Blu ray and SACD

BTW, you'll find a complete list of SACD/BD players here:

http://ps3sacd.com/sacd_bd_players.html

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.).

Hi Edorr; thanks for the detailed response. I was away so I only read it today. I have to stick with the part of your response that says "If you're on a budget its a no brainer and you should get the Oppo." I am a CPA so I am always on a budget :-). However; I have decided to keep my home theatre and two channel seperate. In addition; I may ultimately use my computer thru a DAC as my source.
The more I learn the closer I get to deciding what system to build.
Thanks again.

Separting 2channel and multi channel makes little sense (unless you want to outfit two different physical spaces with sound equipment - may be one listening and one video room). The reason is you can easily integrate a state of the art two channel in a multi channel system. You can view your multichannel setup as an add on to your 2 channel. You basically just add a 3 channel amp, powered sub, center and surround channel + a processor to your 2 channel system, and run the processor in bypass mode through your preamp, if you insist on holding on to your preamp (a good processor will do fine as a pre). This setup takes nothing away from your 2 channel setup, saves you a bundle, and you'll have better MC, because you are using front L/R that is superior to what you would buy for a dedicated MC only setup. Also, you will be able to enjoy MC SACD, which you otherwise would not (assuming you would use your SACD player in your 2 channel system).

Hi Edorr, I agree combining the two systems would be most cost effective. However, my current home theatre room is on the second floor and opens to both floors - very bright. In addition, there is an AC air handler in the room....
To me the room is the most important part of the sound of any system. I learned that the hard way.