I use a CAL Labs CL-25. For more money than a Pioneer DVD-414, you won't be needing a DAC (at least I won't be needing a DAC) anytime soon. Video and sound quality are both near state of the art. If those snooty reviewers at Stereophile was willing to give out a Class 'A' rating for CD players to a low-priced (relative to other Class 'A' contenders) DVD player, which is almost heresy, I think it's a no-brainer. There is are few players in the world that can exceed the sound quality of the CL-20/25 playing a 24/96 disc from Chesky. And remember this puppy plays movies to some critical acclaim. Best bang for the hi-end buck.
Best DVD as transport
Plan on buying a dvd player as a transport. Are they all the same?