General Asylum: REVIEW: Pioneer HLD-X9 Other -- Home Theater by rbest1

Model:	HLD-X9
Category:	Other -- Home Theater
Suggested Retail Price:	$2600
Description:	Laserdisc & Muse player
Manufacturer URL:	Pioneer
Model Picture:	View

Review by rbest1_97@yahoo.com ( A ) on April 08, 2004 at 11:56:14
IP Address: 130.76.64.16

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for the HLD-X9

Comparison of Top Laserdisc and DVD Players:
Pioneer HLD-X9 vs. Denon DVD-1600
This is a comparison between a 2003 model DVD player and a 1996
model Laserdisc player, the Pioneer HLD-X9.
The HLD-X9 player is considered the absolute best, in image quality
by several online reviews. I feel that it outperforms every other player
due to how much better it looks in comparison to my other laserdisc players. The DVD player is a Denon DVD-1600, which is rated as having the best image quality in the DVD Benchmark 2003. Please use the link below:
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=5
My comparison test is on a Toshiba 71â€ HDTV through an iScan Ultra processor. Yes, I know full well that the Denon is progressive scan but I get a better image using the interlaced signal with the iScan chip. I use the component outputs on the Denon and the S-video on the HLD-X9. The iScan Ultra is also rated as being the best image processor in the same DVD Benchmark comparison.
I used three movies to make the comparisons, which have good visuals:
Lost in Space, Event Horizon, and The Mummy. Fortunately, I have all
of them in both DVD and Laserdisc formats. I own many DVDs
that have better video but they were never produced on Laserdisc.
The comparisons: the image quality from DVD is slightly better, and I mean
SLIGHTLY! Overall the picture quality is really, really, really close. The only way that I can give a good description is by assigning a numerical value to various formats. I will never buy another DVD that I already own on Laserdisc!
HDTV â€“ (HDNET) no iScan: 10.0
Denon DVD-1600 Dvd: 9.5
Pioneer HLD-X9 Laserdisc: 9.3
Toshiba SD9200 Dvd: 8.9
Theta Data III Laserdisc: 7.0
Pioneer CLD-59 Laserdisc: 6.8
VHS: 4.0
Regular TV: 3.5
VCD: 2.0
Conclusion: The video and sound quality from the HLD-X9 is considerably
better than any other laserdisc player Iâ€™ve ever seen. If I had to watch Laserdiscs on any other player then I would eventually replace my Laserdiscs with DVDs. The cost of the HLD-X9 is MUCH more expensive than the Denon DVD-1600. If you have a large Laserdisc collection, and you can find one, then the HLD-X9 will not disappoint you! Of course the Denon DVD-1600 is a fantastic player, especially for the incredibly low price.
See review with images: http://www.rogerwbest.com/HLD-X9vsDVD1600.htm

Product Weakness: NONE!
Product Strengths: Fantastic image and sound quality

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Pioneer VSX-45TX
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	NONE
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	HLD-X9 / DVD-1600
Speakers:	ADS L1290
Cables/Interconnects:	Monster
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Laserdisc / DVD
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	NONE!
Product Strengths:	Fantastic image and sound quality