Denon DVD-555S Progressive-Scan DVD Player
You can get a lot more elsewhere...
Firstly, I am an audiophile, and my purchase was mainly for CD's. Since no one makes single CD players anymore aside from the really high end, I thought I go for a DVD player instead. CD's don't sound as good as analog records, as all audiophiles know. But I am not willing to spend thousands on an audiophile CD player, which still does not compare to the best turntables or even my not so expensive turntable. So I figure Denon may be a step above the typical Japanese brands. Well, I compared this unit to a Sony DVD that I purchased about 4 years ago. The sound of the Denon is more polite and detailed than the Sony, but the Sony is more lively. If I have to live with one, I probably go with the Denon. However, the difference is certainly NOT worth the price premium that Denon demands, especially on this model. In fact, what I disliked most about the Denon is the build; this model is cheap and flimsy, even worse than the no-name brands. For less money, one can get the latest Sony with SACD playback, a feature that the Denon lacks. Also, even the cheap Sony's look and feel more substantial than this Denon. Oh yes, the Denon transport is also noisy. My old Sony DVD was quiet; Denon made a click click click noise. So I think I will try out the latest Sonys and even the Onkyos, which are much nicer built than the cheap Denons.