Ideas for a DVD player under $300

[JeffKnob]

I was originally looking for a DVD player that could do both DVD-Audio and SACD but because of cost I am not going to be able to do that. I am looking for a DVD player with a really good picture and good sound for under $300. It has to be progressive scan. I currently have a Panasonic S35 and want something with a better picture and sound. I have looked at Marantz and Denon some but I was wondering if anybody has some advise on some certain models.

[hershon]

The LA Times had an ad in Saturdays paper for a DVD player with SACD that was selling for $129. Don't remember if it was Best Buy, Circuit City or the Good Guys, though, sorry and I don't remember the brand.


I was originally looking for a DVD player that could do both DVD-Audio and SACD but because of cost I am not going to be able to do that. I am looking for a DVD player with a really good picture and good sound for under $300. It has to be progressive scan. I currently have a Panasonic S35 and want something with a better picture and sound. I have looked at Marantz and Denon some but I was wondering if anybody has some advise on some certain models.

[N. Abstentia]

I'm not sure how much better you're gonna get for $300. Panasonic players have always had the edge in picture quality (in their price range). Pioneer makes a model that does DVD-A and SACD for around $150, but of course the DVD-A and SACD performance will be compromised a bit, and I doubt it will have better picture quality than a Panasonic.

Check out hifi.com for the Marantz DV-6400. They had 18 months free financing on them (or anything over $499 for that matter) which is why I got it from them.

[hershon]

I think the SACD DVD player I saw listed for $129 might have been the Panasonic one you mentioned. In regards to compromising the performance, would you mind elaborating on this, please. Thanks.


I'm not sure how much better you're gonna get for $300. Panasonic players have always had the edge in picture quality (in their price range). Pioneer makes a model that does DVD-A and SACD for around $150, but of course the DVD-A and SACD performance will be compromised a bit, and I doubt it will have better picture quality than a Panasonic.

Check out hifi.com for the Marantz DV-6400. They had 18 months free financing on them (or anything over $499 for that matter) which is why I got it from them.

[N. Abstentia]

Well it's just like anything else, a $129 player is generally not going to sound as good as a $600 player. The more expensive player will have a better transport, better power supply, better output stages, better bass management, better convertors...better everything!

[psonic]

My Philips 963sa has really surprised me as a CD player, It just keeps getting better and better as it breaks in - I do not miss the Rotel one bit. It does CD upsampling and has made quite a buzz around the net for its audio quality including CD & SACD playback. It is under $400. Per one German Audio Magazine (can't find the link), it was rated between the Rega Planet and NAD 541i, pretty darn good considering what else it can do with very good SACD playback and DCDI progressive picture quality to boot. Here's one of many reviews on it: http://www.epinions.com/content_115265932932

here's prices: http://www.bizrate.com/marketplace/search/search__cat_id--11530000,prod_id--7582522.html

and this low amazon price of $207, seems to be in stock too -

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008WIX1/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_1/103-3669556-3395815

[bargainseeker]

I recently bought a Toshiba SD-4960 (http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/dvd/product.asp?model=SD-4960) from Amazon.com for $119.94 (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0001XLS4S/) (with free shipping) for our secondary home theater system. The SD-4960 can play DVDs, SACDs and DVD audio disks. So far, I have tried out one concert DVD and one SACD on it and have been pleased with its audio and video performance. I have not yet encountered any problems. Because we have had it for such a short time, I can't give a detailed or long term assessment of the product. Also, in this particular room the video monitor is an older conventional TV, so I can't test the progressive scan performance of the SD-4960. I have not tried hooking it up to the HD plasma TV in our main home theater room. You should be aware that the SD-4960 is a compact, light weight unit with a mirror finish front. It may not fit in with everyones' home theater equipment.

If you will be using your new DVD player with an HD-ready TV, either now or in the future, you may want to consider the Samsung DVD-HD841 (http://www.samsungusa.com/cgi-bin/nabc/product/b2c_product_detail.jsp?eUser=&prod_id=DVD-HD841%2fXAA&selTab=Size) or the Samsung DVD-HD941 (http://www.samsungusa.com/cgi-bin/nabc/product/b2c_product_detail.jsp?eUser=&prod_id=DVD-HD941%2fXAA) which both offer DVI output. The HD941 also offers video upconversion. You can get the DVD-HD841 for $155.88 with free shipping from eCost (http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?dpno=477095&store=ecost). The DVD-HD941 is just now coming out and is not yet widely available. One Call (http://www.onecall.com/ProductDisplay.mpt?ProductID=23169) is offering the DVD-HD941 for $269.10 on a preorder basis. I expect that other vendors (such as eCost) will be offering the DVD-HD941 in the near future. Both eCost and One Call are vendors whom I have personally dealt with in the past and can recommend.

Here's another one: the Pioneer DV-578A (http://reviews.cnet.com/Pioneer_DV_578A_S/4505-6473_7-30917074.html?tag=topprods) available from Tweeter for $129.99 (http://www.tweeter.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1840615) as well as from other vendors.

[Wolfgang]

Isn't there a new DVD format on the way? DVD-HD or maybe "Blue Ray"? Will that last two players you mentioned play HD DVD? Or just make current DVDs look their best?

[bargainseeker]

Isn't there a new DVD format on the way? DVD-HD or maybe "Blue Ray"? Will that last two players you mentioned play HD DVD? Or just make current DVDs look their best?None of the players mentioned will play HD DVDs. Players with DVI output and video upconversion are intended to make current DVDs look better on HD TVs. Please note that the Samsung DVD-HD841, the Samsung DVD-HD941 and the Pioneer DV-578A have just come out. I don't have personal experience with these three players. I have mentioned them as leads for further research rather than as recommendations.