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Philips Electronics DVD-825A DVD Players Review by Lowell


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Model: DVD-825A
Category: DVD Players
Suggested Retail Price: $229
Description: DVD/CD player with ac3 and SRS
Manufacturer URL: Philips Electronics
Model Picture: View

Review by Lowell on April 16, 2000 at 21:27:18
IP Address: 166.90.38.174
Add Your Review
for the DVD-825A


I originally posted comments to the effect that this unit is junk. I was upset with the fact it skipped on some DVD's. This I found was the DVD, because other players costing $600 did the same thing! I thought it was bright, but it too turned out to be the dvd...
I had not used it recently for cd playback since I got my new system. I was using a tube AMC-cdp8a-5404u. On a recent AA post, it was stated that it sounded as good, or better than a tube CDP costing over $1,000. I was skeptical at best.
Playing the same CD a/b between my $849 tube cdp and this here is what I found:
The DVD player found tracks much faster. There was much improved low bass and detail from every cd I listened to. In fact, after an hour I realized that the AMC did in fact tend to hide imperfections, but was euphonically musical. This was depressing. I too agree with the poster. In most ways, this DVD may not be as musical as the AMC, but it has more detail, low bass, and treble. I feel it is also more truthful to the source than the AMC.
On DVD playback, the sound is good, it will reveal a bright recording. There is a choice of plain stereo, or SRS [sound recovery system] that adds a 3d effect for DVD audio. This player does have a digital coax out for external DAC, which I may look into an AVA Omega-IV at the end of the year. The video quality is decent, but could be better.
This has plenty of features for the price. I never set out to get a 5.1 capable unit because my bedroom is only setup for 2 channel.
Additional note: this DVD does not display the airborne feedback blur [piezoelectric effect on tube elements] that affected my tube cdp during more forceful passages. I feel that because of it's "Attack" I am getting superior slam and dynamics over the tube cdp. I am even getting information that I didn't get from my cdp, the AH! Tjoeb 99 or the Jolida 602.
Now I am grateful for what a bargain this DVD player is. I will definately keep it.


Product Weakness: *some DVD movis skip...sometimes. Not as "musical" as a tube cdp video quality is very good, but could be better.
Product Strengths: Detail, bass, dynamics


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Threshold s/500 stasis
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): amc cvt-1030a
Sources (CDP/Turntable): DVD-825A
Speakers: VMPS Super Tower /R SE
Cables/Interconnects: Monster videolink
Music Used (Genre/Selections): eclectic
Room Size (LxWxH): 12 x 12 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments: carpet, curtains, thick furniture
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition): see inmate systems


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