[kck]

I guess the subject says most of it... have read that this machine is killer on video and hi-res, but how about when considered as redbook-only? Does it compete in the price range? NB I would use it for SACD and maybe some video, but overall that usage combined would be less than 10%  of my total, hence the redbook question.

[budyog]

Check out this thread I started a while back. I love this machine. I use it for about 80% redbook playing. It plays everthing great!

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=20867

[Ears]

My redbook duties were done by my Modwright signature 9000 with bybees and better Jensen and Blackgate caps that aren't included in your normal sig mods.
I also owned a RAM modded Philips 963sa at the time.

The Onkyo stock was so close on redbook....and a bit better on sa-cd....(not to mention it included dvd-a), that I sold the signature as well as a Denon 5900 that wasn't quite as good as the 1000 was for video.

Thats 5k in gear that was replaced by the Onkyo whos build quality and functionality are far better than the sig and Denon.
And the best part is that theres no modding required or outboard dacs ect.

You can always purchase from Vanns and have a full 30 day return policy to compare for yourself.......thats what I would suggest.