Recommendation on DVD player

[boe]

Recommendation on DVD player $500 or less?

Hello,

I'm looking for a good (but not outrageously good) dvd player to hold me over until the HD/Blue laser issue is resolved. I'm willing to pay up to $500. I have an older model that glitches even on straight out of the wrapper DVD's. My other DVD player doesn't have this issue.

First priority is good decoding.

Second priority - best player for DVD's with very good surround such as LOTR. Not sure if there are and DTS-NEO or DPLII DVD players.

Third priority - single player. I don't like multiplayers.

I would leave the other priorities to people who know more about this stuff than I do - your advice on DAC and other items I should be looking for up to you. I don't really care about HDMI or anything else since my current unit doesn't support it and I would imagine it won't be an issue till I upgrade to a blue ray or HDDVD player. Anything with component out would be fine.

Not a priority but I would love it if DVD players had firmware updates like those that prolonged the life of my preamp and remote.

Thank you for your advice!

 

[zumbo]

http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/productdetail.asp?sku=YAMADVS5770SL&product_name=DV-S5770SL DVD/SACD Player

 

[boe]

Thanks

Should I be looking for anything that can do more thant DTS 5.1 or will that be handled by my preamp?

 

[nm2285]

I own a HK dvd 101 and find it exceptional at stereo music at this price point. Also has competitive video abilities. Pioneer's universal player is a great value.

 

[Leprkon]

Pioneer's universal player is a great value.

Since it's only going to be a short time anyway, it might be a good choice to get the Pioneer 578 (anywhere from $ 120 to $ 150 depending on how good a shopper you are). It'll let you dabble in SACD and DVD-audio with some restrictions ( some good threads on this site about those limitations)

Most of the reviews I saw on the older 563 said it had a terrible picture. strangely enough, it still sells for more than the 578.

the Onkyo 502 is a little more serious choice at $ 299 but still gives the SACD and DVD audio

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-413Wr3eOs9j/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=54400&I=580DVS502B

 

[boe]

Denon 2910

I'm thinking about going with the Denon 2910. It goes for $575 out the door - any thoughts on this model?

 

[Pete Dzwonkas]

Where is the 2910 at $575 please. I have my eye on that unit as well.

 

[flyv65]

I spent some serious time comparing the 2910 and the 3910 through the same 480p screen and I just couldn't tell the difference-maybe it's more noticeable through the HDMI/DVI-D links at higher resolutions. The sound is wonderful with CDs, SACDs, DVD-A and DVD-V, and at least as good as my friend's 5900 player; it's definitely a quicker load.

I really wanted the Denon Link in the 3910 (I'm kind of a gear whore), but I couldn't justify an extra $700 basically for a cable that wouldn't also carry SACD (yes, I know they say its "in the works"-but they've been saying that for quite a while, too). I've been very pleased with the 2910 and can wholeheartedly recommend it as a universal player up to at least 480p.

Bryan...now if I got a better TV, who knows?...

 

[boe]

I really wanted the Denon Link in the 3910 (I'm kind of a gear whore), but I couldn't justify an extra $700 basically for a cable that wouldn't also carry SACD (yes, I know they say its "in the works"-but they've been saying that for quite a while, too)./QUOTE]

Thanks - two things please - what is the denon link? Have you noticed any issues with macroblocking? I found several references to the denons with the faroudja chipset -

http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=10042&st=40

 

[Bullit67]

If you are looking for a lower priced Good quality DVD player look at the Denon 1910 it dose not play DVD-A or SACD dut for movie and cd play back you cant beat the price

 

[flyv65]

Thanks - two things please - what is the denon link? Have you noticed any issues with macroblocking? I found several references to the denons with the faroudja chipset -

http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=10042&st=40

The Denon Link is Denon's proprietary "firewire" between digital sources and the receiver. Its a single cable that right now carries the digital signal for DTS, DD, *AND* DVD-A. Theoretically, Denon has been on the verge of signing Sony to licence the Denon Link for SACD for about, what, three years now? Longer?

The 3910 and 2910 were both supposed to have newer versions of the Faroudja processing that was less susceptable to the macroblocking and the chroma bug than what the 5900 had, and although somehave complained of one or the other on the various bulletin boards I've never seen any of it with mine (the 2910)-and its got at least as good a picture as my neighbor's 5900 as well as loading/cycling faster.

I shopped the Pioneers, the Yamahas, and both of the Denons for a universal DVD player and after looking at my current system (and where I *thought* DVD players might be in 5 years) I decided this one suited my needs and budget best. YMMV.

Bryan...have you seen the video stats for the 5910?...

 

[jaguars_fan]

http://shopping.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=AplCiSfEph1zyfW43kKqejQbFt0A;_ylu=X3oDMTBtNTA5a3RqBF9zAzE0NDg5MTE1BHNlYwNzZWFyY2g-?p=denon+2910&did=

Here is a link for the 2910 from $555