Best Sounding Universal DVD Player(DVD-A,SACD)

[DMB1130]

I am looking to buy a universal dvd player that supports DVD-A and SACD playback. Which in your opinion has the best audio quality out of the 5.1 analog outputs? My budget is $400 and below. I am mainly concerned with sonud quality over video because down the line I will eventually purchase a next-gen player (HD-DVD or blu-ray) and use the universal player solely for DVD-A and SACD. I know the Oppos are a popular choice but I have heard the sound on them is not very good. Thanks!

 

[stacker45]

I am looking to buy a universal dvd player that supports DVD-A and SACD playback. Which in your opinion has the best audio quality out of the 5.1 analog outputs? My budget is $400 and below. I am mainly concerned with sonud quality over video because down the line I will eventually purchase a next-gen player (HD-DVD or blu-ray) and use the universal player solely for DVD-A and SACD. I know the Oppos are a popular choice but I have heard the sound on them is not very good. Thanks!

That is my plan too,i orderd the Yamaha dvd-s2700 2 days ago but the 1700 has most of the 2700 features and it fits you're budget.

 

[VicAjax]

i have the Oppo 970HD, and absolutely love it (for the money). i compared it directly against the Pioneer Elite DV45A and preferred all formats through the 970 (through analog outs, i listen in 2-channel). i've read other reports that it compares favorably to the Denon 2900. YMMV, of course.

 

[billy p]

i have the Oppo 970HD, and absolutely love it (for the money). i compared it directly against the Pioneer Elite DV45A and preferred all formats through the 970 (through analog outs, i listen in 2-channel). i've read other reports that it compares favorably to the Denon 2900. YMMV, of course.

There are those who refuse to believe in these players(oppo's)? I guess the low cost has something to do with it.

 

[zumbo]

My vote. If it were my money, there would be no question.

http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/418.asp

 

[DMB1130]

Has anyone ever had any experience with the Onkyo DV-SP504?

 

[no. 5]

almost did, decided to save my money insted.
bench test/review

edit:
thats a review of the 502, did'nt read the last post close enough.

 

[f0am]

I have the Denon mentioned, I love it... the only thing I dont like is the fact the setup menu looks like a startup screen for a childrens computer game.
Another thing I notice on my Denon is that the subtitles are always dot matrix yellow text. Anyone know for sure that it is the dvd player doing that?

 

[BMO]

An intresting note, a friend of mine purchased a Oppo 970. He knows very little about connecting or accessing menu's so I helped him. Apon accessing the on screen menu for the Oppo 970 I was floored. The menu options are exactly the same as my CA 540D,A problem with any opperating manual for Cambridge Audio is lack of information leaving the owner of CA products to spend coutless hours/days to figure it all out.. This leaves me to wonder if the Oppo 970 isn't as good as the CA540 at twice it's price.(The Oppo operating manual is 100x better) So for those who may own the CA 540D, get your hands on a Oppo 970 opperating manual.
My main system has a Marantz DV7600 which I prefer over the CA540. Only problem with the Marantz is it is you have to stop DVD-A's to access menu for DVD-A playback and theres no mention of SACD multi channel playback. If it wasn't for reading hundreds of post about the DV 7600 I would have never figured it out.The maual while long, misses some key info.

 

[The Rang]

I read on another Forum that the same company make the Oppo and the Cambridge (starts with a 'B' IIRC).
Re stopping the Marantz 7600 to access the menu for DVD-A playback, it's the same thing with the Denon 2930.
Is this not a result of the disc authoring, or perhaps a limitation of DVD itself?

I agree, it's pretty annoying.

 

[BMO]

I read on another Forum that the same company make the Oppo and the Cambridge (starts with a 'B' IIRC).
Re stopping the Marantz 7600 to access the menu for DVD-A playback, it's the same thing with the Denon 2930.
Is this not a result of the disc authoring, or perhaps a limitation of DVD itself?

I agree, it's pretty annoying.

DV7600
On the upside though, when playing SACD's you do not have to stop play to access menu,. SACD's always come up 2 channel though. The manual does not inform you how to get Multi Channel in SACD.After much searching on forums I read there was a "S-Audio" button on remote that switches SACD stereo mode to Multi channel.Why no mention of that in the manual?
Ref; Oppo 970 and CA 540d being made by same company in China. I have a problem with the CA540D. I sent 1st unit back for another because of loud "pops" durring chapter changes, stoping pausing skipping chapters etc. The 1st unit I returned before my 30 day trial period. The 2nd unit did it after 45 days. I sent my 2nd 540d in for same reason under warraty for fixing. Of course they couldn't find any problem. Oppo must have better quality control !

 

[jamieo]

i have the denon dvd 757. Got it online for 259. It has everything (Faroudja, DD, you name it).

Just an idea.