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Searching for CD/DVD Player with volume control

I have an Oppo 970HD DVD player that I run directly into a power amp, using the Oppo's volume control to operate the loudness level. This bare bones 2 channel system is for music and movies alike.

I'm looking to step up to a better DVD/CD player for improved CD playback while keeping the bare bones set up. My budget is up to $400 on the used market.

What are my upgrade choices for a DVD player with variable output?
Marantz, Cambridge, Arcam, Pioneer, Denon, etc?
mjcmt
mjcmt's avatar
mjcmt OP
711 posts
 
I just found out about the Panasonic BluRay player for 4 bills from best buy. Plays Bluray, DVD upsampled to 1080P, and CD w/ 24/192 audio DAC. It has 2 channel analogue out w/ volume, I'm told. I'm going to check it out at Best Buy. I don't know about its DVD and especially CD quality...yes, especially redboook cd playback.
bar81
791 posts
 
It's upscaling of DVD is crap. It's also highly unlikely that its two channel would best the 983. What you're paying for is the Blu-Ray capability. Add to that the fact that it doesn't internally decode any of the advanced audio codecs and it's a poor choice even for that function.
mjcmt's avatar
mjcmt OP
711 posts
 
Bar81,

You seem sure of yourself. Have you had a chance to listen and see the Panasonic dmp bd30 BluRay player? I'd like a more detailed assessment other than its crap. And what "advanced audio codecs" do I need to listen to redbook CDs? (I'm not sure what you are talking about)

With BluRay the future for movies, it seems like a good candidate for movies.

And its upsampling of DVDs. Is it be worse than my Oppo 970 that upsamples to 1080i?

The main reason I'm hesitant to step up to the Oppo 983 is that I have read that, while its DVD performance is phenomenal, its CD performance is not as good as the 970, and even a bit etched sounding.

Your further comments would be appreciated Bar81, or anyone else with experience with this player.
bar81
791 posts
 
Knock yourself out:

http://reviews.cnet.com/video-players-and-recorders/panasonic-dmp-bd30k/4505-6463_7-32730548.html

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=936144
sthomas12321
408 posts
 
Id take a heavy look at the panasonic bd-50 thats just released.
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