Best component out DVD player for under $300?

[ToolZero]

My Toshiba 36HF71 HD 36" TV doesn't have a DVI or HDMI Input. I'm about to buy the Denon AVR-3805 and it doesn't have a DVI or HDMI Input either.

The Oppo DVD player looks awesome, but the reviews said it only really shines when using its DVI out. Since I'm stuck using the component input of my receiver what is the best DVD player I can buy under $300 that shines using its component output?

 

[dloweman]

From what i have read the panasonic s77 and s97 have a great picture. Also maybe the denon 1910? just some suggestions to look at.

 

[df4801]

hey dloweman,

how do you like your pioneer with the paradigms?
I have same speakers and sub and am looking for a receiver.
Thinking of the vsx-52.

 

[Takeereasy]

I'm going to second a panasonic s77. Sound and vision did a review this month and compared this player to two others. The findings were that it produced a fantastic picture and that there was no noticable difference between using the component and HDMI cables when it came to image quality. They said that the sound and picture from the Panasonic put it in league with several pricer players. The only knock on the player is that it doesn't do sacd, but the reviewer was very excited about the player, and it is on their suggested components list right now. One drawback is that it is un-sexy, but I'm a performance man myself, looks are a secondary concern. You can get it right now from bhphoto.com for $200.

 

[Kurt C.]

I've read that the S97 has a much better build quality than the S77 and is worth the few dollars extra. Another great player to consider for under $300 is the Denon DVD-1600. It's no longer made but can be purchased used on ebay for ~150. You can find good head-to-head comparisons of these players and many more here

 

[j_garcia]

You just missed my 2200 that I had for sale in the classified area. There's another one here though, so you might want to look into it. It is definitely one of the best players you will likely find under $300 (used).

New, the Panny's are a great choice. I've always loved their picture quality. My first player was a first generation Panny A300U in '98. It was a great player for years; the only reason I got rid of it was because it didn't do DTS.