What is best DVD player under $300 US?

[KFG14]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking at the Denon DVD-1910 and a few others. Was wondering what you think is the best under $300 DVD player? I looked at the Rotel DVD players but didn't want to spend that much for it. A new TV is next, sometime in the next 6 months or so.

Thanks for help.

Kevin

 

[KFG14]

Did look at the Bravo D2 and the Yahama DVD-S550, but was concerned about quality control and can't find anyone selling the DVD-S550 in the area. I live in NYC and J&R is nearby but they don't have the Yamaha in stock.

 

[zumbo]

I would choose a Yamaha S-1500. You may have to spend about $330 or so, but it will be worth it.

Key Features
DVD Type DVD Player

Number of Discs 1

Progressive Scan

Playable Disk Types DVD Video • VCD • SVCD • DVD-R • DVD-RW • DVD Audio • SACD • CD (Audio) • CD-R • CD-RW
(Denon 1910) Playable Disk Types DVD Video • DVD-R • DVD-RW • CD (Audio) • CD-R • CD-RW

Playable File Formats MP3
Video
Video Output System PAL • NTSC

Video DAC 12 bit / 108 MHz
Audio
Dynamic Range 103 dB (DVD)

Audio DAC 24 bit / 192 kHz

Audio S/N Ratio 105 dB

Surround Sound Built-In Dolby Digital Decoder • Built-In DTS Decoder • Virtual Surround
Connections
Outputs Composite x 1, S-Video x 1, Component x 1, RGB (via SCART), Analog Audio x 1, Analog Surround x 1, Digital Audio Coaxial x 1, Digital Audio Optical x 1
Convenience
Remote Control Yes

OSD Yes

Display Dimmer Yes

Parental Control Yes

Resume Function 5 Bookmarks
Dimensions
Depth 12.4 in.

Height 2.17 in.

Width 17.13 in.

Weight 7.05 lb

 

[drogulus]

zumbo,

I'm interested in the S1500. Since all PAL discs that I know of are out of region for N. America, what exactly does this player do? How does it handle PAL?

 

[zumbo]

Can't answer that one. You could either check the Yamaha website, or start a new thread.

 

[WooHoo]

The Little Dynamo!

I was considering one of the Denon models (2910 or 3910) as they are terrific models and have received considerable praise on this site and others. I do not normally skimp on components, but my wife and I decided to forego spending $500 to $1,000 as we will surely invest down the line in DVDHD or Bluray.

With that said, we ended up buying the Samsung DVD-HD 841. Don't laugh this unit at $179.99 USD at Circuit City is extremely impressive. Sound from DVD Audio and SACD is remarkable! Picture quality is super! Especially when using the DVI output to my DLP monitor. Progressive scan unit. Upconverts to 720p, 768p and 1080i with the DVI connection. You mentioned a new TV in 6 months? If you intend on buying a digital unit with DVI or HDMI connections, you should seriously consider this unit.

This is one of the few times I have resolved to NOT spend premium dollars on a component and this time I am definitely NOT kicking myself. Everyone in the market for a universal player should consider this little dynamo!

 

[drogulus]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking at the Denon DVD-1910 and a few others. Was wondering what you think is the best under $300 DVD player? I looked at the Rotel DVD players but didn't want to spend that much for it. A new TV is next, sometime in the next 6 months or so.

Thanks for help.

Kevin

If your priorities are mainly video rather than audio, you might consider the Zenith DVB318 while it is still available. Not that it's bad for audio, but its strength is upconverting to 1080i. You can find it for ~$160.

At $300 the Panasonic S97 is a possibility. That might be the best of class.

 

[STSinNYC]

Another option

Recently purchased a Yamaha DV-C6770 (same as C-750) for $255 plus tax. See review on this site. We think it is a very good audio player, price is quite reasonable.