Best Universal Player for DVD's , CD's w/ dvd-a

California Audio Labs CL-2500, hands down! DVD-A, CDs, DVDs, CDR, etc!!!!!

Unfortunately the CL-2500 sells used for over $1500...

Chucke,

I would recommend either the Denon 1600 or the more expensive 3800. Both have excellent audio and video results, with the 1600 often being compared to the Panny RP82.

Ehart -

The CL-2500 never sells for $1,500, let alone over.
They can be had OFTEN right here for less than $1,000 all of the time. At least when listed! I have paid as little as $750 for one, but usually around $900 - $1,100.

Keep your eyes peeled.

D

Not sure if I am clear on for what you are asking.

The best player for under 1,000 that will handle DVD,
DVD-A, and CD?

Or...

The best UNIVERSAL player, meaning a player that will
handle all of those PLUS SACD and most all other 5" discs.

If the question is the former...

I would suggest putting the Denon 1600 and Pansonic XP-50
on your list of players to consider.

If it is the latter...

I would suggest the Yamaha s2300 or Denon 2900.

Or...

Another way to go might be to get a Philips 963sa
and a Panasonic XP-50. That way, in two boxes, you've
got all your needs covered and probably get better sound
than any one box U-player.

If you move your budget up to 2,000....

I would HIGHLY suggest:

Denon 1600 or Pansonic XP-50 ------ $300 [Used]

Plus...

Sony SCD XA777ES ------------------ 1,600 [used]

For a total of less than 2,000 [used] you get a
reference CD and SACD player [rated A+ by Stereophile
if that means anything to you] a top DVD player, free
of the Chroma bug, high scorers on both Secrets of
Home Theatre and The Absolute Sound shoot-outs --
Excellent sound and picture -- FAR FAR FAR better
sound than you will get from either the Yamaha,
Denon, Onkyo, or Pioneer Universal-players.

Hope that helps.