Hi, this is my first post... I am just getting into SACD and picked up a cherry Denon DVD 2200 today based on the various reports I read online. I know this unit is about 10 years old and today's players are running SACD through HDMI to DSD-capable A/V receivers, but my option is the multi-channel analog output to the M/C analog inputs of my 2005 JVC AVR. The Denon manual is as thick as a book and I can't seem to find the ideal SACD settings, especially to ensure some bass output -- if anything there are too many! Anyone with experience with the 2200 who can some tips for setup? Thanks! Pt
Not sure what sort of help you need. Your problem begins when you have options for set up in both the player and the receiver. Add to that most active subwoofers allow for level adjustment and crossover frequency.
The sub should be set to its full output at its level control and crossover frequency and then trimmed at only one location, either the receiver or the player. If you have a "phase" control on the sub, you'll have to set that by ear. Which point or position on the phase control will be correct depending on the setting of size on your main speakers, the position of the sub relative to the main speakers and your listening position relative to the main speakers/sub. The manual for the sub should give you some guidance regarding its correct set up for phase.
Beyond that you've not provided sufficient information regarding what controls/settings would be relevant to your system. You haven't mentioned what your speaker set up is or how many speakers are being used. Nor have you stated what settings are giving you problems.
The Denon manual is "thick as a book" due to the instructions included being translated into multiple languages. Pick the language you know and you'll find at least 4/5 of the remaining material is simply a repeat of those instructions. They just exist in a language you don't read. Otherwise, while a complicated component requires a fairly complicated manual, the set up instructions in the manual are fairly easy to follow. Many of the set up decisions are logically based on your system set up. Others are made on a trial basis. Perform an adjustment and then listen. Go back into the settings to make another adjustment. Balancing five channels plus a sub is generally not a one time affair. Once again, make a decision which component, the player or the receiver, will be the master control for some settings.
The Denon is a "universal" player which also does DVD's. The OSD on the player allows for easy adjustment when it is connected to a video monitor. You will need the player connected to a video monitor at least for initial set up. After that's accomplished, assuming nothing happens that would change those settings, the monitor can be removed. But trying this without seeing what you are doing is impossible to get right. Hook up a monitor and do the adjustments.
Often times, there are some settings most easily adjusted at the receiver. This is, though, only after the initial set up of the Denon has been accomplished with the use of a monitor. This fine tuning can be dicey since less expensive lines such as JVC didn't allow for fine adjustments and the Denon itself would offer greater control over some settings. There's no way to tell which is best on a forum, you need to look at your system and make your own decisions. Do, though, keep in mind you don't want to duplicate settings between both the receiver and the player which would cause the signal to be manipulated in multiple locations and multiple ways. Keep the signal path as straight forward as possible. If you have an adjustment made at the player, then you don't need to duplicate the same setting at your receiver. Speaker size, the number of speakers used and their crossover settings are the most important here and need to be controlled as early in the signal chain as possible ... usually. For example, if you have less than a 5.1 system, do those settings at the player to allow for downmixing at the earliest stages and with the more sophisticated component.
Beyond those generalities, you'll need to be more specific in your requests and certainly more informative about your set up. When describing you system in future posts, be as complete in your information as possible. Guessing at what you use is not going to make this easy.
Get the monitor hooked up first. Everything begins with those settings performed at the player.
Thanks Jan, this is very helpful. I connected the AVR to a monitor for setup and that works great. Also I don't plan to view DVDs or play DVD-A so that simplifies the need to get into all of the menus.
My speaker system is 6.1 surround, that is, I use one speaker for the middle rear. They are all "small" and the SW is powered with phase control. I started experimenting with settings last night. You are correct that the Denon and the JVC AVR both have a number of similar settings and it is difficult to determine how much/little processing the JVC does with analog inputs. So far I have found that the cleanest signal (DSD I hope) comes from setting the "Filter" to "Off" in the Speaker Configuration menu. The JVC has a number of processing options available, though I understand that would mean the DSD is converted to PCM. When I select "All Stereo" as an output option the JVC, I seem to get the best audio spectrum response. Of course it's all subjective but then again, we choose what we like and this sounds the best so far with my limited testing.
Just one followup -- assuming you have/had the 2200 -- did you find that setting the "Filter" to "Off" in the Speaker Configuration menu provided the cleanest (i.e. unprocessed) signal to your AVR via analog outputs/inputs?
Can't help you there. I had/have a 2900 which I haven't used in several years. I pulled out the manual and it doesn't mention a setting for "Filter". So I don't know what that particular function would do on your player.
If you ever want to upgrade to the 2900 though, let me know. I have no present use for this unit.