Great Blu-ray or DVD player for CD Transport

I had considered the Denon 3910 but was concerned about the laser reliability and loading times based on what I've read on the net.

Anyone have any familiarity with Pioneer Elite players (dv-59avi, dv-79avi)? I used to own an old pioneer DVD player and was always surprised by the fast load times as well as the general transport quality. In fact I was actually using it in place on a Muse Model 5 transport and was amazed how similar they sounded. The muse player was better, but the fact that a $2500 cd transport and $200 dvd player didn't sound much different really surprised me. I guess the fact pioneer transports are used by other hifi companies says something about their general quality.

Go with a Pioneer. I've used the DV-79AVi for over three years with heavy duty use without a problem. Another option is to find a used Denon DCD-1650AR cd player. It is great as a transport. Built like a battleship. Stereophile's Sam Tellig used it as a transport.

I have been using a Pioneer DV-58AV. Not only Digital out
to my favorite DAC for CD, but also utilizing multi-channel High Resolution DVD-Audio as well as multi-channel
SACD Disks. Downmixing these to 2-Channel via the Pioneer,
is probably the best thing that I have ever heard off of an optical Disk. Two Channel versions of these Disks seem
to lack dynamics. Multi-Channel Downmixes seem to have a
vastly superior Soundstage with lots of depth. Dynamics seem to be restored as well. Also convenient for 2 Channel
Systems. Picked my Pioneer up on sale dirt cheap for $250.00. Must be the Downloading Fad.

having cycled through a number of the denons (2800, 2910, 3910) before settling on a pio 59av, i gotta vote with the pioneer folk. the denons sound great under optimal conditions, but they're too damned quirky and unreliable--lasers fail, drawers stick, etc. the pioneers, on the other hand, work flawlessly, read discs quickly and operate silently. the integra dps 6.5/10.5 etc. also make nice, inexpensive transports (i'm seem to recall they're based on the pioneer platform).

I appreciate the input from everybody! On somewhat of an impulse buy I ended up purchasing a Pioneer Elite DV-79avi that looks like it's pretty close to new condition for $265 including shipping and all fees. At that price I don't think I can do much better!

From reading the player's specs what I really like is the additional features it provides to improve audio quality like:

-Separate audio transformer
-Isolated audio boards
-One button ability to shut off all video circuitry

Once I've had some time with the unit I'll post my findings.