Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems G98 vs Denon 5910

Does anyone have experience comparing the G98 DVD player with the Denon 5910?

My impression is that the Realta chip is more advanced than the Faroudja DCDi.

Kip,
I have both a 598DP & a Denon 5910.

The Denon's picture quality via DVI/HDMI to my plasma and projector is noticeably better than the 598's component output.

Whilst the G98's output via HDMI will likely close the gap I'm fairly sure it won't match the 5910 - no other palyer I've seen will - & especially with older material where the Realta etc. noise reduction provides a really clean image.

Sound quality is a different matter. If you have a Meridian processor and use the smartlink interface I think you'll find that the (upsampled) sound of movie soundtracks and DVD-A is audibly superior G98 v Denon.

So you can choose to optimize video & go with the Denon or you can choose to optimize audio and go with the G98.

Perhaps in time M will offer a Realta based or level video solution...800 card would be a nice start but then again we haven't seen the VE12 yet...

Paul.

Maybe soon you'll be able to have the best of both worlds; M's sound combined with the upcoming Algolith Dragonfly (which seems to have a lot of hype to live up to). http://www.algolith.com/index.php?id=137&L=0
Algolith: DragonFly

Dbrowne,
Yes the Dragonfly looks attractive on paper - & no doubt there'll be other video processors based on the Realta - but to really get the best of both worlds you'd need the G98 or 800/VE12 to output 480i on HDMI. Right now I don't think they can...

Although I suppose there's the option of a SDI mod.

Paul.

[This message has been edited by Paulmcc (edited 04-18-2005).]

I had a chance to compare the Denon to G98 and I think the Meridian is better. I get the impression that the Realta over processes. Meridian's picture is quite outstanding.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughtful response(s).

If one was trying to do as much processing outboard of the player as possible, what is the most basic data stream to try to obtain from the player? Is it HDMI or SDI? And what is the relationship of these formats to Smartlink?

Put in other terms, what would be the ideal video architecture for pre-HD material?

SDI has the advantage that no HDCP is involved, so you could in the end send it to a CRT projector.

I have tested the G98 and 5910 (a1xv). there is no doubt that the denon is superior in the video compartment. audiowise they are very close. the G98 I had was the one with one koax not three. and denon can play SACD. when it comes to exterior the G98 is a beauty while the 5910 is rather vulgar. also the videoinputs on the G98 is goody. A mix of these two models would have been a definite killer.

I tend to agree with Listener. I have had both in my system and ended up getting rid of the Denon. It gets over bearing after watching for awhile. Everything seems to look artifical while the Meridian seems more natural.

R.

Kip,
Assuming that you want to do as much processing as possible outboard then your player should have either an interlaced HDMI output or a SDI output.

Unfortunately most players don't have SDI outputs and most that have HDMI won't output interlaced on HDMI...Certain Arcams, Pioneers etc. are exceptions.

If you really want this flexibility and have a preferred player - for audio, decoder etc. reasons - then your best bet is probably to mod it with a SDI output. Most good video processors have an SDI input option.

The G series players can be mod'ed relatively simply see: http://www.softronix.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/000125.html

Not sure what changes would be required to allow the G98's HDMI interface to output de-interlaced...

BTW, you'll get a lot more detail on SDI, HDMI etc. if you do a search over at AVS.

Smartlink is Meridian's proprietary, encrypted, hi-rez, multi-channel, audio interface - nothing to do with video.

Lastly, on the Denon v the Meridian & re video:

The Meridian has great video - I just think the Denon is demonstrably better in a number of ways on certain material & if all is properly calibrated/setup. I'd note though that the Denon is super sharp/detailed and this can be less than flattering on poor material hence I think some people's allusion to it appearing "processed" and preferring other (softer?) sources.

Anyway, no doubt you'll do your own comparisons - enjoy.

Paul.


[This message has been edited by Paulmcc (edited 04-21-2005).]