Simaudio Moon Orbiter DVD Player: Short Take

  • $6,500
  • Digital Video Output: DVI (video compatible with HDMI)
  • Video Upconversion: No
  • Audio Decoding: DD, DTS, DVD-Audio, SACD, MP3
  • Ins and Outs: DVI, component, composite and S-Video, optional SDI digital video, coaxial (one on RCA, one on BNC), Toslink and AES/EBU digital audio, two-channel and 5.1-channel analog audio
  • Feature Highlights: Universal player w/DVI output, Silicon Image deinterlacing, advanced switch mode power supply w/shielding and eight stages of regulation

The Skinny: Simaudio's Moon Orbiter is a universal disc player that excels across all formats, earning its price tag with picture and sound that are a clear and substantial cut above. This player offers a 480p DVI output with an image that's remarkably deep and solid in dimension, with a vivid, lifelike character. Although there's no built-in bass management, the Moon Orbiter's audio is every bit as stellar as the name suggests. It has the kind of resolution, image focus and soundstage dimension that separates dedicated high-end audio players from the mass-market flagships, and yet it sounds freer and more natural than digital ought to. Although it's not an absolute world beater with any one format- like the Ayre DX-7e is with video, or the Arcam FMJ DV29 is with CD playback- the Simaudio Moon Orbiter is remarkably close, and offers nearly best in class performance across all formats. Your music and movies will live and breathe through this player.

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