DV-7600 vs S2500 vs...?

[Dutch in USA]

Hi all,
After about 7 years...I guess it is time for a new dvd player... I took a while as I have been cruising the globe so it was nice to have my good ole dv-717 region free with me.
Although I still want/need a region free player..it is now time to get up to spec again as I want HDMI out and the benefits from 7 years of technological advance

DVD is not my main focus (2ch HiFi is), but I still want a decent machine. As I have a RX-V1600, the S2500 is a solid option. I have always liked Marantz.. the dv-7600 comes up in that option and then there is Pioneer who is not making shabby electronics either.

I am looking for some real life experience to use as guidance. CD and SACD re-play is not needed (already have a dedicated player); DVD-A is not needed (will not buy any); so pure DVD is all I am looking for.

Many thanks in advance!

Cheers,

Big D.

[len73]

Hi Big D.

It's funny, because I also have had the 717, but some years ago (I still have a 737, region free !)

The 7600 Marantz is a very good player. I just read in an online-newspaper some very good comments about it !

If you want to stick to Pioneer the 968i (DV79i in the States) is also one to consider.

But first of all, could you give us a price-limit ? It would then be easier to "guide" you through this jungle...

What kind of material will you use to diplay the signal ? LCD, Plasma, Projector ?

Cheers,

Len

[Dutch in USA]

Hi Len,

Thanks 4 your response. Yeah..."some years ago" rub it in a little more!
At that time it was the best in its range. After that I have not really found the need to upgrade mainly since it is not easy to get a decent region free player in the US.
Currently I live in Tokyo..still not easy to get region free, but there are some good sites where they give the crack code.

The price limit is around EUR700. Although I am "only" looking for a dvd player, I like it to be a decent one... So I can be suckered into getting more than I was looking 4
I am not very brand loyal..I use what is best in the range I am looking for. If it matches up, great. If not, no big deal.
I will use it curently only with my PLV-Z2 projector.

cheers,
BD

[len73]

Hi BD !

All right, now it is a bit more easy with your price limit...

I would seriously recommend you (in order of preference !) :

1) the Marantz DV 7600 (Very good results for the price !, CD playback to the level of much more expensive stuff !!, globally (DVD-A, SACD, DVD) the player reach the level of a Denon 3910, but for less money - IMHO : a bargain !)

2) the Yamaha DVD S2500 - not bad at all. Is a bit less defined at both CD and DVD playing (compared to the Marantz). But a good gear anyway !

3) the Denon 2910 (normally relatively easy to "crack", as the flash is accessible through the burning of specific files on a simple CD !) - a good player that will be replaced (if not already the case in Japan !?) in fall this year. Here again, less definition at both CD and DVD playing.

To sum up, if you have the opportunity, go buy the Marantz, you can't go wrong with it !

Let's be clear here, it is just my humble opinion...

Good luck with your choice - and give us feed-back about your final choice !

Cheers,

Len