For the listening evaluation, I connected the DVD-3910 to an Integra DTC-9.4 processor which was feeding a Rotel RMB-1095 amplifier. I used a coaxial S/PDIF cable from River Cable for the digital output and analog interconnects from Axiom Audio for the multi-channel analog connections. I alternated between RBH Sound Signature Series speakers and Canton's new CD Series speakers to execute the following listening tests.

CD: Toto Past to Present
Starting out with some familiar material I popped in Toto: Past to Present and tried a few tracks. First off the disc was "Love Has the Power" which sounded phenomenal coming from the DVD-3910 through the Canton system. For CDs I utilized the coax digital outputs during listening sessions. The drums and vocals came through with remarkable clarity and detail. In addition, there was no delay when locking on to digital PCM signals (or Dolby Digital signals for that matter) and the player seemed to recognize all formats immediately and accurately. I played some additional tracks on this album (I love the music and it sounded really good on this system) and queued up "Pamela" which I feel has some excellent vocals and a very defined soundstage, which came through wonderfully unimpeded via the DVD-3910's coaxial S/PDIF outputs.

DVD-Audio: R.E.M. Automatic For The People
The next auditioning tests involved some new DVD-Audio discs, fresh off the presses from Rhino entertainment. R.E.M.'s Automatic For The People and Out of Time were among nine new double disc sets remastered in DVD-Audio and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround. We were fortunate enough to get some of the first copies and I utilized them in this review. Placing the DVD-3910 in DVD-Audio mode using the Setup menu I inserted Automatic For The People and sat back for a listen. Track 1, "Drive" took on a more open feel than its original 2-channel counterpart (also included in the remixed/mastered double disc set). Elliot Scheiner's remixes did a great job of adding realistic ambient presence without overdoing it and using the surrounds for an overabundance of point-source effects. Vocal delays, which recur throughout the song, are correctly routed to the surrounds, as are some of the string instruments and reverb which simply expands the mix into the room. While the mix is impressive, I believe the DVD-3910 flawlessly reproduced this DVD-Audio track with perfect balance and clarity. I can't stress enough how much improved the DVD-Audio capabilities of the DVD-3910 are in comparison to the rather difficult to set up DVD-5900.

DVD-Audio: KAJE
The next disc I listened to was KAJE's self-titled album. Sent to me on a whim, this has become one of my favorite DVD-Audio discs. Track 10 "Nothing's Changing" features the vocals of Valntine and is an interesting recording with significant layers and depth within the mix. I was blown away by the smooth bass and clear guitar which cycled and built up throughout the song. Harmonies were perfectly placed in the surrounds and main speakers and the final chorus enveloped me into the song. All of KAJE's tracks feature excellent imaging and the DVD-3910 revealed every nuance in this system. I paid special attention to lead ins and lead outs of songs and could hear no noise or extraneous artifacting which told me that this was a clean player with amply low noise floor.

SACD: Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon
In order to test the SACD player functions I utilized Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon disc and commenced a listening session that began with "Breathe" and ended with "Eclipse" (the whole album.) What I found was that imaging was fantastic. Vocals were straight up the middle when they were supposed to be, and effects positioned themselves accurately around the room when required. "Time" was a very revealing track in that David Gilmour's voice is perfectly placed and complimented by Wright's backing vocals. The EMS VCS3 synthesizer puts out some incredibly tight and low rolling bass notes and there are very precisely tuned rototoms that appear almost ethereally around the soundstage. None of this was lost on the DVD-3910 and I felt as if this SACD had never sounded more alive. "Us and Them" is a favorite of mine and I was very impressed by the way the DVD-3910 transparently brought forth this recording. David Gilmore's vocals and echoes combined with the subsequent triple backing vocals struck me as being really powerfully reproduced by the system. The sax solos present in this mix are absolutely remarkable, with excellent spatial imaging and a smooth reverb with no breakup or compression of the upper register. Overall this was a chance for me to absorb the multi-channel capabilities of this player and I have to admit, I'm hooked. I experienced no limitations, compression or noise being introduced by this player and the D/A conversion process seemed flawless in our reference systems.

Conclusion