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Best Blu-ray/DVD player for under $800?


Lexi[CON] BD-30, I mean Oppo BDP-83... I kid, I kid.

Seriously, from my list below, which Blu-ray player do you think would offer the best BD picture quality with a 1080p plasma via HDMI, as well as the best possible rendition (upscaling) of SD DVD's? Audio is not such a concern as I only use the supplied L&R speakers at this time.

The list:

Denon DBP-2010CI
Marantz BD7004
Oppo BD-83
Anthem BLX 200
Pioneer Elite BDP-05FD

and just to mix it up;

PS3

Note: The Oppo is the obvious choice for many because of price, but consider the other BDP's as "open-box" or "preowned/demo" priced for comparisons sake. I won't be paying full retail.
The PS3 is thrown in because many seem to think it ranks up there with most mass-consumer BDP's on the market. I might agree with that at it's price and below, but not against $800 stand-alone BDP's. The plus side: games, as well as access to Netflix and Amazon VOD.
Sony, LG, Panasonic, and the like just don't seem relevant IMHO. At first, I considered buying some subpar <$200 BDP, but I can't be that cheap. Not with a 1080p plasma. What's the point. I've tried those lighter-then-paper weight DVD players and the picture quality was very poor. But then again, how can they compare to the only other DVD player I've owned - Meridian G98 AH. I just can't justify, nor afford, spending that much again on a component used solely for playing DVD's, as incredible as it was. Maybe when they make something similar for BD playback in the $2500 and less range.
I also consider buying a higher-end discontinued model (MSRP $2K, now discounted to less then $1K), but with how fast these products become obsolete (no network/ethernet,..), I'd rather get a current model.
And as mentioned above, I'd like having access to Netflix, Amazon VOD,... as well, but unfortunately only the subpar $200 players seem to offer this feature.
There is also one detail with a few of the BDP's in my list that bothers me; the small, cheap, two-prong AC input. Why?! It makes no sense on a $800 player. That can always be upgraded though.

~
sakahara
cobaltturbo
17 posts
 
So this comment would support my experience with viewing the superbit version of Fifth Element.

"The Oppo's chip (ABT2010) is a bit better at recognizing obscure film cadences used in animation and anime, but the ABT1030 chip in the 7004 does an exceptional job at detail reproduction, color accuracy, and motion."
spazz
1 posts
 
I did a lot of research and bought the Pioneer and a friend did the same and bought an Oppo. Get the Oppo, it is a better unit, loads faster and sounds terrific. The picture is what you would expect of a blu ray.
sakahara OP
181 posts
 

I returned my Marantz BD7004...

I loved the picture quality, but the noise from both the fan and the drive were distracting. I could hear it from 8 ft away. The fan sounded like a computer tower and the spinning of the drive was incessantly loud at times (like a computers CD/DVD disc drive), that it caused a whining resonance, vibration, through the chassis and into the wood shelf. Not sure if this was normal or the drive had mechanical issues. Either way, the fan noise was too audible for me. I was also disappointed with the mini-two prong AC input and the lightweight construction/materials. The design wasn't as nice in person either. I'd prefer a thicker aluminum faceplate to their plasticky aluminum/resin design. I guess I shouldn't expect too much for $800. Looks as though it doesn't get much better until you spend over $2K, which I don't want to do.

Time to try other BDP's. Somehow I knew it would turn out this way. You can't rely on opinions or reviews. You have to experience it for yourself. Plus this is my first BDP. I need to have some references to compare. Next up; PS3 or Oppo BDP-83.
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,134 posts
 
The Sony scdxa5400es is a excellent choice and even better for sacd then anyone else!
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,610 posts
 
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Get a pre-owned Marantz BD-8002.

Killer Blu Ray player.

The Blu Ray picture is outstanding and it has no equal upscaling standard def dvd's. It can be had for $700-$800 here on the 'Gon. I paid $2k for mine and I still think it was a steal.
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