DVD 32FLR

The DVD32FLR is a superb machine that is actually worth its premium price!

“The DVD32FLR is beautifully made. Behind the 17mm extruded aluminium fascia is an immaculately laid out, multi-layer printed circuit board with selected audiophile components, 12 independent power supplies and a sizeable, high-quality toroidal transformer while externally, Sorbothane mounting feet complete the 8.9 kg package underneath...

“Like its more expensive older brother [the DVD32R], the DVD32FLR puts in a near faultless video and audio performance...

“This is serious audiophile kit, but with the DVD32FLR you really are getting a great DVD spinner - its brilliant focus and detail invariably makes for an emotive experience...

“So the clever bit is that you get over nine tenths of the DVD32R’s performance at about seven tenths of its price. Factor in great connectivity and upgradability, and you have got a superb machine that is actually worth its premium price!”

DVD Buyer (Issue 19) - Autumn 2003

Video
"The pictures I've seen with this DVI equipped player are some of the sharpest I've seen from any DVD player, and in some cases looked darn close to high-definition. Readers of my CES report (see Issue 71, April 2003) will recall that DVI connections were one of the major trends I noticed this year. So, if your display device offers a DVI input, then you owe it to yourself to audition the TAG McLaren DVD32FLR in your system and see the improvements that DVI has to offer."

Sound
"The TAG McLaren DVD32FLR delivered very outstanding sonic performance, particularly with two-channel CD playback, which I chose to focus on for this review. The sense of sonic clarity and musicality was downright convincing, and the revelation of subtle details was very impressive indeed. There was a palpable, natural sonic characteristic with acoustical instruments. I was also enamored by the creation of a spacious, involving soundstage, with noticeable imaging in depth and width. The low-end was amply taut, and remarkably revealing in timbral character. In other words, I didn't hear just the notes of the music, but also had a perception of the tonal 'personality' of a particular instrument."

Widescreen Review (USA) - June 2003

Truly magical

“If ever a DVD transport suggested 'reference quality', even at a time when the format is in turmoil thanks to DVD-Audio, Blue Laser and other distractions, it's this one.”

“TAG’s DVD player is so blatantly, so definitively the antithesis of the DVD players conceived to bring the format to the masses that it almost beggars belief. It was designed by anally retentive types obsessed with extracting the maximum from DVD, rather than merely conveying the minimum...

“As mentioned above, I couldn't try the prog-scan feature. That aside, even using this machine with S-video into the 42in Marantz screen, I was treated to some of the very best images I've seen. Jet black from a plasma? I couldn't believe it either. But what impressed me most was the lack of digital artefacts, especially a reduction in the odd halos around moving figures and a lessening of the banding effects endemic in plasma screens, noticeable especially with sunsets, sky, flames and the like. As it's so capable of knock-out visuals, the TAG allows you to revel in the recovery of fine detail - it possesses a wonderful way with image depth...

“TAG is one company (outside of the cottage industry field) that does apply hardcore audiophile techniques. As such, when used as a disc transport, conventional CD playback revealed no compromises, while I’ll state emphatically for multi-channel users that DTS and Dolby Digital reproduction were faultless.

“But back to the sound itself. Whether via DVD movies or audio CDs, the TAG clearly aspires to accuracy and neutrality rather than romance. There are no euphonic lies, no ‘tuned’ colorations. It is, by any measure, a precision tool rather than a musical instrument... Firstly, the DVD32FLR's bass extension, control and slam are nothing short of 'exciting', whether reproducing Kodo drums or the thuds and explosions in Das Boot. The other area? Dynamic swings from soft to loud are swift and smooth, with no unnecessary overhang, no hesitation. Coloration is just about impossible to detect and the soundstage is, as you'd expect, 'CinemaScopic'. So what you hear, and that means anything that veers from the truth, will be caused by the components in your system after the TAG.

“If ever a DVD transport suggested 'reference quality', even at a time when the format is in turmoil thanks to DVD-Audio, Blue Laser and other distractions, it's this one. (And, I grudgingly admit, its top-loading sister.) So, despite its almost clinical mien, I have to describe the TAG with a truly apt, non-technical German word: zauberhaft.

“For those who are reading this for free in WHSmith, I suggest you wander over to the dictionary department and look it up. For the rest of us, that means 'magical'.”

Hi-Fi News - June 2003

“...it ain’t cheap, but then perfection rarely is”

“The mixed lab report belies the DVD32FLR's incredible picture prowess [because you didn’t understand your measurements]. Subjectively, it's most impressive with the PAL progressive DVI output. The all-digital feed produces extremely bright and vivid images, with excellent detail in dark scenes. There's sublime definition to shaded areas of the picture, which isn't visible when using S-video or interlaced component video output. The contrast is impeccable, delivering fulsome images with raven blacks and gloriously rich colours. The high-grade Silicon Images Sil504 progressive chip supplies spectacularly smooth and controlled moving images that are free from artefacts and noise. Detail is less impressive with the slightly darker interlaced component video output, although the picture is cinematically smooth with accurate colour rendition. The DVD32FLR is a wonderful CD player, too. Playback is incredibly natural and robust with lashings of detail - on a par with most moderately priced CD decks. Multichannel DVD soundtracks are hard-hitting and punchy.

“In conclusion, the DVD32FLR is a stupendous performer. Pictures via the DVI output must be seen to be believed, while multichannel DVD and CD audio are both sublime. Minor operational glitches aside [which might be more down to the user], there's very little to criticise. If you can afford the whopping asking price, you're buying straight into home cinema heaven.” [TAG McLaren comments in bracket]

What Video - June 2003

The DVD32FLR sets the benchmark

group test Arcam DV88 Plus, Denon DVD-A1, TAG McLaren DVD32FLR

"Each of the proposed units excels in its price range. Although, regarding the DVD32FLR, I am able to extrapolate the previous affirmation to any price segment in the market.

"Naturally, the DVD32FLR sets the benchmark, making use of all the technological capabilities of the TAG McLaren Group that are decisive for the development of such a remarkable unit, which has surpassed the audio and video performance of its opponents. If one considers all this, together with the well known upgrade tradition that this British brand has made us familiar with, this unit becomes a safe investment."

Audio / Portugal - March 2003

TAG McLaren DVD32FLR wins Hi-Fi News Editor’s Choice Award 2002
This is what the judges had to say: “The DVD32FLR is not cheap but for technically-aware, quality conscious videophiles it might be irresistible.”

Hi-Fi News - January 2003

“The thinking process of the engineers is extraordinary, the political statement in term of Progressive Scan even more significant."

“One transport is as good as another? Not correct in this case. TAG McLaren breaks through the boundary between video and audio expectations, combining high resolution picture with best audiophile qualities.

“The DVD32FLR released every fine detail from the digital information of a CD, ultra-stable from bass to extreme dynamics... We have reached reference class."

Surround Sound Quality : extraordinary
Picture quality: extraordinary
Summary: extraordinary

Audio - November 2002

Master of Sound and Picture

“TAG’s top DVD transport [DVD32R] comes as a front-loader design, suitable for ‘rack mounting’. This makes it easier to integrate and results in very little loss of sound quality. Full bodied bass and near perfect detail resolution - satisfying for any audiophile demands. But it really gets exciting when combined with a TAG AV Processor, in which case even more features of the product [the Progressive Scan Module PSM192] can be explored.

“The music lover will be interested to know that the technical similarity to the top-loader [DVD32R] also results in comparable sound quality. In this respect we can give a ‘thumbs up’, although there are differences - the removal of the ultra-stable die-cast top-loading construction wasn’t without some loss. Comparing directly, the ‘FLR’ sounds a little more granular, less smooth, but it adds even more substance to the low bass than the big brother, which is a little more controlled in that respect. In summary, the differences are marginal. Therefore our recommendation is to pick the ‘smaller’ transport [DVD32FLR] and to invest the savings in the [Progressive Scan Module] ‘PSM192', because the possibilities offered are a huge step forward in terms of picture quality.

“Lab-Test: Like its big, top-loading, brother [DVD32R], the ‘FLR’ shines with extraordinary readability. Neither distortion in the information flow nor scratches on the disc make it struggle. It even starts up a little faster than the DVD32R, we measured twelve seconds in CD operation.”

STEREO - November 2002

“This month’s shoot-out focuses on the best of the best: five of the finest DVD-Video players currently available from five key manufacturers. Between them they define the current state of the art...

“To all intents and purposes, picture quality on a glass screen is identical to the DVD32R (which was available during these tests), but again it takes a high quality projection screen to show what the DVD32R can do. In the relatively short period in which the DVD32FLR has been available to me, it has provided faultless operation, setting a standard of quality for the other players in this test to live up to.

The comprehensive setup wizard is a joy to use, and the player delivers rich, velvety lowlights, and superb image definition along with a degree of subtlety and freedom from noise or obvious MPEG artefacts that matches the best of this group. With the optional progressive module [PSM192], the DVD32FLR scanning line-structure essentially disappears and motion artefacts are reduced, and the player provides a genuinely cinematographic experience. Colour reproduction has real depth and solidity in both cases, with image resolution consistently high.

“Conclusion: The DVD32FLR is a worthy winner among these diva performers, and a genuine standard-bearer for high-end home cinema.”

Home Cinema Choice - October 2002

The DVD32FLR comes thoroughly recommended

“And the player is striking, both in its audio and video ability. The former will come as a surprise to the 'digits are digits' brigade, who might believe that a competent digital output should mean all DVD players sound much the same when fed into the same digital processing, but the TAG sounded bigger, richer and more detailed than my usual Rotel player, even without resorting to the excellent SynchLink system, which past experience has shown brings that final snap of focus.

"Similarly, the player makes a very fine transport for the AV32R's onboard digital to analogue processing when playing music in stereo. There's an effortless combination of authority and control here, making the most of atmospheric recordings of small-scale music but at the same time able to make the listener jump with the dynamic ability on tap.

"But it's as an audiovisual source that the player really delights, with excellent picture quality - crisp, well-defined and with subtle colour handling - and excellent surround from the clean datastream it's clearly feeding out. Having recently been over-awed by Zeffirelli's ever-so-slightly Cecil B DeMille production of Aida in the Arena di Verona, it was interesting to come back and revisit the director's 2001 Verdi centenary production from Busseto (on TDK DVD, DV-AlDDB).

"It looks magnificently sharp and dramatic on the TAG, with beautiful detailing and skin tones, plus a steadfast refusal to burn out the bright highlights. And the sound was magnificent, especially in the 5.1 channel dts mix, with superb detail and non-intrusive effects channels doing little more than convey the presence of the theatre and the audience.

"This player will appeal to those for whom Dolby Digital and dts don't mean even bigger bangs and crashes but a heightened sense of musical involvement. It may not have the 'play anything' appeal now available for well below GBP 500, but this is a player of uncommon quality - as fine as a high-end CD machine as it is a spectacular DVD-Video source. It comes thoroughly recommended. “

Gramophone - October 2002

“We've always been impressed by TAG McLaren's DVD32R flagship, which in terms of build, features, functionality and, most crucially, performance, has what it takes to justify its price-tag. The good news for those with less weighty wallets is that TAG McLaren has launched a more affordable player, the DVD32FLR...

“In action this player is, quite simply, fantastic. TAG McLaren claims the FLR offers about 96 percent of the performance of its pricier sibling, and we'd agree: you won't feel short changed by the picture, which is stunning, or the sound, which is spectacular. Image quality, when fed into a suitable progressive-scan-compatible plasma display, is brilliant on a Region One DVD of Black Hawk Down, getting as close to film as any DVD image we've seen. As for sound quality, bass depth has the sort of force, grip and cohesion that physically shifts you in your sofa...

“5 stars”

What Hi-Fi? - September 2002

“This is the 'affordable' version of TAG McLaren's much acclaimed, THX Ultra-approved, DVD32R DVD transport - famous for a swanky top-loading transport that looks and feels a million dollars...

“Although the FLR lacks the R's sense of occasion - that top loading transport really makes using the latter quite special - it's still beautifully made. Behind the 17mm extruded aluminium fascia is an immaculately laid out, multi-layer printed circuit board with selected audiophile components, 12 independent power supplies and a sizeable, high quality toroidal transformer while, externally, Sorbothane mounting feet complete the 8.9kg package underneath.

“Like its more expensive older brother, the DVD3FLR puts in a near faultless video and audio performance. Driving a Panasonic plasma display, it serves up superbly crisp pictures, which remain rock-solid however frenzied the action gets...

“Sound is also superb. Obviously this is largely dependent on the preamp/processor being used, but the transport still has a surprisingly great effect. Just as with its video performance, it gives a glass-clear window onto the recorded acoustics throwing every detail and nuance into sharp relief. Tbe result is an extremely vivid, alive sound that jumps out of the speakers at you with a vengeance. All that focus makes for boldly articulated imaging within the acoustic, letting you enjoy the many multichannel music DVDs now coming up to the maximum.

“This is serious audiophile kit, but with the 32FLR you really are getting a great DVD spinner - its brilliant focus and detail invariably makes for an emotive experience...

“Overall Verdict: 5/5 - Best Buy”

Essential Home Cinema - August 2002 (also published in DVD Buyer 15 and 16)

“Let us not forget the mighty TAG McLaren DVD32R, a humungously impressive (and expensive) digital disc spinner which amazed and delighted us last year with its swanky top loading transport. The merest glance of that disc-lid gliding across to reveal the laser was enough to break many folk into a sweat, such was its beautifully slick and smooth motion. Underneath it, of course, was a brace of DVD disc reading technology second to none. Nice one, guys... It is for this reason that what you see before you has come to be. In a spare moment, when they weren't begging Mika Hakkinen to come back to the track, the company took the view that for some strange reason people wanted an 'affordable' high end DVD spinner, if that isn't a contradiction in terms. The provision of the DVD32R minus its 'surprise and delight' factor (i.e. the top loading transport) lets them shave crucial pennies from its purchase price, the result being the DVD32FLR...

"...The DVD32FLR puts in a near faultless performance. My major gripe was the remote control, which although sporting all the latest programmable buttons and flashy backlighting, was a pig to use and about as responsive as a Minardi backmarker with a flat tyre.”
[TAG McLaren comment: It is indeed the same remote as used successfully with the DVD32R and AV32R...]

“Happily, its sound elicited more favourable reactions. Starting with the 5.1 DVD video mix of The Eagles' 'Hotel California', the FLR showed itself to be a tight, upfront performer with oodles of detail. Essentially very neutral, it gave tremendous insight into this famous recording (and indeed its superb remastering). The midband is particularly impressive - glass clear with very strongly articulated imaging...

“Cymbals were extremely crisp, with more sheen that a certain household spray polish, while the leading edges of the guitars were sharp as a knife. The result was a very 'alive' and vivid sound that majors on the music's rhythms and dynamics. Factor in oodles of air and atmosphere and the result was an extremely engaging, yet sonically informative sound...

“It was impressive and engaging enough to conclude that those wanting a serious CD spinner that also plays DVDs should put this close to the top of their list.

“It's an interesting product alright. The DVD32FLR, offering just that little bit extra (in terms of sound quality, if not features)... Whatever format you feed it, it comes up trumps with a characteristically clean and open performance..."

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