EHC32-064[Pioneer DV-668AV-S].4

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DVD players
Key Features DVD-Audio, SACD, DVD-Video, CD, MP3 playback HDMI PAL progressive scan NTSC progressive scan Dolby Digital and DTS decoding DVD-A bass management Connections Component video RGB Scart S-Video Composite video 5.1 channel analogue audio Coaxial digital audio Optical digital audio Dimensions 420(w) x 100(h) x 278(d)mm

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Pioneer DV-668AV-S
A midrange universal player with complete disc compatibility. Dominic Dawes pits price against playback
IONEER IS CURRENTLY LEADING THE WAY WHEN IT comes to universal disc spinners. While other manufacturers dawdle over whether to back Super Audio CD (SACD) or DVD-Audio, and others enter the fray with tentative one-off machines, Pioneer has gone full steam ahead with a series of complete players to suit almost any budget. The DV-668AV-S is considerably more costly than the outrageously good-value DV-565A, but is 200 cheaper than the highly rated DV-757Ai. So, does the DV-668 earn its place in the Pioneer pantheon? The specifications are very promising. As well as being fully equipped for the multichannel high-resolution sound of DVDAudio and SACD, the DV-668 also packs some impressive connections and features for video playback. The most interesting of these is HDMI (High Definition Media Interface). This new connection allows the direct device-to-device transfer of digital video, all in the digital domain, eschewing the need to
What we like about this DVD player Impressive spec Good all-round performance Excellent build
The DV-668 is a good all-rounder
convert data from digital to analogue and back again. This makes for a great picture, but there are very few monitors equipped to recognise an HDMI signal at the moment, which means that it's hardly likely to take off in the immediate future. The DV-668 also delivers both PAL and NTSC progressive scan through component video outputs, and carries an RGB Scart socket for those without component video-friendly TVs. In action, the DV-668 proves itself a good all-rounder. In DVD-video mode, it presents a very stable picture that tracks the frantic movement of Matrix: Revolutions with authority and ease. Contrast and detail levels are high, and the gritty cinematography and flesh tones of 25th Hour are handled well. That said, the DV-668 doesn't carry the richness of detail and
colour balance that 600 should be able to buy. Test it with the surreal effects of Pirates Of The Caribbean and, where certain rivals scintillate, the Pioneer is a trifle bland. However, take advantage of its universal disc compatibility in SACD or DVD-Audio mode and the DV-668 What we dont like performs handsomely. The recently reabout this DVD mastered Bob Dylan albums are given player a whole new lease of life. Picture not stellar The Pioneer communicates the extra Bland CD playback depth and detail of the SACD format Plenty of rivals very well, enhancing the rambling rock'n'roll of Subterranean Homesick Blues from the stunning Bringing It All Back Home album. The cool sneer of Dylan's voice is clearly richer and more nuanced than on previous CD editions and the DV-668 is right on the money in playing to the format's strengths. The same is true in DVDAudio mode, the Pioneer bringing out the beautifully understated acoustic performances on REM's Automatic For The People. The only audio disappointment is the CD mode. The DV-668's CD playback is a little thin and lacks real dynamics and midrange body. This is a point worth considering, given that the vast majority of audio discs sold today are still CDs. For all its qualities, the DV-668 suffers slightly from falling between two stools in the context of Pioneer's impressive range. With the awesome DV-565A delivering so much for just 250, the DV-668 falls just a little short of totally justifying the price premium. An extra 200 (taking the cost to 800) will buy you the DV-757Ai, which offers a truly stunning performance in all formats. We say: spend the extra.

HomeCinemaVerdict

Sales 789 Web www.pioneer.co.uk

Essential

REMOTE CONTROL Simple and well designed, but without the sheer class of the main unit. It's easy enough to use, but there are more affordable players with far prettier remote controls.
EASE OF USE LOOKS FEATURES PICTURE SOUND VALUE
VERDICT Packs a good array of connections and features not least HDMI and SACD and DVD-Audio but colour is bland and CD mode is a let down. Save for the next model up

Overall

BEST RIVALS
Denon DVD 2200 Pioneer DV-565A Pioneer DV-757AiE

ESSENTIAL HOME CINEMA

0303wv25 Pioneer DV757 DVD

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PIONEER DV-757Ai

dvd-Audio/sacd player

i CANDY
Pioneer is often at the forefront of technological innovation, as with the DV-757Ai the worlds first DVD player with i.Link audio sockets. Danny Phillips is deeply impressed
Pioneer yet again lives up to its name with the DV-757Ai, the first DVD player to sport i.Link (IEEE1394) audio connections. These allow high-resolution audio such as DVD-Audio and SACD both of which this deck plays to be transferred from the DV-757Ai to a compatible amplifier. Until now, the only way to hook up DVD-A or SACD decks to amps has been via analogue cables, but the need for up to six different cables (one for each channel of audio) makes it a pain to set up. This way, digital-to-analogue conversion is required inside the player, which doesnt maximise the full capabilities of the formats. Optical or electrical digital audio outputs cant be used, as they cannot handle the data transfer rate of uncompressed digital formats and dont comply with content-protection requirements. In fact, the thorny issue of copy protection has been the main obstacle for high-resolution digital audio transmission. But Pioneers system has been specified with DTCP (Digital Transmission Content Protection), which is able to carry the CPPM (Content Protection for Pre-Recorded Media) used by DVD-Audio discs. There are other advantages to i.Link connection jitterless digital audio thanks to Pioneers PQLS (Precision Quartz Lock System) and smart features such as automatic configuration. You can also transfer uncompressed formats such as PCM and DSD, plus compressed formats such as Dolby Digital and DTS. All this, plus the fact that i.Link is already a universally established connection. The only downside is that youll need to shell out for Pioneers 3,000 i.Link-compatible amp, the VSA-AX10i or upgrade your existing AX10. This upgrade should be available in March for around 500. Its possible to daisychain up to 17 i.Link Audio components together, so the digital audio and control signals from each component are recognised by other components in a network. It may not work with i.Link-specified digital satellite tuners, DV equipment or PCs Pioneer suggests that you check the compatibility of these first.
Jog dial and backlit buttons classic Pioneer

OPERATION

The DV-757Ai is an extremely co-operative machine, with a tremendous user interface and a surprisingly uncluttered remote control. Its the classic Pioneer handset, styled in fetching silver and featuring a useful jog dial plus backlit buttons. The only operational qualm is that you have to stop a disc to enter the important Initial Settings menu, and then it loses your resume point. The DV-757Ai is a truly universal player in terms of playable disc formats. The only one it cant play is DVD-RAM, but every other disc is welcome. Superb. The features list doesnt stop at DVD-A/SACD playback and progressive scan. Theres Noise Shaped Video processing, which aims to improve the resolution of images, Super Fine Focus digital filter, Pure Cinema and

DESCRIPTION

The DV-757Ai is the replacement for last years DV-747A, and is the step-up version of the i.Link-free DV-656A (January 03 issue). It sports the same stylish yet functional design as both decks, and boasts a luxurious brushed-aluminium finish. Around the back is a Noahs Ark of socketry most of it comes in pairs. The stunning selection includes two i.Link ports (both simultaneously input and output), two Scarts (one RGB), two S-video and two composite video outputs, plus a single set of component video outputs. For audio, theres optical and electrical outputs, plus two-channel and six-channel analogue outputs.

DVD-A or SACD you decide

i.Link sockets are unique to this player
M A R C H s W H AT V I D E O W I D E S C R E E N E N T E R TA I N M E N T

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SPECIFICATIONS
FEATURES DVD/DVD-Audio/SACD/DVD-R/DVD-RW (VR and Video mode)/CD/CD-R/CD-RW (including unfinalised)/VCD/S-VCD/MP3 playback; PAL/NTSC compatible; i.Link functionality including PQLS; Dolby Digital and DTS bitstream output; Dolby Digital and DTS decoders; DVD-A bass management; speaker distance and channel level settings; video off; display off; SRS TruSurround/Virtual Dolby; Legato Pro; Hi-Bit mode; Noise Shaped Video; Pure Cinema prog scan; Prog Motion; Super Fine Focus digital filter; Video Adjust; wide range of manual picture adjustments with three memory positions; various trickplay modes SOCKETS 2 i.Link connections; 2 Scarts (1 RGB, 1 loopthrough); component video phono out; 2 S-video outs; 2 composite video outs; optical and electrical digital audio outs; 2-channel audio out; 5.1-channel analogue outs; 2 System Remote control sockets (3.5mm jacks) DIMENSIONS 420(w) x 95(h) x 278(d)mm CONTACT Pioneer TEST DATA Video jitter: 3ns (very good) Signal-to-noise ratio: -70.3dB (good) Chroma AM/PM: -74.7dB/-63.8dB (excellent/good) Chroma crosstalk: -54dB (average) Frequency response (S-video) at 5.8MHz: -5.32dB (excellent) composite video at 5.8MHz: -5.20dB (v good) component video at 5.8MHz: -5.15dB (excellent) Digital audio deviation: Video off: 145.7ps (excellent) Video on: 175.2ps (excellent)

Prog Motion, which aims to further improve movement in progressive scan mode. Add to this a huge range of picture adjustments that leaves no visual stone unturned, and its shaping up to be a terrific picture performer. But is it?

PERFORMANCE

This is another superlative player from Pioneer. The audio side is perhaps the most remarkable, with DVD-A and SACD discs sounding deliciously open and detailed. We tried out a series of discs covering various genres, and each one was treated with the requisite care and attention. Take the clicky, neck-snapping R&B rhythms of Missy Elliotts Miss E. So Addictive on DVD-A. Theyre sharp, aggressive and full of vigour, especially when the multichannel element kicks in. Odd noises and effects ping from the surrounds, creating a wonderful soundstage that makes you wonder why you stuck with stereo for so long. Other DVD-A material, like obscure oriental jazz and hillbilly rock n roll from the Fabulous Thunderbirds, sounds equally enthralling. The Pioneer delivers them with a pleasing neutrality and sense of space. SACD material like Listen to the Future Vol. 1 by Japanese percussionist Stomu Yamashta is equally impressive, with the high
resolution bringing out aspects of the music that go would go unheard on CD. The DV-757Ai is as good a DVD-A and SACD player as weve heard, and is a definite improvement on its predecessor, the DV-747A. We hooked up the DV-757Ai to the VSA-AX10i amplifier using the i.Link connection, and the results were stunning. Crisp, rousing DVD-A/SACD sonics fill the room, sounding every bit as good if not better than through analogue connections. All this, plus the AX10i automatically switches to the correct source. Look out for a full review of the VSA-AX10i in the next issue of What Video Widescreen Entertainment.
It treats the subtle shadows and delicate hues with care, and packs a punch with the gorgeous-looking fight scenes. The heavyweight blacks anchor the picture, and give colours a rare richness when required. The same strengths permeate component video output, and with the wealth of picture tweaks at your disposal you cant fail to find the right balance.

CONCLUSION

Make no mistake, the DV-757Ai is yet another fantastic DVD player from Pioneer. Its main selling point might be dual DVD-A and SACD playback, but the inclusion of i.Link connections has other exciting implications. With a compatible amp, you can pipe high-resolution audio without the need for a plethora of cables and take advantage of other benefits like system control and jitterless audio playback. There are many more reasons to recommend it. Picture quality is awesome and the features list beggars belief. The price is its only slight drawback. For the extra i.Link functionality you pay 300 more than the similar DV-656A, and will need to buy Pioneers new i.Link amplifier or upgrade your existing one both of which will cost you. But if this doesnt phase you then you should snap up one of the best DVD players around s
dvd-a and sacd discs are stunning via the i.link connection

VERDICT

WHATS GOOD DVD-A/SACD playback; pictures; features WHATS BAD Price OVERALL Typical brilliance from Pioneer, with i.Link connections paving the way for the future PICTURE.77777 SOUND.77777 FEATURES.77777 EASE OF USE.77777 VALUE.7777 OVERALL.77777
CDs also sound great through the DV-757Ai from the analogue stereo outputs. Plenty of bass, detail and clarity in the midrange make them sound fabulous. On to picture quality, and we find the same refined presentation of images that has characterised Pioneers decks for years. We ran a copy of the R2 Ali through its RGB output, and Michael Manns understated yet tricky colour palette exposes no weaknesses.