Denon 557 vs. 1730

[rnatalli]

I'll be buying a new dvd player in the next couple of days and I can't figure out what the difference between these two models is. I check Denon's site and the specs are 99% the same. The only difference I noticed was a single logo for DVD Audio is missing from the 557. I've also considered an Oppo player, but I'm reading they're a bit weaker on the audio side of things. I have no need for upconversion at this time so that's an advantage of Oppo I would not take advantage of. In any case, does anyone have an idea of what the difference is between these two Denon players?

 

[Joe Schmoe]

I am now using the 557 as a CD player, and I am pleased with the sound. It does not play DVD audio, so that could be the only difference.

 

[rnatalli]

I suppose having DVD Audio is worth an extra $5-$15. Thanks for the reply!

 

[no. 5]

As far as I know, the 557 and the 1730 are technically (but not cosmetically) identical, so neither of them will play the high resolution track of a DVD-A disc.

 

[j_garcia]

I believe you need to step up to the 1930 to get DVD-A/SACD, if that matters to you.

 

[rnatalli]

It's not that important to me really. I think I'm just going to grab a 557 from Circuitcity down the street. It's always fun going there. I went the other day to pick up some Boston Acoustics speakers and the sales person suggested Bose as they're the best you know

 

[Joe Schmoe]

the sales person suggested Bose as they're the best you know

Good lord, what a doofus! You set him straight, I hope?

 

[rnatalli]

I held my tongue. No point in wasting my time. I'll help family and friends to not make that mistake, everyone else is on their own

 

[rnatalli]

Well, just found out the hard way that the 557 doesn't play PAL. Grrr... Looks like I'm going to have to get an Oppo instead.

 

[pewternhrata]

i got the denon 1730, a huge step up from my $60 toshiba, the video is much clearer and the audio is awesome, my guy i go to all the time reccomended me this one, got it for $200 with ixos component cables included...thinking about selling it, i hear that toshiba is supposed to bring out a HD player for $200 in the next month or so but i bet the whole 'you get what you pay for' will be a factor in that one