"Best" multichannel universal player right now?

Thanks again Kal. Which of the two (Pioneer, Marantz) would you say has better sound across all three formats from the analog outs?

Cannot say. Never compared in same system.

Kal

I vote for the new Oppo BDP-83 player. Fast load time (like my PS3), stunning video, decent audio, nice build quality, and only $499.

Yikes! I would hope so for that price, Tvad. I might consider that beyond the "knee" of the curve. :-0

Audiolui, yes everybody seems to love the BDP-83. Like I said the earlier models I'd seen were truly a great bang for the buck. If you've heard the 83 I'd like to know if you were able to get a sense of its sound compared to other mainstream or upper end alternatives.