$150 - $350 DVD player Recommendations

SolidSqual
SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
edited March 2007 in Electronics
Does anyone have any experience with the Denon 1730 or Pioneer Elite DV-46A? Any other recommendations in this range? I think a good list would be incredibly helpful to many blossoming audiophiles with limited funds.
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited March 2007
    OPPO; any of their models.
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    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited March 2007
    Oppo appears so flimsy. I'm afraid to buy from them.
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited March 2007
    I'm looking for a good DVD/CD player for my system. I like Stereo so SACD and DVD-A are of little interest to me. HDMI is a must. Any Ideas?
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited March 2007
    SolidSqual wrote:
    Oppo appears so flimsy. I'm afraid to buy from them.

    I feel the same way.
    SolidSqual wrote:
    I'm looking for a good DVD/CD player for my system. I like Stereo so SACD and DVD-A are of little interest to me. HDMI is a must. Any Ideas?

    The BEST SACD is in STEREO.

    Assuming that you are not going to get a SACD machine....Denon DVD-1930, NAD T515. The Denon may have the edge in PQ but the NAD is a solid machine with a very good audio section.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited March 2007
    Interesting, so not all SACD is surround? I'm still hesitant because of the poor format support.

    Thank you for the recommendations. I like NAD I just picked up a C 272. Amazing amp that replaced my HALO A23.
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited March 2007
    Is all DVD-A surround or that stereo too? If it's all surround then perhaps I will look into an SACD player.
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited March 2007
    Well, you asked for a good DVD player in that price range and I offered what seems to be the best bang for the buck in terms of picture quality (and some say sound quality). Flimsy? Have not heard of the first user that had any problems with an Oppo. Good luck.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • ohskigod
    ohskigod Posts: 6,502
    edited March 2007
    got the Oppo 970 love it. puts a long pause between sacd tracks thats annoying, but supossedly there is a firmware upgrade for it I have just....so far....been too lazy to do

    plays cd, dvd, sacd dvd-a. it upconverts to 1080i (via HDMI only though :( ) for 150 bucks? can not go wrong
    Living Room 2 Channel -
    Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.

    Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
    Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.

    Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited March 2007
    The 970HD has a surprisingly good audio section. I have no qualms whatsoever with using it until I recover a bit from the Tylers.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited March 2007
    HTRookie - I meant no offense. I always take your opinion with high regard.
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited March 2007
    Hey, no offense taken; just HATE WHEN SOMEONE DOESN'T FOLLOW MY RECOMMENDATIONS :D:D
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited March 2007
    If PQ is important then you can find a HD-DVD player in that price range. No complaints on SQ either when used as a CD player. No SACD or DVD-A but you weren't interested in those anyway.
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited March 2007
    HT's gone ALL CAPS fellas... best you start backing off. You won't like him when he's angry:D
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited March 2007
    I agree with Sami. You can find some Toshiba HD-A1s, A2s, and even XA1s at the top of your price range.

    I would also consider the Pioneer elite 59avi. HDMI, SACD, great upconverting player and sounds wonderful as well. I'm already sad I sold mine :(
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited March 2007
    I've seen it happen, just never been in the crosshairs . . . that's why I took the passive kao tao approach. Once I become a Polkologist myself, then I'll piss him off for fun and start betting pools for how many CAPped messages he'll send. For now, I need to stay cool and absorb the knowledge.
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited March 2007
    Sami wrote:
    If PQ is important then you can find a HD-DVD player in that price range. No complaints on SQ either when used as a CD player. No SACD or DVD-A but you weren't interested in those anyway.
    I agree that this would be the best route for strictly movie watching but I was not very happy with the audio quality of this player for cd playback and preferred my Pioneer Elite 79avi for that, SACD and DVD A.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited March 2007
    Oppo
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  • shawn474
    shawn474 Posts: 3,052
    edited March 2007
    I have the OPPO 981 and absolutely love it. The only "flimsiness" that I have heard concerns about is the actual tray. I felt the same way about it when I first saw it, but I can tell you since I have had the unit, this has never even crossed my mind. It is a great unit for the price and while it may not be HD-DVD quality, it seems pretty close to my eyes. They have great customer support and it even comes packaged in a bag instead of bubble wrap (one of those little things that make you fell warm and cozy)! :)

    Shawn
    Shawn
    AVR: Marantz SR-5011
    Center Channel: Polk LsiM706c
    Front: Polk LsiM703
    Rear: LSI fx
    Subwoofer: SVS 20-39pci
    Television: Samsung UN58NU7100FXZA
    DVD Player: Sony PS4
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited March 2007
    Ok about .com lists the Oppo 971 as the #1 Universal player then the Pioneer Elite DV-46A. Which would you pick?
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited March 2007
    Wanna guess??;)
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited March 2007
    Are you serisous? But the Elite looks so damn cool. HTRookie! Who buys this crap for performance? I buy it to look cool . . . ahh crap ok you may be right. sounds like I would be getting over charged for the Pioneer Elite vs. Oppo.
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited March 2007
    If you can manage the slow load times, 30 seconds roughly, I would seriously consider HD DVD, PQ/SQ is superb, the XA1 would fit your needs and is built like a tank. Im also running an Oppo 981, the player itself is well built, the drive tray may appear flimsy but thats mainly to prevent it from being damaged say you leave the tray out. Both players perform well, the oppo plays everything though.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • shawn474
    shawn474 Posts: 3,052
    edited March 2007
    If you haven't seen it already, fireshoes is selling a Toshiba HDA1 HD DVD player over in the flea market. It fits in the price range that you stated.

    Shawn
    Shawn
    AVR: Marantz SR-5011
    Center Channel: Polk LsiM706c
    Front: Polk LsiM703
    Rear: LSI fx
    Subwoofer: SVS 20-39pci
    Television: Samsung UN58NU7100FXZA
    DVD Player: Sony PS4
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  • louthewiz
    louthewiz Posts: 581
    edited March 2007
    I have the oppo 970-hd and I really like it alot,I was able to apply the firmware hack so it can upscale over component video And hdmi with no problems and it was a piece of cake....
    My gear,
    Acer PH530 720P PJ
    100 inch Da-Lite Video Spectra screen
    Yamaha HTR 5790
    Toshiba HD-A3
    Denon 1600 dvd player with sdi out,
    DVDO iSCAN HD+
    Panasonic Dmr E-80H
    Dishnetwork HD pvr
    1 Audiosource amp300 150 wpc Fronts
    1 Audiosource ampone bridged 200 watts powering center
    1 Onkyo M-282 105 wpc amplifier sides
    polk cs400 center
    polk RT400 mains
    Polk mkII back surrounds,
    Polk FX300fxi dipole surrounds
    Velodyne DPS-10 sub
    Klipsch KSW-10 sub.:cool:
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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited March 2007
    ditto - one of the "best bang for the buck" gear. A buck fifty that goes a long way....!
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • snow
    snow Posts: 4,337
    edited March 2007
    Oppo. What can i say they have won all kinds of awards and everyone I know of that has one loves it. as far as reliability issues because it looks flimsy I wouldnt be too concerned about that. as far as most of the bigger companys go if one of there players break good luck getting any help from them quickly. With the oppo usally an email to customer service is answered in hours.

    But if its looks versus video/audio performance you want go for some nicer looking player. Most dvd players are throw away items these days anyways with the new formats coming out quickly. for me I figure if my oppo lasts me till a decent quality HD player that is reasonable becomes available thats all i need it for. good luck on your search. REGARDS SNOW
    Well, I just pulled off the impossible by doing a double-blind comparison all by myself, purely by virtue of the fact that I completely and stupidly forgot what I did last. I guess that getting old does have its advantages after all :D
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  • PoLk FaN
    PoLk FaN Posts: 81
    edited March 2007
    spend a little more and buy a PS3 BD, SACD, and a great video game system to
    HT Rig
    Receiver- Denon avr 1910
    Mains- Polk Audio Monitor 60
    Center- Polk Audio CS2 series II's
    Surrounds- Polk Audio Monitor 40 series II's
    Surround Backs Polk Audio Monitor 30
    Subs- Mirage S8 & Psw505
    T.V.- 46" Samsung lcd 120hz
    Blu-Ray- 60 GB PS3
    HD Dvd-Toshiba HD-A3
    Xbox 360- O town killer81
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  • JoshParsons84
    JoshParsons84 Posts: 565
    edited March 2007
    http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3127.asp

    http://www.rotel.com/products/specs/rdv1092.htm

    http://nadelectronics.com/products/masters-series/M55-Digital-Disc-Player

    http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/top/product/0,,2076_310069741,00.html

    To name a few. Little out of your price range, but you might be able to find a lower level on one of those sites. Hope this helps.
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