Hi-Rez Highway: REVIEW: Toshiba SD-5700 DVD Players by Teresa

Model:	SD-5700
Category:	DVD Players
Suggested Retail Price:	$449.95
Description:	DVD Audio Video Cinema Progesssive Player
Manufacturer URL:	Toshiba
Manufacturer URL:	Toshiba

Review by Teresa ( A ) on April 30, 2005 at 22:12:05
IP Address: 172.193.202.153

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Toshiba SD 5700 Review (lesson in System synergy):

All listening was done in 2 channel stereo as that is my preference.
Set-up: Priority Contents: DVD-Audio, Audio Out Select: PCM (this is the setting for 2 channel audio) if you use 6 channel the choice would be either: Bitstream or Analog 6 channel. The PCM for 2 channel audio selection gives full resolution up to 192kHz using the internal Decoder.
I'm been back into DVD Audio and Video for 7 months so It’s a good time to offer my impressions of the Toshina SD 5700 and the latest software. Prior to this purchase I was without a TV in my system for two years. It was an attempt to live without Video to get superior imaging that an audio only system could provide. During that 2 years I listened to lots of music on LPs and SACDs but I really started to miss the ability to watch movies at home. So when I decided to add Video back into my system I also wanted DVD-Audio for the new Classic Records 192kHz 24 Bit HDADs.
This Toshiba SD 5700 offers DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, HDCD and CD. It was purchased in Mint condition on eBay $109.00 and has an original retail of $449.99 and was manufactured August 2001. I also got a Sanyo 24 inch true Flat Screen TV at Wal Mart for $188.92. I am using the three cable component video output with Philips Component Video cables with 24k Gold connectors and the audio output with AudioQuest Turquoise with 24k Gold connectors.
First off to get the ultimate resolution with DVD-Audio you really need a high-end player but this mid-fi unit does an excellent job. Someday I intend to get a tubed DVD-Audio player until then this will do quite nicely. I used to own the $2,000.00 Toshiba SD 9200 quite a while back so take into mind any comparisons this review makes to it is based on sonic memory and may not be 100% accurate.
I have yet to experience listener fatigue with SD 5700 as I did with the SD 9200. This may have to do with synergy between the deck and my pre-amp as “The Weavers Reunion at Carnegie Hall” (Classic Records 24 Bit 96kHz DAD) was distorted on climaxes on both the SD 9200 and my old DVP-S9000ES. And on the SD 5700 no distortion at all and the sonics are near equal to the LP version. So it is my feeling that it is possible that the output from both the SD 9200 was too high and thus overloading on climaxes and that this SD 5700 has slightly lower output thus no distortion? Any ideas?
The SD 5700 seems to be smoother in the midrange on DVD-Audio but with less bass than my old SD 9200 which retailed for 4 times as much. I am thinking of upgrading my power cable for deeper bass, any ideas? The imaging and soundstaging is more realistic in my system than the SD 9200 was, maybe synergy again? Over all the best DVD-Audios and 24 Bit 96kHz DVD-Videos amazingly lifelike and the overall sound is very relaxed. Not as smooth and beautiful sounding as SACD or LPs but not that far behind. Amazing for a $450 unit!
I am not impressed with the sound of HDCDs on this deck and even though the SD 9200 clicks between tracks it sounds much better on HDCDs. And redbook CDs to me sound dreadful on this player. I am not a fan of redbook CDs indeed massed strings on many redbook CDs cause me to feel intense physical pain. However they are at least listenable on my SCD-2.
For movie buffs: Movies look and sound wonderful on this player using the 3 cable Component video output to a flat screen TV once I adjusted all the parameters for best pictures. There are no visual pixels and colors are smooth and distinct and a visual image that is close to film.
Overall this is an excellent DVD-Audio and DVD-Video player, look elsewhere for HDCD or CD playback.
Getting to the 2 channel program is easier on the SD 5700 as it has an audio button. On most DVD-Audios you can toggle between the 2 channel and multi-channel high resolution programs using the Audio button. On other DVD-Audios you well need to Group button. And of course you can use the menu on the DVD-Audio but beware the menus on many of the Warner Bros. and Rhino DVD-Audios are incorrect, sometimes they are reversed and sometimes whither you select Multi-channel high resolution or 2 channel stereo you get multi-channel. If this happens use the audio or group button to find the 2 channel mix.
One down side is that the SD 9200 puts a pause between tracks which is fine unless the music is supposed to be continuous then it sounds awkward, I have found no way to remove the pause between tracks, any suggestions?

Good news for 2 channel listeners 2 channel DVD-Audios and 24/96 DVD-Videos have no menu and play the 2 channel high resolution by default.
Also I have not and will never play a DualDisc on this or any other DVD-Audio player. The equipment manufacturers are recommending to never play a DualDisc on their CD or DVD players and doing so voids most warranties.
My DVD-Audio’s and 24/96 DVD-Video’s so far with brief comments, all have 2 channel mixes unless otherwise stated:
ADDERLEY: Somethin' Else [Analog 192kHz 24 Bit] Very realistic sounding analog recording, superb music! Classic HDAD 2009
ALLISON, BEN: Riding The Nuclear Tiger [96kHz 24 Bit] Interesting excellent sound for an upsampled PCM recording. Hi-Res Music HRM 2007
ALMEIDA & BYRD: Brazilian Soul [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] Wonderful sounding guitars and excellent sonics! Hi-Res Music HRM 2009
AMERICA: Homecoming [Analog 192kHz 24 Bit] very good music and sound. Warner Archives / Rhino R9 74367
ANTILL: Corroboree / GINASTERA [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] This is one of my favorite recordings, superb sonics! Classic DAD 1029
ARMSTRONG & ELLINGTON [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] Sachmo and the Duke together in what is two of the best jazz recordings of all time, this is a must have, superb sonics! Classic DAD 1031
BAND: The Last Waltz [Analog 48kHz 24 Bit] This isn’t too bad for a low resolution recording, the music is killer. Warner Bros. / Rhino R9 78260
BLOCH: Concerto Symphonique [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] Superb music and sonics! Classic DAD 1030
BREAKTHOUGH … Into a new Dimension [96kHz 24 Bit] Very good sounding demo disc, no 2 channel mix, multi-channel fold down. MDG 906 1069-5
CASINO ROYALE: Soundtrack [Analog 192kHz 24 Bit] Fantastic music and sonics Classic HDAD 2007
CHICAGO [Analog 96kHz 24Bit] Very good music and sound Rhino R9 73841
CLARK, SONNY: Cool Struttin' [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] Another killer jazz recording in SOTA sound! Classic DAD 1037
CROSBY - NASH: Stoney Evening [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] very good show and very good sound. dts Entertainment
DAVE'S TRUE STORY: Sex Without Bodies [96kHz 24 Bit] One of my favorite newer bands, really cool music with superb sonics! Chesky CHDVD 174
DAVIS, ART: A Time Remembered [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] Excellent Jazz recording, SOTA sonics. Classic DAD 1001
DAVIS, MILES: Tutu [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] My personal favorite Miles Davis recording, very good sound. Warner Bros. 48429-9
DOORS: L.A. WOMAN [Analog 88.2kHz 24 Bit] A very nice Doors recording in very good sound. Elektra 62612-9
ELGAR / PAYNE: Symphony No. 3 [44.1kHz 24 Bit] Very enjoyable musically, sound could be much better, Naxos why did you down-sample this from 176.4kHz? No 2 channel mix, multi-channel fold down. Naxos 5.110003
EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER [Analog 96kHz 24Bit] Excellent music and sound despite the fact there is no 2 channel mix just multi-channel fold down. Rhino R9 75980
FLECK, BELA: BlueGrass Sessions [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] Very good sound of fantastic bluegrass music, no 2 channel mix, multi-channel fold down. Warner Bros. 47332-9
FLEETWOOD MAC: Rumors [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] Great songs and very good sound Warner Bros. 48083-9
FRESH AIRE 8: Eight Topics of Infinity [96kHz 24 Bit] Superb music and sonics American AG9888-7 (2 discs)
GERSHWIN: Complete Works Orchestra and Piano and Orchestra [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] This the best Gershwin collection every, excellent sound! Classic DAD 1018 (2 discs)
GRATEFUL DEAD: American Beauty [Analog 96kHz 24Bit] One of my favorite rock albums of all time, excellent sonis Warner Bros. / Rhino R9 74385
GRATEFUL DEAD: Workingman's Dead [Analog 96kHz 24Bit] – Great music great sonics Warner Bros. / Rhino R9 78356
GRIFFITH, NANCI: Last Of True Believers [Analog 96/24] A wonderful singer in superb sound. Classic DAD 1040
HART, MICKEY: Over The Edge & Back [96kHz 24 Bit] Fantastic music ain excellent sound. Rykodisc DVDA 10494
HOOKER, JOHN LEE: Mr. Lucky [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] Great blues album with excellent sound. Classic DAD 1007
HORNER: Glory - Original Soundtrack [96kHz 24 Bit] Extremely realistic sound and great soundtrack. Classic DAD 1008
HORVITZ, WAYNE: Forever [96kHz 24 Bit] Great music, up-sampled from lower resolution PCM sounds great though/ Hi-Res Music HRM 2001
HUFFSTETER, STEVE BIG BAND [96kHz 24 Bit] Great and smooth sounding big band recording, imaging in 2 channel is superb. AIX Records AIX 80026
HUNT, LORNA: All In One Day [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] Great music in SOTA sound. Classic DAD 1015
MANGIONE, CHUCK: The Feeling's Back [96kHz 24 Bit with Video] Here is a format I wished hadn’t died: 2 channel 24/96 Audio with Video. Excellent music with superb sound and visuals. Chesky CHDVD 194
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER: Meets the Mouse [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] Excellent sound and music is cool that is if there is any “kid” in you. American / Walt Disney 61093
McLACHLAN, SARAH: Touch [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] Excellent acoustic recording and great music Classic DAD 1042
MOZART: Overtures - Cobra, Budapest [192kHz 24 Bit] Excellent sonics, music is OK but slow, is this an acquired taste? Hodie Essentia Series 79
NATURE'S REALM [Tube Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] Excellent music and very realistic if a bit cold sounding Water Lily WLA-WS-66-DVD
OLDFIELD, MIKE: Tubular Bells 2003 [Analog 48kHz 24Bit] OK, nothing really exciting. Warner Music R9 60204
PARSONS, ALAN PROJECT: Turn of A Friendly Card [Analog 192kHz 24 Bit] Superb rock music, excellent sonics Classic HDAD 2006
PARSONS, ALAN PROJECT: I Robot [Analog 192kHz 24 Bit] Dito Classic HDAD 2003
PERCUSSION XX - Jonathan Faralli [96kHz 24 Bit] Very realistic percussion recording, great sonics Arts Music 47558-6
PHILLIPS, SAM: Cruel Inventions [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] Excellent sonicis and great music Classic DAD 1013
PHILLIPS, SAM: Indescribable Wow [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] Not as good as Cruel Inventions but enjoyable. Classic DAD 1009
PULSE: Works for Percussion, Strings [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] Killer percussion disc, excellent sound. Classic DAD 1002
RACHMANINOFF: Symphonic Dances [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] This is a very exciting disc, soundstage very wide and deep but overall a little cold. Classic DAD 1004
RAITT, BONNIE: Nick of Time [96kHz 24 Bit] A little bright and lean in the bass but the 4 bonus videos are excellent. Capitol EMI 99316-9
RONSTADT, LINDA: What's New [Analog 192kHz 24 Bit] could be Rhino’s best sounding DVD-Audio? And the music is great. Elektra / Asylum / Rhino R9 78341
SARA K.: Hobo [96kHz 24 Bit] Super cool music with excellent sound Chesky CHDVD 177
SARA K.: No Cover - A Live Recording [96kHz 24 Bit with Video] Another 2 channel 24/96 Audio with Video. Excellent music with superb sound and visuals. Boy do I wish there were more of these. Chesky CHDVD 195
SHOSTAKOVICH: Jazz Suites; The Bolt [48kHz 24 Bit] Excllent music, sonics OK Naxos 5.110006
SIMON, PAUL: You're The One [88.2kHz 24Bit] Very good Warner Bros. 47844-9
START HERE: An excellent AIX sampler and you can get it free with any order. AIX Records AIX 82000
T. REX: Electronic Warrior [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] Very Good Reprise / Rhino R9 76111
TOWNSHEND: Who Came First [Analog 192kHz 24 Bit] Very good music and sonics. Classic HDAD 2004
ULTIMATE DVD SURROUND SAMPLER [96kHz 24 Bit] Excellent sampler Chesky CHDVD 221
WAGNER: Overtures and Preludes [96kHz 24 Bit] Excellent music and sonics. Arts Music 45004-6
WATER, MUDDY: Folk Singer [Analog 192kHz 24 Bit] Superb acoustic music and SOTA sound. Classic HDAD 2008
WEAVERS: Reunion at Carnegie Hall [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] IMHO this is one of the best recordings mankind has every made and the sonics are perfect, just like being there! Classic DAD 1041
WILLIAMS: Close Encounters [Analog 192kHz 24 Bit] Excellent music and sonics Classic HDAD 2005
YES: Fragile [Analog 96kHz 24 Bit] Very Good Elektra / Rhino R9 78249
YOUNG, NEIL: Harvest [Analog 192kHz 24 Bit] Very Good Reprise / Warner Bros. 48100-9

Product Weakness: Lacks deep powerful bass, though bass does sound excellent. HDCD playback only fair, CD playback poor.
Product Strengths: Excellent DVD-Audio and DVD-Video performance. Nice ambiance and midrange smoothness, no listener fatigue with DVD-Audio.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Adcom GFA-555III
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	AMC CVT 1030 Stereo Vacuum Tube
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Xindak SCD-2 Tubed SACD player / Music Hall mmf-1
Speakers:	Infinity Reference Standard 7 Kappa
Cables/Interconnects:	Audioquest Turquoise; Monster Cable Powerline 2 Plus
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Rock, Jazz, Classical and World
Time Period/Length of Audition:	7 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Adcom ACE-515
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Lacks deep powerful bass, though bass does sound excellent. HDCD playback only fair, CD playback poor.
Product Strengths:	Excellent DVD-Audio and DVD-Video performance. Nice ambiance and midrange smoothness, no listener fatigue with DVD-Audio.