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I know this topic has been beaten to death but I really wouldn't mind hearing a few recommendations as I begin my quest (again). I'm in the market for a DVD/DVD-A player with audio quality being the prime consideration (a "universal" player with SACD could be considered even though I don't have any source material in that format). I don't need HDMI but it is not a deal breaker if it has it. I also have an RCD-1072 for CD playback so this deck is strictly for high res music / concert DVDs / videos.
Over the last several years I've owned a Marantz VC5400 and a Rotel RDV-1060 (The Rotel was clearly superior on all counts but circumstances forced me to sell off a few pieces of gear this last year). Well I'm now ready to buy again and want to see if there are any recommendations that I have not considered. I'd like to keep the price under $750 (street prices) and would consider buying used if the machine was known to have a decent reliability record. These are some that I'm considering:
Denon DVD-2900 - I've read some great comments about this unit. "Street prices" seem to be in the $400 range. I know it's a crap shoot when buying second hand, but at the "right" price it may be worth a gamble even if it ends up needing service. Has anyone here had experience with Denon repairs? Do they take you to the cleaners or treat you relatively fair?
Cambridge Audio 540D or DVD-89 - Neither of these models seem to have gotten the same level of praise that their Azur 640C deck has gotten (from an audio perspective).
Oppo OPDV971H or DV-97HD - These decks seem to be wonderful for video but only so-so for audio.
Pioneer Elite DV-79AVi - Haven't had much of a chance to research this one yet.
What am I overlooking? I'd love to have the sound of the Rotel but am not willing to pony up for the RDV-1092 and am uncomfortable with another RDV-1060 that is out of warranty.
Over the last several years I've owned a Marantz VC5400 and a Rotel RDV-1060 (The Rotel was clearly superior on all counts but circumstances forced me to sell off a few pieces of gear this last year). Well I'm now ready to buy again and want to see if there are any recommendations that I have not considered. I'd like to keep the price under $750 (street prices) and would consider buying used if the machine was known to have a decent reliability record. These are some that I'm considering:
Denon DVD-2900 - I've read some great comments about this unit. "Street prices" seem to be in the $400 range. I know it's a crap shoot when buying second hand, but at the "right" price it may be worth a gamble even if it ends up needing service. Has anyone here had experience with Denon repairs? Do they take you to the cleaners or treat you relatively fair?
Cambridge Audio 540D or DVD-89 - Neither of these models seem to have gotten the same level of praise that their Azur 640C deck has gotten (from an audio perspective).
Oppo OPDV971H or DV-97HD - These decks seem to be wonderful for video but only so-so for audio.
Pioneer Elite DV-79AVi - Haven't had much of a chance to research this one yet.
What am I overlooking? I'd love to have the sound of the Rotel but am not willing to pony up for the RDV-1092 and am uncomfortable with another RDV-1060 that is out of warranty.
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