For enthusiasts of LaserDisc (LD) and early DVD technology, the Pioneer DVL series represents a unique bridge between these formats. Among these, the Pioneer DVL-919 and DVL-909 models often surface in discussions, particularly when users are seeking a versatile player capable of handling both LDs and DVDs. A common question arises: what exactly sets the Pioneer DVL-919 apart from its predecessor, the DVL-909, and is the upgrade worthwhile?
This article delves into the key differences highlighted by users within the LaserDisc community, focusing on the enhancements offered by the Pioneer DVL-919. We aim to provide a clear, concise comparison to help you understand whether the DVL-919 is the right choice for your home entertainment setup.
Key Differences Between the Pioneer DVL-919 and DVL-909
While both the DVL-909 and DVL-919 are combo players designed for LaserDisc and DVD playback, the DVL-919 incorporates several upgrades, primarily focused on enhancing the DVD section and audio capabilities.
Enhanced DVD Audio with DTS Support
The most frequently cited improvement in the Pioneer DVL-919 is its support for DTS audio on DVDs. The DVL-909 lacks this feature. For cinephiles with DVD collections featuring DTS soundtracks, this alone can be a significant advantage. This addition reflects the DVL-919’s position as a slightly more modern player, catering to evolving audio standards of the DVD era.
Upgraded DAC for Improved Audio Performance
Beyond DTS support, the DVL-919 boasts an upgraded Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) in comparison to the DVL-909. Specifically, the DVL-919 utilizes a Pioneer-branded PE8001A DAC, which is reported to be a re-badged Burr-Brown PCM1716. This DAC is a 24-bit/96kHz mid-range chip, suggesting an improvement in audio fidelity, particularly in signal-to-noise ratio and color noise reduction. In contrast, the DVL-909 uses a PD2029AMD DAC.
While the practical impact of this DAC upgrade might be more noticeable to audiophiles, it indicates Pioneer’s effort to refine the audio output quality in the DVL-919. For users who value high-fidelity audio from both LaserDiscs and DVDs, this DAC enhancement is a notable point of differentiation.
Nuances in Noise Reduction
Discussions within the LaserDisc community also touch upon noise reduction (NR) circuits in these players. The DVL-909 reportedly includes 703/704 NR circuits, which, under certain conditions (potentially with firmware modifications from the DVL-91), could be made controllable. Conversely, the DVL-919’s approach to noise reduction is debated. Some users suggest that the DVL-919 might have NR enabled by default, or have a simpler on/off control in certain regional models (like the Japanese version).
The implications of these differences in noise reduction are somewhat nuanced and might depend on individual preferences and specific playback scenarios. It’s worth noting that for LaserDisc playback, noise reduction can be a desirable feature to mitigate inherent analog video noise.
Marginal Improvements in DVD Video Quality
While the audio enhancements are clearer, the improvements in DVD video quality between the DVL-919 and DVL-909 are considered less significant. According to some assessments, while the DVL-919 might offer slightly better S/N ratio and reduced color noise due to improved DACs influencing video processing, chroma crosstalk and resolution are not substantially improved.
Therefore, users primarily seeking a major leap in DVD video performance are unlikely to find the DVL-919 a compelling upgrade over the DVL-909 in this aspect alone. The strength of both players remains their LaserDisc playback capabilities, with the DVD functionality being a valuable, but not necessarily groundbreaking, addition.
Market Perception and Availability
Anecdotal evidence suggests that both the DVL-909 and DVL-919 have enjoyed popularity in certain markets, such as New Zealand, where they frequently appear on auction sites. The DVL-919, however, is noted to have had a longer production run than the DVL-909. This longer production period might make the DVL-919 slightly more readily available in some regions, although both models are now discontinued and primarily found on the second-hand market.
Is the Pioneer DVL-919 a Worthwhile Upgrade?
The decision to opt for a Pioneer DVL-919 over a DVL-909 hinges on your specific needs and priorities:
- DTS DVD Playback: If you have a collection of DTS DVDs and want to utilize your LaserDisc combo player for DVD playback, the DVL-919 is the clear choice due to its DTS support.
- Audio Quality: For those who prioritize audio fidelity and appreciate potential improvements in DAC performance for both LD and DVD audio, the DVL-919’s upgraded DAC is a tangible benefit.
- LaserDisc Focus: If your primary use case is LaserDisc playback, and DVD functionality is secondary, the differences between the DVL-909 and DVL-919 are less pronounced. Both offer excellent LaserDisc performance.
- Video Quality Upgrade: If you are seeking a significant upgrade in DVD video quality compared to the DVL-909, the DVL-919 offers only marginal improvements.
In conclusion, the Pioneer DVL-919 presents a modest but meaningful upgrade over the DVL-909, primarily in DVD audio capabilities and potentially in overall audio performance thanks to the DAC enhancement. For LaserDisc enthusiasts who also value DTS DVD playback and refined audio, the DVL-919 is generally considered the more desirable model. However, for users focused solely on LaserDisc playback or those less concerned with DTS DVD audio, the DVL-909 remains a highly capable and potentially more cost-effective option.
