Yamaha DVD-C950 - anyone?

[Dan Driscoll]

This seems to be the most elusive changer on the market, there is very little in the way of user comments and so far no professional reviews. I've been considering a DVD-C750, but the sloowwww load times, miserable user interface and lack of 3:2 pulldown have turned me off. :(

I'm hoping the 950 corrects those problems and perhaps improves on the 750's audio and video performance, particularly hi-rez audio and component video. I have a Pioneer SD-533 RPTV, so HDMI is doesn't matter to me. Comments from anyone who has a 950 or who has demo'd one, especially against a 750 or a good quality SACD player, would be appreciated. TIA

[bri1270]

From what I can tell from the manual, the only real differences are in the video area. I'm willing to bet they just added the HDMI "HD Upgrade" crap to it along with a couple hundred bucks to the price tag.

[Dan Driscoll]

The difference aren't just the HDMI and upconversion. The 950 also has a different video DAC (216MHz/12bit) than the 750 (108MHz/10bit). It isn't a stretch to think they might have also used better audio DACs and/or opamps, or that there might be a better power supply.

One thing I am hoping is that the 950 was delayed for so long because Yamaha was correcting some of the serious ergonomics issues of the 750.

Anyone else have any comments?

[bri1270]

750 is 12/108 Video DAC...not a huge difference.

I did see on AVS that a few people have it, and were not complaining about the load times (which is why I haven't gotten the 750). Still seems to have some quirks especially with the menus.

Check out this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=563718&highlight=950

[jeffvee]

I bought this dvd player early this spring due largely to a glowing review i read in Home Theatre magazine. I knew about the slow load times ,but didn't think it would be an issue. I thought I was a patient person and could deal with this minor infliction, but how wrong I was. I am ready to sell this on Ebay and pick up a single drive unit that will respond much quicker. Any suggestions? I've read through the manual and still can't figure out how to open the tray using the remote.Audio and Video quality are excellent, but the slow load times make this one to avoid at all costs.

[Dan Driscoll]

I decided to pass on the Yammie 950 and ordered a Sherwood-Newcastle SD-860 single disk universal player, instead. It should arrive this week, after I've had a chance to play with it a while I'll post a review.

[T2T]

Dan,

I'm looking forward to your impressions of the Sherwood once you've had a chance to spend some time with it.

Thanks. :)

[jeffvee]

Yea, let us know how you like it.