Help with Denon 2900/5900 or MarantzDV8400 or ?


I am looking for someone who has first hand experience with any of the "universal players" currently on the market. If you have had a chance to compare them that is even better. I have been researching the models from Denon and Marantz as they are more in my price range. I am looking for a player that has very good SACD & DVD-A performance. I don't know which format will prevail in the future (maybe both) but I would like to be prepared and in the meantime I will sample both. CD playback is VERY (the most important right now) important. I currently have alot of CD's and do not anticipate replacing them. I just sold my Rega Planet 2000, and would like to stay at or above that level of performance. Video performance is important, but probably last on the list if I have to prioritize. A DVI output would be nice as I beleive my Mitsubishi HDTV has a DVI input. I listen mostly to rock and country... Clapton, Dave Matthews, Shania, etc.. but have a little of everything. Here is my list of equipment...

Sunfire TGII processor
Parasound 2205AT amp
Paradigm 100v2 and studio cc speakers
DH Labs BL1 and Q10 cables

Any suggestions would be appreciated...
matt54321
Matt54321...A side-by-side comparison of the Denon with other players is not something I was able to do. Of course I have heard various players at audio dealers, but this does not really give a good comparison because the associated equipment and program material is always different. I previously have used a Mission CD player, and a Rotel CD player, and I first experimented with SACD and DVD-A using a Pioneer DV45A. The $400 Pioneer was excellent value, but the Denon does SACD better, (for more than twice the price).

When I say that I hear no need to upgrade, what I mean is that I can identify no fault in the sound. A side-by-side comparison with a $6000 player might reveal something about the Denon that could be better, and make me dissatisfied, so it would be wise to avoid such a test.

Most reviewers have described the Denon 2900 in favorable terms, and I think that the Underwood modifications (described in detail) make sense if you want to spend more money.
I had Marantz DV8400 for a week, and was quite disappointed with its redbook performance, even though I read it betters Denon 2900 (haven't a chance to check it myself, though). I'm doubt that currently there are universal players in DV8400 price range that match quality of good dedicated CDPs.
There is a very extensive denon 5900 thread on AVC forum with many comparisons between 2900 and 5900. ALL who compared them side by side came to a conclusion that 5900 sounds better than 2900 on ALL formats. Some thought 5900 sounds much better and some thought it sounds slightly better than 2900 but I have not seen anyone (except Underwood HIFI who are pushing 2900 with mods for more $$ than 5900) who compared the two and thought they sound the same.