The Universal Question

[bobsticks]

Haven't had a lot of time for browsing the last couple of weeks. I've spent most of my time trying to squeeze blood from a turnip at work so the hours have been long and I really haven't had much to say anyway.

Amidst all the fun my faithful Samsung universal bit the bullet so the big rig has been quiet for a few days, which has further impressed upon me a disdain for computer audio.

Fortunately, my dealer is going to let me take a Rega Planet for the weekend to test drive--it may stay, maybe not. At least, my two-channel situation will be taken care of for the weekend but my previously casual/passive search for a decent universal has taken on a new level of importance.SO...

...does anyone have any input on the subject of competent Universal Players? Hands on experiences? Comments as to reliability?

I'm thinking of about a 2K budget, multi-channel audio being the top priority and video reproduction being the second (I'm fairly well resigned to the necessity of buying a seperate two-channel unit for adequate sound).

[digital]

Pioneer's 'Elite' series of universal players generally get excellent reviews on the web. I have one as well and its a great unit.

Check out:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pn...147278,00.html

Or, if you're not anal:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pn..._33953,00.html

Makes a great choice as it allows you to clean up all those ugly, breakable CD / DVD cases cluttering up the listening room...

Andrew D.

www.cdnav.com

[bobsticks]

Hhmmm, never thought of Pioneer. I will have to make time for a test drive. I had in mind something, perhaps, a little more "upscale" but it occurs to me that I may just be being an audiophool.

FWIW, the Rega is a nice, little player for two-channel.