SACDmods.com

Modifications for the Denon DVD-2900 SACD/DVD-A player.

This player is among the best that I have to offer.  With the modifications listed below, the Denon DVD-2900 reaches a level of performance that pretty much equals my modified Sony SCD-C555ES, a feat that I thought could not be repeated.  The 2900 features balanced current output DACs like the 555ES, and it is therefore a perfect candidate for the ZapFilter analog output stage.  The player features Texas Instruments/Burr Brown's latest DSD DAC, the PCM1790.  The 1790 features a wider dynamic range than my favorite, the PCM1738.

The Denon 2900 uses a switching power supply, which is not the best for audio, but can be modified for optimum performance.  To credit Denon, they did use linear regulators in the circuit after the switching regulator.  I add a much larger inductor and a Black Gate capacitor after the switching regulator and two large Black Gate capacitors after the linear regulators.  This provides a clean and stable source of power to the DAC.  The ZapFilter is powered by its own power supply, I install a power relay to turn on the ZapFilter by using DC from the audio power supply.  This allows the ZapFilter to shut off when the player is placed in standby; therefore, reducing power consumption and heat output.

The ZapFilter is connected with Cardas silver wire and Negex oxygen free stranded copper in a twisted pair configuration.  The output of the ZapFilter is connected to a pair of Cardas GRFA RCAs rather than the stock RCA outputs.  This bypasses the stock muting circuitry for the most direct and clean signal path.

Overall, this is among the best players I've heard.  It is very close to my 555ES, so it will outperform a whole list of high-end players that the 555ES already beats.  If you cannot find a 555ES, or need video, or a universal player, then this is the perfect machine for you. 

Details:

DEXA "NewClassD" D-Clock Precision Master Clock Generator--This is a new clock design by Lars Clausen, formerly of LC Audio.  Accuracy is rated at +/-1ppm of rated frequency and the new clock generates a true square wave output.  The D-Clock has a unique microtransformer coupled output that eliminates ground loops in the clock circuitry.  This clock measures and sounds superior to the LClock XO3.  Clock modifications make any CD player sound remarkably smoother and more detailed.  Most notably, you may find yourself able to sit and listen for hours at a time when you may have become tired of listening to more than a few albums previously.

        Specifications:
                Accuracy: +/- 1ppm
                Jitter: 1.5pS
                Df(9-24V): Max 1Hz
                Control Functions: Host Vcc
                Power Supply Requirements: 9.00 - 24.00 Volts DC 20 mA

For more information on the DEXA D-Clock click image!

• LC Audio ZapFilter Mk II--The ultimate output stage for a CD player completely removes the need for a op-amp current to voltage stage, a low-pass filtering op-amp, and the buffering op-amp.  Essentially, it replaces 4 operational amplifier stages with a simple and absolutely superior output stage made of discreet components.  In addition, the ZapFilter includes its own power supply featuring a large toroid transformer and a schottky rectifier stage.  The sound is noticeably crisper, cleaner, more detailed, and open.  Bypassing the op-amp based output stage with this board transforms the 2900 into the real reference player because a player is only as good as its analog electronics.  It provides more gain than the stock op-amps, too.  Also included are a pair of 1,000uF Black Gate capacitors added to the ZapFilter power supply board.

        There are no coupling caps in the ZapFilter board, but rather a superior DC servo circuit.  This removes all chances

        of a capacitor smearing the sound.

• 12Volt Power Relay for Automatic Turn On of ZapFilter.  The addition of a relay for the ZapFilter's power supply allows the ZapFilter to be activated remotely when the player is turned on from stand-by mode.  This way, the player can be left on in standby mode without the ZapFilter using power and giving off heat.

• Rubicon Black Gate 1000uF 16V STANDARD power supply filtering capacitors.  Three of these large value capacitors are installed on the outputs of the DVD-2900's switching power supply for very effective filtering.  These lower the noise floor quite a bit.

• API/DELVAN 330uH Inductor installed on the power supply board to form a LC filter for high frequency noise emanating from the switching power supply.  This and the Black Gate capacitors lower the noise in the DC power supplying components crucial to the sound such as the DACs.

• Cardas GRFA Silver/Rhodium RCA jacks--Installed for on the stereo outputs, the heavily machined and heavily plated Cardas GRFA RCA females provide the perfect termination for your ultimate analog stage.  The Cardas provides for a better connection for your quality cables, and feature a Teflon™ dielectric.  Connected with Cardas silver wire on the DAC output and Neglex oxygen free stranded copper on the ZapFilter output, all in Teflon tubing.

• Multichannel opamp modification--This modification is available in addition to the standard modification, and it includes eight surface mount Analog Devices AD826 opamps.  This addition includes far more than eight integrated circuits because I use quite a bit of an expensive material called "ChipQuik" to remove Denon's NJM2068 opamps.  ChipQuik and the hour of additional labor are added into this price.  If you have a reference multichannel system capable of discerning an improved surround signal, then this modification will better balance the radically improved front channels with the four remaining surround channels.

• Balanced Outputs--A new balanced output modification is available for the Denon 2900.  The 2900 uses balanced current output DACs, and the ZapFilter is designed for fully balanced operation with no phase splitting.  The board will amplify the positive and negative phase from the DAC, so true balanced operation is available.  The SACDmods balanced option will feature Neutrik XLRs in addition to Cardas RCAs for the stereo channel.  The balanced output modification is available in addition to the standard modification package for $75 extra.  See photos of Balanced outputs at bottom of this page.

Modification Packages:

PLEASE READ ALL PURCHASE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW CAREFULLY!!!

Standard Mod: All of the above. Stereo outputs are modified for full performance!  $719.00

Multichannel opamp modification.  Available in addition to the standard modification.  $100.00

Balanced Outputs.  Available in addition to the standard modification.  $75.00

All prices include several hours worth of professional installation.

Warranty is 1 year on modifications!

Try the SAPC-1:  Super Audio Power Cord

The only power cord with integrated filtering.  Click here to go to the product page.

$299.95

SPECIFIC PURCHASE AND SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS:

GENERAL PURCHASE INSTRUCTIONS:

Shipping Options

United States of America:   Return shipping and handling is $30.00 in the continental U.S.A. for cash/check orders,  and PayPal shipping is calculated by percentage (5% of mod total).  The shipping charge pays for shipping supplies, handling, extra packaging (if necessary), pickup, and the actual shipping costs themselves.  I will choose the carrier of my choice unless the customer specifies.  Typically, I will use DHL as their ground service is a day faster than UPS.  Customers in Alaska and Hawaii need to contact me for a shipping estimate. 

Next Day Air, Second Day Air, and Three Day are available at higher shipping rates.  If you want these services, then contact me for an estimate.  Please include your zip code, package dimensions, weight, and whether your address is residential or commercial.

Canada:  Please contact me for a shipping estimate.  Average shipping costs are $40.00 by UPS,  Canadian customers are responsible for all taxes.

International:  International orders are accepted, but a processing fee may apply.  Also, international orders are shipped by the carriers above only.  Be prepared to pay a lot of shipping if you are outside of North America.  Shipping typically by USPS.

Payment Options 

Google Checkout, Money Order, Cashier's Check, Personal Check, and Cash.   Make checks and money orders payable to "Matthew Anker" and enclose them with the unit.  Cashier's check, cash, or money order are preferred, personal checks may be held until cleared.  Please note that Google Checkout prices are 2% higher than cash prices; this covers a portion of the credit card processing fees. 

Contact me for more details. 

See the Announcements page for current turn-around time.