Absolute Best DVD Player?

Hey no_money, which CAL did you compare the 9000es to?

Camelot Round Table Features:

Video Stage
¨ Composite, S-Video, Component interlaced video outputs
¨ S-Video output driven by Excalibur Powered S-Video technology for pristine clarity
over cable runs up to 150 feet

¨ Physically separate video daughter board
¨ Progressive Scan Output with 720x480 resolution, featuring PureProgressive™ Digital
Video Technology by DVDO

¨ Progressive Scan outputs available via RGB, VGA or Component Y-Pr-Pb) interfaces

Audio Stage
¨ Full 24-bit/96 kHz compatibility
¨ Burr Brown PCM 1732 24-bit DAC/HDCD® Digital Filter
¨ Automatic upsampling of normal 16-bit/44 kHz CDs to 24-bit/96 kHz quality
¨ Discrete I/V Converter and post filter/buffer stage
¨ Seven independent analog section local power supply stages
¨ Massive, low-stray field power supply
¨ Fourteen total separate power supplies
¨ Independent power supply windings for display/user interface, transport mechanism,
video signal processing, and audio processing stages

¨ Ultra low jitter Coaxial and I2S digital outputs
This thread was about the absolut best DVD player. I now own both the Round Table and the Sony S9000ES. CD playback on the Round Table is incredible, automatic upsampling of normal 16-bit/44 kHz CDs to 24-bit/96 kHz quality precludes the need for a seperate upsampler such as the Perpetual Tech P1-A (appx. $900, which I also use on my Denon DCM-5000). I have not even hooked up the video portion of the S9000ES, I use it only for the SACD option.
The Round Table is unsurpassed in video performance, the picture is absolutely stunning and CD playback is as good as anything I have ever heard on regular CD's, up to the $8000 price point. Yes the software is limited for SACD, but I find myself buying types of music that I wouldn't normally listen to just because the SACD sound is so unbelieveable.
Both of these players have their strong suits and I found it impossible to choose between the two. That's why I bought both.

Hi Talmage3, it was a IkonMkII. It was a close call between the two but the Sony seemed to be a little smoother with better mids, while the Cal had a little more bottom end to it.

Treed, I would be curious to know what you think of the Camelot's picture when compared to the 9000ES. I know that the Sony can't handle difficult discs as well, but I wonder how it differs with a good quality anamorhic DVD?

Must be gettin tird, one to many typos tday.