Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I`ve owned a HD970 cd-player for about three years now, but can`t say I`m quite satisfied. Have already repaired it once: the manufacturer had to change the electronic inside. But some time after service it still struggles to read cd`s, and sometimes it makes disturbing noises.

The sound quality is relatively good though, and the unit is well equipped, but the design and build quality is so poor, with cheap plastic all around, and to me it looks more like a 60 $ dvd-player sold from a grocery store, than a real hi-fi component. All in all I think the HD970 cd-player is an average cd-player even in the lower class. From this player I miss the heavy feeling of quality that the older Harman products had. Even my old HK DVD10 seems to be better built, and is actually close also when it comes to sound quality. Now I have changed to a Primare cd21 player, which is in a totally different league (of course).

Similar products used: Harman Kardon DVD10, JVC cd-player(older type), Primare CD21, Yamaha MDX-793, Sony SCD-640 QS

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Excellent reproductionn quality.

Weaknesses:
It fails to read some of my CD.s particularly ECM label. It is becoming a pattern to which I am clueless. ECM records have a very high quality.

Similar Products Used:
Yamaha

Price Paid:  $285.00 from ebay

Summary:
This device plays Audio CDs, HDCDs and MP3s with an extraordinary quality. It has a extraordinary sound stage and reproduces the hi-range details significantly clearer and cleaner than any other cd-player I've ever used (mostly entry-level hifi products from Denon, NAD and Marantz), while staying at the same price range. When I stay at the center point between my Cresta 2 speakers, the sound system just disappears, and I feel the depth of sound stage this device is able to create. I am rediscovering all my old CDs, while waiting for a set of new RCA cables to see if I can solve the problem of too much treble. But anyway, the sound is lovely and well beyond the price you pay for it.

Strengths:
Exceptional sound stage. Your speakers just disappear.
Digital-in comes really handy if you want to use the DAC separately. I have my PC connected to it.

Weaknesses:
Ugly finish. It looks like a home theater component rather than a hifi or audiophile device.
The front is in plastic, absorbing all the dust in the room.
The device doesn't like some of my CDs, and doesn't read them correctly (principally Samsung CD-Rs and CD-RWs).
Too much emphasis on high-range details, to the point that it takes the attention away from the music. The sound doesn't seem to be very linear (but I prefer it to NAD's dull sound).

Similar Products Used:
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Price Paid:  $250.00 from pixmania

Summary:
I have just upgraded from a Marantz CD5000 to the HD970 and i can't believe what a difference its made, for £250 its a real bargain.My amp is the Marantz4001.
Before i was very dissatisfied with the sound,too tinny and lacking clarity, there wasn't enough power to get the best out of my AE505 floorstanders and they were easily distorted, but now there's a real weight behind the music and alot more detail and clarity.I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for an absolute bargain,a fantastic sound and it looks stunning.

Strengths:
Sound quality,stunning looks and the build quality is amazing for the money

Weaknesses:
The remote is a bit ugly

Similar Products Used:
HD970 AMP and TUNER ordered

Price Paid:  $349.00 from hifi shop netherland

Summary:
I have always thought that the sound was made by the speakers. I used a simple Philips cd-player. But now I now better. The HD 970 is a very fine machine. The sound has improved dramatically!. For its money this is a very good buy.

Strengths:
The sound!

Weaknesses:
There is no entrance for a headphone

Similar Products Used:
philips