Best Cheap UniversaL DVD Player???

FITZ · « **on:** 11 Jun 2005, 11:45 pm »

I recently got a JVC RX-10 (very happy with the results) and am looking to take advantage of the dvd-multi option for music playback (apart from the fact that my cheapo $80 DVD player is giving me no end of hassle with movies).

I can't seem to find the Pioneer DV-578A for sale any more. Any other options (online only, please as I'm in Mexico)? Quality of music reproduction is more important than HT.

Thanks,

Fitz

ted_b · « **Reply #1 on:** 12 Jun 2005, 01:23 am »

What's your budget (i.e define "cheap")?

Ted

FITZ · « **Reply #2 on:** 12 Jun 2005, 01:31 am »

Let's start at the Pioneer (around US$150) and work up. I would say that, given the added costs of getting stuff into Mexico that isn't supposed to have any major taxes and duties whacked on top (but always does, not to mention freight expenses... so much for NAFTA or New Alternatives to F*** The Audiophile) working for the US and Canada), US$200-300 would be the limit for now.

Thanks

ted_b · « **Reply #3 on:** 12 Jun 2005, 02:38 am »

With that budget I would stay with the Pio DV-578A. Many online places have them. Do a google search and find
http://www.hotbuyselectronics.com/item_detail.php?item_id=109628
http://www.netelectronics.com/pioneer_dv_578a_s.html

Or a Toshiba SD4960
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=90138952&SearchEngine=Froogle&SearchTerm=90138952&Type=PE&Category=Elec&Gad=0&dcaid=17379

Ted

FITZ · « **Reply #4 on:** 12 Jun 2005, 03:27 am »

Thanks!

Dan Driscoll · « **Reply #5 on:** 13 Jun 2005, 04:11 pm »

Quote from: FITZ

Let's start at the Pioneer (around US$150) and work up. I would say that, given the added costs of getting stuff into Mexico that isn't supposed to have any major taxes and duties whacked on top (but always does, not to mention freight expenses... so much for NAFTA or New Alternatives to F*** The Audiophile) working for the US and Canada), US$200-300 would be the limit for now.

Thanks

Take a look at the Yamaha DVD-C-750. This is a 5 disc universal changer. You can find it on-line for around US$280. I don't know how much shipping and taxes to Mexico would be.

TheeeChosenOne · « **Reply #6 on:** 13 Jun 2005, 05:36 pm »

Get the latest Pioneer...the 588:

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/480386568

or

http://www.onecall.com/ModelSearch.htm?L_TK=777_1_0_263_0_0_0_0_0_0

FITZ · « **Reply #7 on:** 14 Jun 2005, 04:19 am »

Thanks all,

took a gamble and went for the Pioneer 588. The DIV-X may be of use, and then again may not. I'm hoping internals aren't too dramatically changed between old and new models.

Will try to keep you posted if anything notable goes on once I've got everything hooked up (fingers crossed it gets through the customs gauntlet OK and without breaking the bank).

Fitz

dwc · « **Reply #8 on:** 14 Jun 2005, 10:16 pm »

Hi I'm new here. Just wanted to say that I went with the Harman Kardon dvd31.

Here's a link to some info and reviews: http://gnu.295.ca/peak/audio/transport.html#short

-Dan
edit: don't think it does SACD

TheeeChosenOne · « **Reply #9 on:** 15 Jun 2005, 02:59 am »

The DVD31 has an abyssmal layer change vs. a seamless layer change of the 588 (credit the Mediatek chip).

Link: http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=122#Harman%20KardonDVD-31

jimmyp58 · « **Reply #10 on:** 15 Jun 2005, 03:41 pm »

Sherwood-Newcastle has a new player coming out --- SD-860.

dwc · « **Reply #11 on:** 15 Jun 2005, 05:52 pm »

Quote from: TheeeChosenOne

The DVD31 has an abyssmal layer change vs. a seamless layer change of the 588 (credit the Mediatek chip).

Link: http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/cgi-bin/shootout.cgi?function=search&articles=122#Harman%20KardonDVD-31

I'm ignorant of the definition of layer change. Is that the lag during dvd playback when the player switches to the second layer of the dvd?

Is that a relevant measure with regards to redbook CD playback?

Thanks,
Dan

KJ · « **Reply #12 on:** 15 Jun 2005, 06:49 pm »

Quote from: dwc

I'm ignorant of the definition of layer change. Is that the lag during dvd playback when the player switches to the second layer of the dvd?

Yes.

Quote from: TheeeChosenOne

The DVD31 has an abyssmal layer change vs. a seamless layer change of the 588 (credit the Mediatek chip).

I'm not too sure the chipset was the solution. Wouldn't a larger memory cache be more effective? Ie, buffer the data enough so that any layer changes are a non-factor. According to the review - "Surprisingly, this chip didn’t do near as well as it normally does with that test, and streaking was blatantly obvious."

-KJ