Need Help - Best DVD Player under $300? (1 Viewer)

[Fred Pfeifer]

I'm looking for the best DVD player under $300. My 18 month old Sony 560 DVD player has started to overheat and exhibits all sorts of nasty behavior. Rather than spend $$$ to get it repaired, I'm considering getting a new DVD player. A single disc unit is fine, and I don't need progressive scan since I don't have a HDTV. I would like the DVD player to also play audio CD, CD-R, CD-RW & MP3 discs. So far I've looked at the Panasonic DVD-RV32K, Samsung DVD-M301 and the Denon DVD-800. I'd prefer a black model to match the rest of my components. You're suggestions would be much appreciated, as I don't have the time to research all of the choices. Thanks.

 

[Bobby T]

Toshiba 4700 plays everything you want plus DVD audio and has a great interlaced picture and nice features. It also has a progresive ouput. I know you don't need it but you'll have it if you need it later. The 4700 cabe had for $250 or less.

 

[Fred Pfeifer]

Thanks for the suggestion Bobby T. I'll definitely put the Toshiba 4700 on my short list. It looks like it would fulfill my requirements nicely.

 

[Trey Jones]

Don't forget about the JVC XV-SA70BK and XV-SA75GD. They are the same player, but one is gold and the other is black. DVD-Audio, Progressive, great picture and it plays all the formats of the Toshiba. Check it out too at about $250.

 

[Fred Pfeifer]

Thanks Trey. The JVC XV-SA70BK appears to be a great choice. I'll keep it in mind.

 

[KeithH]

Fred, also consider the Pioneer DV-440 for around $180. It is only 2.25" tall, and the build quality is solid for the price. It has a Burr-Brown 24/192 DAC. Pioneer is also coming out with the DV-353K for $140 that looks to be similar. See www.crutchfield.com for more information on these players. The Pioneer players don't do DVD-Audio, but they look to be solid for money otherwise.

 

[Fred Pfeifer]

Keith, thanks for the info. I'll check out the Pioneer too.

 

[KeithH]

No problem, Fred. Hope you find a player that works out for you.

 

[Fred Pfeifer]

Thanks guys for all of the helpful suggestions. I ended up purchasing the JVC XV-S70BK from Vanns.com for under $200 (eBay). Vanns is an authorized JVC e-tailer so I have a valid warranty. My initial impression is that this will be a great DVD player for my current and future needs. JVC includes a couple of Audio DVDs in the box which sound incredible. Thanks again for everyone's help.

Fred