Summary: The Toshiba 3950 & 3960 received a lot of hype for outperforming other audiophile quality products for music playback costing $1K. Some even stated $2K and even higher!
Then, a group of modifications were published for even better music performance per others. I tried the player in stock form & performed the modifications including the D/A converter audio direct out with high-end coupling capacitors. Others boasted this 'direct out' was the end-all of mods to the Toshiba 3950.
Fact is, this 3950 is poor for music playback in any even entry level audiophile grade system with or without the modifications. Even my older Pioneer DV-333 way outperfomed the Toshiba 3950.
The Toshiba performance is sonically full of gritt with a hazy glare across the audio range. My DIY tube amp system with expensive speakers does not cover up much of anything. Simply,'garbage in, garbage out'.
On the other hand, the Pioneer DV-333 provided a more accurate presentation even with the old technology of 16-bit data. The Pioneer DV-333 simply sounded more relaxed, detailed & airy in its presentation.
So, do not believe the 3950 or 3960 hype. A audiophile quality digital format player will cost much more money. One gets what they pay for and at $60 the Toshiba 3950 is no bargain for music.
For DVD movie performance, the 3950 player is certainly a bargain at $60. The 3950 is reliable as well. My kids like the Toshiba 3950 DVD performance over the old Pioneer DV-333 hands-down with higher quality vidio performance.
Strengths: Reads any vidio format to date without any issues. No electronic or mechanical failures. I rate DVD performance at a 4 on a scale of 0-5
Weaknesses: Poor for music playback. I rate music performance at a 1.5 on a scale of 0-5
Similar Products Used: Old technology Pioneer DV-333
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Summary: Bought this player to replace a Sony that was giving me headaches. I have to say that all in all, for the money, that this is a great little player. Video quality is very respectable, and cd audio is also quite good.
Strengths: Video and audio quality, price
Weaknesses: Silver color, remote is a little hokey
Similar Products Used: Sony, JVC
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Summary: Have no idea what the video is like on this little box but the audio from cd's is outstanding. This is a once in a life time giant killer of a component. The redbook cd playback on the 3950 will go toe to toe with cdp's costing 10 times more money. Right out of the box this things sings. Very musical and detailed. Not tubey warm but slightly warm. Transients are sharp and detailed. Bass thumps and phantom center channel imaging is very precise. Lot's of internet buzz on this one. Get one or two while you can. Have heard of quite a few DOA's right out of the box and a few cases of infant mortality but if you get one that works, it's a keeper.
Strengths: Incredible Redbook (CD)audio playback considering the price.
Summary: Great player for the $. Has PLUGE (Picture Line Up Generation Equipment) for use with a video test disc, a great feature. Doesn't have 3-D DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) like the next step up SD-4900. But with well-recorded discs, the DNR is not needed.
Strengths: ~ Very good picture.
~ Good features.
Weaknesses: ~ Drive is a bit noisy sometimes.
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Summary: Great player for the price (or any price for that matter). Picture is extremely clear. I recommend using the black level expander though, as the normal setting may look a little too light or washed out. Remote is quite ergonomic and a nice size, player has lots of nice features. Manual is quite understandable and comprehensive, compared to some others. Has played all the rental discs I've thrown at it (including some that weren't in great shape) without missing a beat. I tried to save a buck by firt buying a cheap Polaroid player at Best Buy. I went through 3 of them, all of which had different but significant problems, so I changed to Toshiba and am very happy. The only other thing to be aware of is that Toshiba's website (and I believe Best Buy's as well) says this player has an optical digital audio output, but it doesn't; it only has a coax output. Not a big deal for me, but may be for some.
Strengths: Great picture clarity. Plays discs in varying conditions without faltering.
Weaknesses: None found yet.
Similar Products Used: Polaroid (VERY low quality).
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