Best DVD player for audio, under $500?

Rashiki · « **on:** 2 Feb 2006, 10:45 pm »

I'm thinking about upgrading the DVD player in my home theater room, and since I also occasionally listen to music in there, I'd like to find a player with good audio quality. I'd like a player that can handle multichannel DVD-Audio and SACD since I already have a squeezebox for two channel.

My display is a 65" CRT-based RPTV, so upscaling isn't required, but good 480p over component inputs is essential.

I'm looked at the Marantz DV6600, Pioneer 588A, Yamaha DV-S5770SL, Onkyo DV-SP502 and Cambridge Azur 540D (no SACD, though). Any other suggestions or recommendations? I'd also be willing to increase my budget to $1000 if it would mean a substantial increase in sound quality.

Thanks,
-Rob

jermmd · « **Reply #1 on:** 2 Feb 2006, 11:16 pm »

You might be able to get a used Onkyo SP1000 for under $1000.

Sonny · « **Reply #2 on:** 2 Feb 2006, 11:36 pm »

I say, the Denon DVD2910...I use it mainly for dvd as it has hdmi output and its picture on the Sony DLP is amazing...
The sound quality on 2-channel playback is quite good as well...
You can definitely find it for under $500 on the gon...
Good luck.

beachbum · « **Reply #3 on:** 3 Feb 2006, 01:55 am »

hello rob, you might want to try a denon 1920, it has hdmi output and a good audio section for sacd and dvda, and most other music formats, your can get one for 350. and if you search i have seen them for under 300. with the hd dvd contest going on one day one of them is going to come out a winner and that will probably be the way to go, untill then i have a great cd player for red book, and use the denon for sacd,

jimmyp58 · « **Reply #4 on:** 6 Feb 2006, 02:17 am »

The Cambridge Audio unit is a dandy!

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #5 on:** 6 Feb 2006, 02:57 am »

I've been happy with my DVD-2200. You can also buy a 2900 or one of the newer equivalents used for around $500 on Agon if you're patient.

unityaudio.ca · « **Reply #6 on:** 6 Feb 2006, 03:07 am »

Sherwood/Newcastle's SD860 and 871 is worth looking at.
The 871 ads HDMI and Faroujda processing.
Both do SACD/DVD-A, and quite well.

jimmyp58 · « **Reply #7 on:** 6 Feb 2006, 03:09 am »

Good call on the SD-860 but I think the SD-871 will be out of his price range.

unityaudio.ca · « **Reply #8 on:** 6 Feb 2006, 03:25 am »

Agreed, also because the OP's original criteria was sound quality - the same on both 860 and 871.

Loftprojection · « **Reply #9 on:** 7 Feb 2006, 01:34 pm »

Quote from: Rashiki

I'm thinking about upgrading the DVD player in my home theater room, and since I also occasionally listen to music in there, I'd like to find a player with good audio quality. I'd like a player that can handle multichannel DVD-Audio and SACD since I already have a squeezebox for two channel.

My display is a 65" CRT-based RPTV, so upscaling isn't required, but good 480p over component inputs is essential.

I'm looked at the Marantz DV6600, Pioneer 588A, Yamaha DV-S5770SL, Onkyo DV-SP502 and Cambridge Az ...

From your list, if you go listen to them, I would bet you will choose the Cambridge. I had one that I replaced by a more expensive Denon 2900 and the Cambridge definitely had a nicer sound for music. The image quality is better on the Denon but it's to be expected, the player is worth 2-3 times more. You might want to check the new HarmanKardon (dv27 I think) that was supposed to come out in January and I think it's in your price range.

Rashiki · « **Reply #10 on:** 7 Feb 2006, 04:24 pm »

Thanks for all the advice so far.

The Sherwood SD-860 looks interesting. Unfortunately, there aren't any dealers near where I live, so I'd have to buy it without a chance to see it first.

I took a look at the Harmon Kardon website. The DVD-27 ($299) doesn't support DVD-Audio or SACD. The DVD-31 ($349) only supports DVD-Audio.

It's too bad the Cambridge Audio player doesn't support SACD. I have more SACD discs than I do DVD-Audio discs, so if I had to pick one over the other, I'd have to go with SACD, which really rules out Cambridge and Harmon.

Has anyone heard the Marantz or Yamaha players?

Based on current feedback, I'm leaning towards the Denon 1920 or 2910. Or I might just get the Pioneer for now and wait for the next generation before spending too much.

-Rob

DARTH AUDIO · « **Reply #11 on:** 7 Feb 2006, 04:40 pm »

I'm also in the Market for a new DVD player. I would like a modified unit for under $1000.00. Any suggestions??

Thanks,

Gary

Loftprojection · « **Reply #12 on:** 7 Feb 2006, 07:45 pm »

Quote from: Rashiki

Thanks for all the advice so far.

The Sherwood SD-860 looks interesting. Unfortunately, there aren't any dealers near where I live, so I'd have to buy it without a chance to see it first.

I took a look at the Harmon Kardon website. The DVD-27 ($299) doesn't support DVD-Audio or SACD. The DVD-31 ($349) only supports DVD-Audio.

It's too bad the Cambridge Audio player doesn't support SACD. I have more SACD discs than I do DVD-Audio discs, so if I had to pick one over the other, I'd have to go with SAC ...

Hum, too bad indeed. Never heard the Yamaha but did check out the Marantz and as far as audio quality, to my taste, after the Cambridge that's the one I'd go with.