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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
bacardi's avatar
bacardi
663 posts
 
I have a PS3 at the moment with a S.R Tesla T2 active power cord that bumps quality to a higher level.

I do want to jump to a higher designated BDP for theater listening. I also want a player that you can utilize your own power cord. I feel it is absolutely beneficial to boosting every aspect of quality(audio&video) if chosen rite.

I did research the marantz units and found that they used the cheezy pre corded inlet on players almost all the way up to the 2nd top end unit.. As opposed to the Oppo/SE model, the 15amp IEC inlet is used on they're $500/$800 units...Thumbs up to Oppo. Samsung doesn't use them at all so no power cord enhancement is useable. The Pioneer 09 model does have it for a $2200 new / $1300 used price tag. The Denon units have them in higher models above the $2000 range just like the Marantz units.

If you believe that a custom power cord justifies a huge quality enhancement, then having that flexibility in a Blu Ray player will make for a better-than theater-like viewing experience for audio&video. The quality of player you buy will only get better....

That said, I feel the Oppo 83 or SE model with a custom power cord would be best bang for your buck BDP so far. Even with a S.R T2 power (used $400) cord equalling $900. Does anyone have a suggestion for a player otherwise???

Regards Bacardi

sakahara OP
181 posts
 
Mitch4t: I did. Although my BD8002 was new and at a big discount. I posted my thoughts on another thread. To sum it up; "stunning picture".

I tried a PS3 just before this. Great for games and cool GUI, but it's a toy. And I found the picture quality to be "gamey" if you will. Reminded me of watching video on a computer. The Marantz BD7004 was better, with a more filmic quality to the picture. However, with that said, the PS3 would make a great BD/DVD transport with an outboard video processor (DVDO,..etc). But then the BD8002 has that in one package, just w/o all the cool interface and internet BD-Live take-more -of-my-life-away-from-me consumerism. I just want to watch the movie.

I wanted to try the Oppo BDP-83 but thought; "what's the point?". It's an over-hyped $500 universal player. How good could a video chip be inside a $500 BDP? And yes, better power cords do make a difference. I use them with very positive results. But a $500 BDP is not going to come close to a $2000 BDP with a better power cord. I didn't like the AC IEC either. But that could be upgraded. I also kept wondering why most main brands used the two-prong (no ground), as opposed to three-prong. Something to do with ground issues and video. maybe they know something others don't, or care not to think about since heavy-duty IEC's are standard with audio gear. But i have no problem using my power cords since the ground plug unscrews.
hififile
236 posts
 
Dear Sakahara,
I bought the Pioneer BDP-05 Elite player. I made this purchase due to owning an Elite Plasma & Receiver. The picture is stunning on Blu-Ray, and sound on CD is excellent. However, loading of BluRay DVD's takes F O R E V E R. I did several firmware updates and it is still slow. Other functions are not user friendly either. I would think twice before buying the Pioneer Elite. The function of the Pioneer Elite is disappointing.
sakahara OP
181 posts
 
I bought the Marantz BD8002...

So everyone knows and doesn't keep posting suggestions.
sakahara OP
181 posts
 
The BD8002 continues to impress me. Even with cheap $30 Dynex HDMI cable. Although I am going back to WireWorld Silver Star 5/2 (already replaced one; A/V Rcvr->Plasma). But before that I replaced the fuse with a HiFi Tuning SilverStar and I'd swear the PQ has improved from that. I couldn't believe it. And now with the WW SS 5/2 it's looking even more stunning. Can't wait to be abck with all WW SS 5/2 (BDP->A/V Rcvr).
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