Best DVD player in $500-$1000 Range

I have had experience with both Sony and Toshiba product lines, and both have some excellent offerings in this price range. Infact, you can spend less that $400 today and get a damn good DVD player. Use C-NET's shopping service (www.cnet.com) as a tool to screen for Sony and Toshiba DVD players within your budget, and go from there. One feature that the newer Toshiba models have is a zoom system that allows you to move "zoom in" on widescreen movies, making them closer to the 4:3 ratio. Nifty.

If you are looking at used components, you might want to consider the Pioneer DV-09. I just bougth one on audiogon for $900. My research suggested this was the best player at the pricepoint (better than the Sony 7700). Good luck.

I recently purchased a Sony 7700 and am quite happy with it. You can buy them on Ebay for $600 brand new. The pioneer is reputed to be a better player, but I couldn't find one at the time for less than $1200 and that was used. Ask other Audiogon members if they can help connect you to a source for Pioneer equipment, if you want the dv-09. Keep in mind that Sony is replacing the 7700 with a SACD capable unit for similar pricing to the Pioneer (but honestly that doesn't fit under your $1000 limit and I have not demo'd the unit personally). Happy Hunting.