Anybody have Onkyo DV-CP802B Universal Changer?

[RichardP]

A universal DVD/DVD-A/SACD changer seems like the best of all worlds. The above model is around $450, although some online outlets still do not have it in stock yet. Does anyone have it and/or recommend it? A cheaper alternative would be to get one of the Pioneer universal single-disk players (563, etc.), which can be had new on Ebay at less than $150 incl shipping. Such a price seems like a feasible low cost introduction to multichannel sound. This leads to the next question: are DVD-A and SACD going to continue, or do you think they are a good-sounding, but ultimately doomed, format experiment? I keep reading the multichannel news in Sound & Vision, and it sometimes sounds as if the corporate backers don't seem to be pushing the formats very hard, perhaps waiting for the upcoming HD DVD format to emerge. Any thoughts?

[RichardP]

Wow, a total of 2 views and 0 replies in 24 hours If anyone has thoughts about the Onkyo changer or the future of multichannel sound, I would enjoy hearing about them.

[SCOOTERDOG]

Although I have no personal knowledge of the Onkyo player in question I have been enjoying multi-channel DVD Audio for over 2 years now. I have been considering a SACD player but I have a delimma in that I only have one set of 6 channel inputs. I really don't want to replace my player at this time since it is an outstanding unit and would need to spend over 800 bucks to get a universal player that would be built as well. As far as format I love DVD Audio. I would say that 80% of the recordings I have are very very good recordings. As with any format whether it be DVD A or SACD the disc is only good as the original master and engineering, Garbage in garbage out.