it's probably the same unit. Although my PS3 does play SACD, I really like the idea of a seperate player to take the load off. Just bought my first SACD as well (PF-DSOTM) and waiting on Dire Straits: Brothers in Arms & Roxy Music: Avalon. Being without a turntable for the next while means my PS3 will have to do double-duty, which I'd like to avoid. Going to have a look today at the DV-49av and see what kind of price I can negociate. John

06-07-2009, 11:31 AM	#7
btf1980 Special Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jan 2007 Location:NYC Home Theater Gallery:97 Trading Score:14	The current PS3 models do not offer SACD playback. If you have a PS3 that can playback SACD hold on to it. However, if you were serious about SACD, I doubt a PS3 would be your player of choice.

06-07-2009, 02:36 PM	#10
zicmubleu Expert Member Member since:Dec 2008	Cograts on the new addition. I got the DV-49A on Big Daddy's suggestion, from Vann's, they didn't have the DV-48 which I thought was MFD. You didn't mention the ability to play DVD-A, not as good a SACD but another group of albums to choose from as well. Dave Matthews, John Mayer come to mind on DVD-A. I am not an opera-classical listener too much, but you should check out "Andrea" on SACD, I found the detail in the music is incredible, not sure if it really does surround since I use headphones at the moment. Also check out Dire Straights "Brothers in Arms".

06-07-2009, 06:30 PM	#12
HAMP Banned Top contributor Member since:Oct 2007 Location:Michigan Home Theater Gallery:13 Blu-ray collection:272 Trading Score:1	I know my Launch PS3 has SACD, but I also thought software update 1.80 had added this to all the PS3's **[Bitmapping (Super Audio CD)] has been added as an option under [Music Settings].

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals