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Published on August 29, 2007

Where car audio is concerned, differences in price usually indicate differences in quality. This is why most manufacturers offer their flagship models as premium alternatives for serious audiophiles. So skimping on a DVD head unit can lower the overall quality of sound you get, while extra spending is often worthwhile.

First of all, a high-quality DVD head unit should look rigid and strong, and the laser pick-up should not only be of top grade, but also be made from glass rather than plastic. This is because a glass lens is more durable and will always find and read data despite bumps.

Therefore, when searching for a DVD player, consider first of all the stability of the laser pick-up mechanism. Check the traverse assembly, in order to ensure that it responds promptly to find new tracks. Make sure the player recognises discs and will play them all and that there is no frequent skipping or failure to find tracks correctly.

Power supplies should be large enough and separated to handle both digital and analogue outputs. Digital/analogue converters (DACs) in the player should unveil unseen levels of musical performance and engineering excellence.

Some players feature up-sampling

technology, which feeds each of the

DACs in differential formation mode. This means that each DAC handles a single channel for excellent stereo imaging,

operating fully in differential mode for ultra-low distortion and noise.

Some high-end DACs for audio lovers also use Burr Brown chips, with a video-off circuit, to ensure full, discrete video and audio sections.

DVD players should also be compatible with all kinds of discs in all zones.

Try playing a range of discs to ensure that the head unit plays smoothly. A high-quality DVD player should portray a realm of sound quality that is quite outstanding. You can easily feel it. The sound should be naturally musical, especially in the middle to high tones, with great detail and low distortion.

Some serious listeners look for players with high-definition compatible-digital ability. This format provides better sound quality, because it has 20 bits rather than 16.

A top-of-the-line DVD player will entertain your ears, but whether it will suit your preference is another story altogether.

Wijit Boonchoo

Ultimate in Luxury

The Luxury LS 460 is a wonderfully comfaortable car fitted with all mod cons, althoough not necessarily the most fun vehicle to drive.