Neilspeed, I was in your position 6 months ago and would have bought the Denon universal had it been available then. However, I was impatient and went the two box route and bought a Pioneer BDO 09 FD for blu ray (about 2K), and a Sony XA 5400 ES for SACD. Both are state of the art players and the two boxes combined are priced lower than the Denon single box. I suspect the Denon is audio and video wise at the same level as my separates. Drawbacks of the two box solution are: The Sony has no multi channel analog outs. If (as I do) you prefer MC analog out over HDMI, for SACD you don't have that option. Other drawback is the Sony LPCM output for MC SACD does not work with all processors (ask Kal about this), so you may be limited in what processors you can use the Sony with. I am using the DSD direct option (works with Onkyo/Integra, Denon, Sony and Pioneer processors - possibly others). I would suggest that if you are using SACD in two channel only you should consider my setup. If you want more flexibility and use MC SACD audio, you should try the Denon. If you're on a budget its a no brainer and you should get the Oppo. In fact, if you subscribe to the bits are bits filosophy you should consider saving $$$ on the source components and see how well Oppo HDMI out sounds/looks in combination with a top notch HDMI processor (Classe 800, Halcro etc.).