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I am looking to replace my 5 year old Toshiba and was looking into a top performer DVD player going into my 1 year old Sony Wega 36" XBR monitor (KV-36XBR400). Top notch audio and video performance are the main concern to show off my Sonys potential. I know there is probally not one player so listing the top 3-5 in this catagory would be of help. Thanks in advance. Johnny
Follow Ups:
I recently replaced an older Sony with a Philips DVD 963SA and it is good. It has a Faroudja DCDi circuit to eliminate artifacts; plays SACD (sweet); and can upsample regular CDs to 24bit 96 kHz or 192 kHz (don't ask me why but upsampled CDs do sound better, some at 96 others at 192). On the down side - it is not a fast player in either read or react to instructions; it is also hard to find locally (seen it at Audio Advisor catalog, Music Direct and J&R Music World (cheapest at $400)). Good luck.
The Denon DVD2900 has just been released (SACD, DVD-A, DVD-V, etc). You can find information on it at:http://www.usa.denon.com/catalog/products.asp?l=1&c=4
www.avsforum.com (go to the DVD Hardware section)
If you plan on keeping the Sony TV, then get the best player for the Sony's inputs (Does it have component? S-video?). There are DVD players that are now appearing that have DVI outputs, but your Sony doesn't have a DVI input. The analog video outputs on these new DVI-enabled players (component, S-video and composite) are not high quality and the "reviews" that you will see on avsforum.com will reflect that "Big Time". Whatever you choose to do, if you can, "try before you buy" or look for amicable return rights.
You can also check on other DVD players and actual shootouts done by the "Secrets" crew via this link (hint: READ IT -- ALL OF IT):
for the digital picture. Evidently this player is capable of putting out 720p and 1080i with a great picture. The down side is the analog outputs aren't any good. If it's true, I will be one of those $200 purchasers.Good Luck...
If you're interested, I have a new Panasonic DVD-H2000 up for sale.
This is their top of the line player and I have one hooked up to a Loewe Aconda and the picture quality is just remarkable! Please see the enclosed link for more info.
i've been running a denon dvd2800 with my "27 samsung digital hdtv monitor for the past 9 months with excellent results. the progressive scan chip is good and creates a very smooth "film" like presentation. Not many mpeg artifacts seen.
My Pioneer (DV-05) quit on me a couple weeks ago so I picked up a Denon DVD-1600 which trounces the '05, even in interlaced mode. It's impressive for a $500 player. It does indeed get closer to representing the film (or video) source. Film grain, dust, and scratches never looked so good!(BTW, it's based on Panasonic hardware.)
The 2800 is a better player, and I understand it navigates REALLY fast. It probably is one of the best choices under $1,200. Now that I've seen what the 1600 does, I might be upgrading myself!
-Frank
I also own the Denon DVD-1600 and I'm very pleased with it. I may upgrade to the brand new Denon DVD-2900 which just became available this summer. I'm hoping it has slightly better audio performance than the DVD-1600. Otherwise, I might look into the Marantz DV-8400 which replaces the DV-8300 (that got poor reviews for audio performance).
you can S-Link it to your Wega.
I'd go with the Panasonic RP91N...I have had it for 2 years now playing it on my Sony WEGA and it is amazing. The audio is top notch and the video is crystal clear. It comes with a detachable power cord and I have added an aftermarket one which boosted the visuals and enhanced the audio even more. You can get one for less than $499 (list was $699 at debut 2 years ago). Awesome player...more money in your pocket. Read the reviews at the link below. Hope this helps.Rob
Sorry for the late reply Doublej, I used Harmonic Tech's dvd power cord adapter and the Harmonic Tech Pro AC-11 power cord. Sound was more focused and the soundstage widened. The video was brighter and the saturation seemed better as well. I heard that AusioQuest is coming out with a simpler solution, a cord which just plugs in the back and is supposed to be better than stock...no reviews on how well it works/performs however.
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