Review: Marantz DV6001 - universal DVD player with a musical mind : HDTV UK

The propaganda

Now that Full HD screens are starting to arrive en masse, DVD players offering advanced 1080p upscaling are also starting to emerge in greater numbers - especially from manufacturers that have kept out of the high-definition format war.

Marantz's latest DV6001 is a mid-priced model with an impressive array of all-inclusive features that's equally adept at playing movies as it is with music, which makes it ideal for anyone that wants to use a single deck for both duties.

Marantz

The universal specification means it will accept virtually any standard disc including those carrying encoded MP3, JPEG and DiVX files - and multi-channel music formats such as DVD-Audio and SACD. Interest in these high-resolution music formats never really ignited and content is still limited but sound quality is exceptional, especially if you're already using a multi-channel speaker system.

The understated, slimline design is beautifully constructed and surprisingly attractive compared to earlier Marantz models - and the underlying technology is equally impressive. It includes Faroudga DCDi processing, Noise Shaped Video technology and uses the latest 216Mhz/12-bit video DAC to upscale standard DVD images to a full range of high-definition formats including 720p, 1080i and the latest 1080p signals.

Upscaled images rely on a single HDMI input, which is supported by a variety of analogue video outputs including a RGB Scart terminal and progressive scan compatible component outputs. There are also useful audio outputs including both optical and coaxial digital options for a home cinema receiver and dedicated 5.1 outputs for delivering multi-channel music.

The good

At least until 'true' high-definition players become more affordable, the DV6001 offers class leading picture performance at this price.

Even playing progressive scan video produces impressive picture quality but upscaled images are no less than extraordinary. The picture appears incredibly realistic courtesy of beautifully balanced, natural colours that seem far more accurate and authentic than typically exaggerated tones. Distinct black levels instill images with dense definition, meticulous detail and exceptional contrast, which encourages even more realism and involvement.

The picture is also immaculately clean with fluid, cohesive movement during adrenaline fuelled action scenes and virtually no instability at all - save for some occasional picture noise in the backgrounds of complex scenes.

While sound quality is often an afterthought with DVD players, the DV6001's audio ability can actually claim to be even more impressive than the picture performance. Your home cinema receiver may offer better surround processing for films but multi-channel music formats sound incredibly detailed and expressive. And typically restricted stereo performance is outstanding with beautifully separated subtleties and a rhythmical sense of timing that's unusual for a DVD player.

The bad

Despite being reflected in the price, the inclusion of multi-channel music compatibility isn't going to be appreciated by most people. And, even those audiophiles that are interested in DVD-A or SACD are more likely to play these discs using a dedicated player.

But, other than an unusual menu system and lightweight remote it's difficult to find fault with Marantz's DV6001.

Geek sheet

Disc compatibility DVD, DVD-A, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW, CD, CD-R/-RW, SACD, VCD, VCD 2.0, SVCD, WMA, MP3, JPEG, DiVX
Video scaling 720p/1080i/1080p
Progressive scan Yes
Sound Integrated Dolby Digital, DTS, DVD-A, SACD decoding
Video connections HDMI, component, RGB Scart, S-Video, composite
Audio connections stereo, optical digital, coaxial digital, 5.1 analogue outputs
Dimensions (WHD) 440x60x319mm
Weight Unknown

Overview

While you can find DVD players that feature 1080p upscaling for as little as £100 now, the £300 price tag attached to Marantz's DV6001 may seem expensive. But, few players other than Denon's DVD-1930 can boast such enviable image quality at this price while all-round sound performance is exceptional too, which means you're almost getting two high quality components for the price of one.