Can't decide on a DVD player. Suggestions?

[westcott]

Hi,

I am really struggling with a decision on a DVD player. I have it narrowed down to three or four units.

1) Samsung BD P1200
Blue Ray capabilities, Suberb DVD video, some HD audio capabilities, no SACD, added multichannel cable costs, possibly an expensive DVD player if BR loses. $800

2) Denon 2930ci
Superb DVD video, no macroblocking or chroma issues, Superb audio for SACD and DVD audio, no BR or HD DVD capabilities, uses DenonLink for digital audio for all formats with my Denon 3805 so no added cable costs. $650

3) Oppo Digital DV-981HD
Excellent DVD video, possible macroblocking and chroma issues, adequate SACD and DVD audio, added multichannel cable costs, cost effective. $350

I give equal weight to audio and video performance and really would like to expand my music collection using SACD and DVD audio (I have some DVD audio discs). I will rent all video content for HD or SD format but place a lot of weight on DVD performance since this will still be the dominating format for several more years. I also tend to keep my equipment for a long time and do not upgrade often. I am leaning towards number 2 but your input would be welcome.

 

[avaserfi]

I have seen both the Denon and Oppo in action (Own the oppo) and I love it. For the price it really cant be beat.

 

[westcott]

I have seen both the Denon and Oppo in action (Own the oppo) and I love it. For the price it really cant be beat.

How did the two compare audio wise? Which SACDs did you listen too? What speakers were they hooked up to?

Thanks in advance for the input.

 

[avaserfi]

The Oppo was connected to my Jamo speakers while the Denon was hooked up to the entry level paradigms. The SACD was Dark Side of the Mood by Pink Floyd. For the most part I would say it was comparable audibly but over all I liked my set up more, I would attribute this more to speakers than anything else.

I will say I did not have extensive time playing with the Denon so I cannot speak definitively on it but I do love my oppo.

 

[B5I8]

I own both the Denon 2930CI and the Oppo 981 and like it was said ealier, the Oppo can't be beat for the price. The Denon is an excellent player but it costs 4 times as much as my Oppo. The only way I wouldn't buy the Oppo is if I could afford the 3930CI.

 

[billy p]

I like think the MB issue in regards to the oppo, is only with DLP's. IMO it's not that big a deal if you calibrate your set up.

 

[westcott]

I own both the Denon 2930CI and the Oppo 981 and like it was said ealier, the Oppo can't be beat for the price. The Denon is an excellent player but it costs 4 times as much as my Oppo. The only way I wouldn't buy the Oppo is if I could afford the 3930CI.

My main concern is audio quality between the Denon and the Oppo. Price is not even double if you include the added cost of multichannel audio cables. How would you characterize the sound quality difference via SACD and DVD audio? What speakers are you using? What display are you using?

 

[avaserfi]

I dont think there will be large differences in audio quality between the two, and if there are I highly doubt they are worth the extra 300 dollars.

Would be so much easier if you could audition...but since you cant do a google search on "oppo SACD quality" (without quotes). I found a number of reviews comparing it to more expensive universal disc players including the denon and saying they were equal or extremely close.

 

[rozumek]

Oppo Digital DV-981HD

Oppo Digital DV-981HD
the best dvd player for the money