"Best" multichannel universal player right now?

I vote for the new Oppo BDP-83 player. Fast load time (like my PS3), stunning video, decent audio, nice build quality, and only $499.

There is only so much you can do with $500. Oppo did what they can to maximize the BDP-83's performance. They sell direct; that is why it is so inexpensive bypassing wholesale and retail.

Video quality is top notch. It makes my DVD (I mean good DVD)look closer to Blue Ray. The sound is decent, but not compared to top tier players. I haven't been and will not be able to compare everything out there, but for a HT system, the Oppo is awesome and good for occasional two-channel listening. For ultimate two-channel, I go to my reference system.

Kr4,
I use HDMI all the way through. To me ears, it is decent sounding. I don't think it is in Esoteric's territory either. Two channel is fine, but I think its surround sound is quite good. Its video quality is really up there. Be realistic, for $500, it can take almost any kind of disc format available on the planet and has great picture. I can't complain. As a bonus, Oppo's customer service and easy firmware update are great. Just so you know, I don't work for them.