[merc]

Assuming that these players all cost the same and will not be modded, which one will have the best audio performance (2CH and MC)?

I'd be using this player for audio only via the players analog outputs.

Thanks for your help and suggestions!

[John Casler]

I have heard lots of "good" things about the Onkyo.

I personally have not heard it yet.  The only person I know who has compared the Denon (5900) with the Onkyo SPV1000 is Jim P. one of our new VMPS Owner/Agents in the Northern Midwest and a member here on AC.

He told me he was very high on the Onkyo.

Maybe he'll see this thread

[Panelhead]

Assuming that these players all cost the same and will not be modded, which one will have the best audio performance (2CH and MC)?

I'd be using this player for audio only via the players analog outputs.

Thanks for your help and suggestions!

  You might want to include the Marantz SA-8260 in the list. It is available for around 800.00 new. The sonics are great.
  I use use them for 2 channel, but the output stage is discrete in all the channels. Uses 2SK170 and 2SJ74 transistors to do the HDAM circuitry.
  Easily bested my stock Philips 1000 and mucho modified Sony SCD-222. It was sad to spent many an evening redoing the Sony, installing the Tent clock, and then have the stock Marantz smoke it.
  I have never listened to the 3910, it is about the same price as the Marantz SA-8260. The other two are twice the price. They seem to be more high end video players.

                                    George