[maxwalrath]

I was wondering if technology has moved past a used stock Sony DVP9000es at this price point.  I had one of these a while back and was very impressed with the sound and video performance, but wonder if another player (probably used) can beat it out for the $$. 

Sound quality is 1st priority, picture quality isn't the biggest concern, but would be a nice bonus.  It will run into a modded ART DI/O, and a 6 year old non-hi-def 27" tv.

[ltr317]

I'm also using a modded ART DI/O, with a OppO DVD player as a transport.

[maxwalrath]

Thanks ltr...Which Oppo are you using?  There are a few available on a-gon.  Have you compared it to any other cdp's?

[batmanslc2]

I have oppo 983 and very happy with pic and SOUND.  FWIW, I had that sony a few years back. Then i moved to Toshiba sd9200 which was a BIG improvement in CD sound.  Now the toshiba is idle and I am very impressed with oppo performance.  I am however getting an itch to try a reasonably priced dac to see how much improvement that would bring. 

[maxwalrath]

Thanks for the 1st hand experience.  There's a used one on A-gon, but at $375 it is only $75 off retail.  I'll look around for a cheaper one...

[minimus]

I would call Oppo and tell them your priorities, both in terms of audio and video.  In my case they recommended their cheapest model, the 980H, which costs $170, because my television is too small (32") for me to see the difference between the video quality of that model and of their higher end models... illustrating that the salespeople are trying to answer questions rather than hard sell their products.  At least that was my experience...YMMV.

I also would avoid buying used digital players (CD and/or DVD) unless you are getting a great deal.  Digital players are more prone to failure than other audio components, at least in my experience.

[MaxCast]

There was a Denon 2910 for $170 on Agon earlier today.  Oh, here it is:
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?homevdeo&1240267783&/Denon-DVD-2910-dvd-sacd-cd-pla

[Scottdazzle]

I second the nomination of the Denon 2910. I've had one for years and it works and sounds great for the price.

[ltr317]

Thanks ltr...Which Oppo are you using?  There are a few available on a-gon.  Have you compared it to any other cdp's?

I'm using their 970 model, which has been discontinued.  Before that I was using either a Rotel or Sony cdp without a separate dac.  I really like the modded ART DI/O with the Oppo combo. 

[Speedball]

I have been using the 2900 for a few years an am very happy with the picture on the 46" LCD and sound with my audio gear. I would suggest going used to get the most bang for the buck. Good Luck.

Let me add when I do make a change it may very well be one of the Oppo players.

[maxwalrath]

Thanks everyone for the input  .  I placed an order for an Oppo 981.  At only $60 more than the 980, I thought it the better video might come in handy when I get a better TV some day...the resale value is decent and the reviews of the entire line sound great. 

Used 981's were $150+shipping on A-gon, so I got a brand new unit from the oppo site....including the HDMI cable, a year warranty, and shipping, for less than $100 more.

[maxwalrath]

Little update to echo the experience minimus had:  I called Oppo to get an estimated delivery date, told them my priority was audio, and they recommended the cheaper 980 also.  They said the digital outs were identical, but the analog output of the 980 sounded better than the 981.  I'm planning on using the digital out, but having the flexibility would be nice, and my TV wouldn't notice the difference anyway.  My order was switched and I saved $60. 

When it's time for me to get a blu-ray player, Oppo will be at the top of my list for their customer service alone.