I wouldnt spend allot of money on a universal player with the HD wars underway. Im using a low budget option for very good DVD-V playback (which doubles as a good, but secondary DVD-A and SACD player); the Pioneer Elite DV-79AVi, which can be had for under $1000 and can be modified into a giant killer (if you really like). The DV-79Avi has HDMI, and lots of other HT goodies but I think it's limited to 1018i, and no balanced outputs.
Its a pretty good at CD, SACD, and DVD-A... I did a fair amount of A/B comparisons with my GNSC modified Wadia 831. The Wadias CD playback bettered the Pioneers SACD and DVD-A but I dont have a lot invested in those formats The Wadia seamed to provide a fuller soundstage and better clarity across the spectrum. But for <$1000 with plenty of upgrades available (based upon its predecessor the DV-59avi) I felt it was a no brainer. And there are silver faced versions out there as well.
Overall the Pioneers build is good but I do worry about the drive mechanism. The draw isnt as sturdily as I would like.
Just my 2 cents.
Tony
Its a pretty good at CD, SACD, and DVD-A... I did a fair amount of A/B comparisons with my GNSC modified Wadia 831. The Wadias CD playback bettered the Pioneers SACD and DVD-A but I dont have a lot invested in those formats The Wadia seamed to provide a fuller soundstage and better clarity across the spectrum. But for <$1000 with plenty of upgrades available (based upon its predecessor the DV-59avi) I felt it was a no brainer. And there are silver faced versions out there as well.
Overall the Pioneers build is good but I do worry about the drive mechanism. The draw isnt as sturdily as I would like.
Just my 2 cents.
Tony