Universal DVD/SACD player?

[Kriton]

OK, look, I wouldn't ask if I hadn't done lots of research and still don't have a clue...

So, what is the general concensus for the best relatively cheap DVD/SACD player out there?

I want the DVD to be able to do DTS and DD of course, but I am really

interested in a good SACD/DVDA\Redbook player too, that won't cost an

arm and a leg, this close to the death of SACD and the advent of the

new DVD formats? I have been looking at Toshiba, Denon, Sony, and

Samsung - The Denon 3910 looked great until I saw the retail was

1500! And I do not have a need for HDMI right now (listen to

music mainly) so it appears that I wouldn't have any on screen displays

with an HDMI compnent? What's up with that?

Any ideas?

K

[RichardP]

I think the most preferred model at a rock bottom price is the Pioneer 588 model (is that the newest one? somebody correct me if I am wrong) at around $150. A very popular model a notch or two above that is the Denon 1920, at around $350. I plan to get that one soon. You can read more than you ever wanted to know about either at www.avsforum.com.

[rcarlton]

I have a Denon DVD-2200 B -stock from e-COST. It works great. I got it to hold me over until I decide on a HD-DVD or Blu-ray player. The DVD 2910 replaced it. Costs

$429.99

Denon
DVD-2910S Universal DVD/CD/SACD/DVD-Audio player with HDMI and DVI output Manufacture Reconditioned
DVD-2910's Digital Visual Interface (DVI) output uses advanced video processing and video upconversion to create stunning, HD-compatible 720p or 1080i pictures from standard DV

Denon
DVD-2900 Universal DVD/CD/SACD/DVD-Audio player with progressive scan Factory Refurbished by Denon
A smart play for the audiophiles and videophiles with state-of-the-art picture quality, plus the ability to play both SACD and DVD-Audio discs - it's heaven on earth!
$529.95

[travisc]

I second rcarlton's post

[psg]

I think the most preferred model at a rock

bottom price is the Pioneer 588 model (is that the newest one? somebody

correct me if I am wrong) at around $150. A very popular

model a notch or two above that is the Denon 1920, at around $350. I

plan to get that one soon. You can read more than you ever wanted to

know about either at www.avsforum.com.

Between the pioneer and Denon 1920 in price, there's the Samsung HD-950. My local store can get it for me for C$240.

Edit: www.ecost.com has the

Samsung DVD-HD841 for US$89!

[Kriton]

OK, Samsung, got ya...why do you like these players? Give me some background, please.

K

[psg]

No reason apart from affordability since I don't own one yet.

I just downloaded both the Samsung HD-841 and HD-950 manuals and

I'm troubled by something. Both have an identical section about

setting speakers to large or smal for SACD/DVD-A 6-channel analog

output, but they don't say what the crossover frequency is and, worse, they don't discuss gain level adjustment. My center Heresy isn't as sensitive as my KHorns or La Scalas!

Can anyone that has a Samsung universal player confirm this please?

EDIT: Ok, that was

stupid. I thought that all processing on the receiver would be

bypassed since the bass management is done in the DVD player, but I

assume that gain level adjustement can still be done in the

receiver. It requires no further D/A conversions.

So... Anyone know what the bass management crossover frequencies are

for all these players? (Pioneer DV588A, Samsung HD-841 and

HD-950, Denon 1920, etc)

[jdm56]

I've got a Pioneer Elite DV-47Ai. I think they are still available, and I would recommend them very highly, especially if music is the primary interest (mine too). It does SACD, DVD-A and about everything else, plus it has a firewire link to let you output hi-rez digitally to a compatible receiver (although, DSD will be converted to PCM).

The list on these things is, typical of Pioneer, grossly inflated. I paid $675 new.

[MC275]

I'm very happy with the Denon 2900 for both stereo & multi-channel audio. Will keep it until the next generation format issues are resolved. I see them on audiogon for around $400.

[nuclearay]

I think I paid under $120 for my Pioneer 563a. It has served me very well, especially for the price. Some of the menus and controls have been a bit troublesome, but not too bad. I think the bass management is significantly better on the newer models. Be that as it may, I am saving my pennies to get a Denon 2900 as the picture quality is better. The Pioneer will probably make its way into the bedroom.

[ACDCRB25]

If firewire isn't a requirement might I recommend the Pioneer DV-45A I

have it and love it, I have found no problems with it except for the

lack to play 2 channel DVD-A discs (well only one that i've tried

Eagles Hotel California in 192khz). I have an ongoing releationship

about this problem with my local Klipsch/Elite dealer who is in contact

with Pioneer Toronto about it as the inabilitiy to play these (but

still displays everything like it is but no sound comes out) has

stumped my provincial Pioneer location (Pioneer Manitoba Canada).

All points aside from that issue that I am experiencing (which I know

IS NOT my receiver doing it because they tried it on the Elite 59TXI

receiver and it did not output the sound as well in the same fashion

that mine was doing it), this is a very good DVD player which can be

had for about 400 dollars or so.