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Best Blu-Ray ANALOG Output - Under $1000?

I am ready to buy a Blu-Ray player and am hoping to get a good CD playing boost in the package (currently I use a consumer-level Sony DVD as a transport with optical digital output to my NAD T770 which utilizes Burr-Brown 18 Bit DACs).

I know the Denon DVD-1800BD is a $500 player that utilizes twin 24Bit Burr-Brown DACs. Some of Sony's players (the new BDP-S360 as an example) also advertize as utilizing 24Bit Audio DAC (how many, what type??).

The Oppo option sounds like it could be a home-run...as it would be great to add SACD capability as well...but when will it be released??

Please offer-up your opinions on any of the above or other hidden gems...Sony ES, etc. My priorities are great analog sound output 1st, up-to-date sound processing (seemingly changes weekly) second, SACD capability third, and internet streaming capability fourth (not required but would be nice).

Thanks for your help folks!

Mark
mwilliford
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
I'm also interested in responses to this question, including experiences with sound and image quality.

I own a Pioneer Elite BDP 95FD and I'm getting evenly spaced (vertical) thin red strips against any black background with Blue Ray movies. It's time to buy a second player so maybe suggestions for Mark will bail me out too.
mwilliford OP
12 posts
 
Thanks guys...will continue to watch this thread.

What was the cost of the Oppo?

Many Thanks,

Mark
karelfd
476 posts
 
Another interested party here.

I heard and saw Denon's coming new flagship A1UD (bluray + SACD + DVD Audio, and why not) in Munich. Impressing, as far as you weren't trying to listen to music in one of the adjoining rooms, that is. However, presumable price-tag EUR 4k and release keeps being postponed.

I have been thinking of buying something up to $400, such as the Pioneer BDP-320 and add a good separate DAC for 2ch playback, used that could set me back another $400, I suppose. Any thoughts?

Karel
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kotta
649 posts
 
A few weeks back went in an audio/video retailer and spoke w/the owner, whom I have always found to be very honest and knows audio. (His audio history goes way back to the 60's.) He said the Sony Blue-Ray players have superb 2 ch. sound if you wish them to be your cdp. I had the opportunity to set up a little system for a friend whom bought a Sony B-R player and from my brief listening experience, I thought the cd sound was excellent. Go and buy one and give it a try. You will know first-hand if it meets your expectations.
mwilliford OP
12 posts
 
Thanks - yes, there is always the buy-until-you-find something approach...but that tends to complicate marriage...Hah. I have a feeling the player does a fine job if it has 24-bit processing, but I also know the reputation of Burr-Brown processors is well-deserved.

Also like the intriguing idea above of utilizing an external DAC...will have to look into that.

Mark
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