To Kevin C Brown: I believe you have extensive Pioneer DV47Ai experience with the 950, which is why I am directing my question to you. I recently picked up a DV47Ai and have a question regarding it’s 5.1 analog outputs. I previously was using a Sony DV-NS900V connected to my 950’s analog 5.1 inputs. The Sony’s output level are considerably louder (with both SACD and redbook CD) then are the DV47Ai’s 5.1 analog outputs. The 47Ai’s spec sheet states that it is suppose to output 2.0 volts via its 5.1 analog outputs and when reading the S&V review lab test of the older 47A model, it stated that both SACD and DVDA were both slightly over 2.0 volt output. I have the 47Ai BM set up as all speakers large with sub on and the 950’s BM set to speakers small with sub on with the analog BM toggle set to 80hz. Do you think that the 47Ai with its burr brown dac’s compared to the older models crystal dac’s are outputting a lover level? I think I remember reading somewhere that the Pioneer 45A player had lower level with it’s 5.1 analog outputs and I think it has the burr brown dac’s as well. Also my system has been balanced using video essentials disc and radio shack sound meter. What are your thoughts on the lower output level of the 47Ai?

I also noticed the lower level with the 5.1 analog outputs, but to be honest, that's all I thought about it. I was still able to balance levels. Yes, the 47ai has Burr Browns, but the older 47a had Crystal (Cirrus) DACs. But I personally would place the Burr Browns ahead of the Crystal DACs in terms of performance. Remember, output level has absolutely nothing to do with sound quality itself.

JJC:

On the subject of sound quality, I'd be interested to hear your review of the Pioneer player's SACD ability compared to the 900V (which I'm using for SACD now).

Also, the phase reversal situation: Did you have it with your 900V and do you have it with the 47Ai?

Kevin C Brown-The sound quality is quite good, it's just that with the Sony player on cd's & sacd's I could play the 950 in the lower 40's (db's) and high 30's and get quite loud. With the 47Ai I have to get into the lower 30's and the 20's to get the same level. The Sony more closely matched the 950's digital input's levels. Also have you noticed that on dvda's that the stero mlp layer is louder in level then the 5.1 mlp layer?

Bossobass-The Sony's sacd performance IMHO is just a hair warmer then the 47Ai's, but the 47Ai's bass is a little tighter. No phase problems that I can detect, I have my sub phase control set on 60 degrees for whatever that's worth.

Jammin- I doubt you can hear any phase problems with just casual listening. You have to specifically test for it, either with CD/DVD test tones, or even at least with music/movie sources, you have to specifically test by knowing what out of phase sounds like first, and then comparing the digital and and analog crossovers in the 950.

Good to know that the Pioneer's SACD sound quality is "close to" that of the Sony...

I agree with Kevin about the output level and sound quality relation. I am really enjoying my 45A with the Outlaw 950. DVD Audio and SACD have just amazed me with the sound and having the SVS 20-39PCi sub makes it even better.

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