I seek opinions/thoughts on upgrading a DVD player.

My current player is a Pioneer 626..not sure of the USA model..about 6 years old. I primarily play vinyl for serious 2 channel listening and use the Pioneer for all DVD movies / concert music Dvd's in 5.1. But I would like to have the CD play back better.

I know the Pioneer is a but colored tonally..the typical somewhat Pioneer bloated bass but otherwise quite listenable.

The thing is it posses a few questions about some options.

1. Do I look for a whole DVD new player.
2. Find a dedicated CD player
3. Find a Dac what will do 2 channel and work as a 5.1 decoder.
4. Find a HT control centre/preamp/decoder.
5. Wait for a Blue Ray capable player

Personally I am inclined to think chasing a mutifunction player (1) or a control centre that is affordable (4) that will satisfy an absolute best sound from CD is wishful thinking. That leaves options (2) , (3) and (5).

I have been researching the whole CD sound quality thing and sent an enquiry to Charles Altmann regards the JISCO device (JITTER SCRAMBLING DECORRELATION) as a means of potentially cleaning up the digital output of the Pioneer which I use as a transport for the decoder in my Kenwood HT amp (used as a preamp switch centre and decoder only).

Go to this link for an explanation. its not exactly a cheap device but if it can improve the digital decoding of CD , DTS and DVDA it might be worthwhile.
http://www.altmann.haan.de/jitter/en...ngc_navfr.html

Here is a review link

http://www.altmann.haan.de/jitter/en...ngc_navfr.html

The attraction DAC is also discussed here:
http://www.mother-of-tone.com/attraction.htm

Regars option (3) another interesting discussion of DAC's is here in a review of the Lavry Blue, this is a Pro product with a good reputation. They have a 2 channel unit designed for home use , the DA2002 and I have sent an enquiry to the local agent. None of these Dacs are cheap but they do appear to address the issues of jitter and ultimate sound quality. What is also interesting is that a good Dac will sound virtually identical on a so called poor transport as it would a good transport because of manner in which the digital information is processed. Lesser Dacs have a problem here and hence we have the whole audiophile difference thingy happening.

http://www.proaudioreview.com/april04/Lavry.shtml

http://www.lavryengineering.com/index_html.html

I am interested in other members practical experiences with the above.

Ian