Denon DVD 2900 - DVD player
Very good universal disc player
I bought the Denon 2900 to perform the task of a universal disc machines for my 2-channel stereo system.  This player lacks the latest digital interfaces (DVI, HDMI), so it is not a cutting-edge home-theater player.  I bought it knowing that I'd be using it exclusively as a 2-channel, analogue out, disc player. <br /> <br />I've been pleasantly surprised at the amount of fidelity I've gotten from this relatively inexpensive player. It replaced an older CD player that easily cost twice as much, and the Denon delivers at least twice as much fidelity, even on standard Red Book CDs.  On SACD and DVD-Audio the sound is so good it reminds me of studio master tapes.  I'm an audio engineer by trade and know the difference between what a good original recording sounds like in a studio and what it sounds like on the final CD: like a Ferrari turned into a Hyundai.  SACD and especially DVD-Audio discs sound remarkably truer to what an original master sounds like.  And through this Denon 2900 these formats sound very very good, with seemingly flat response and no coloration at all.  Which to some \\"audiophile\\" ears, or on a cheap system may sound harsh, but on a decent system it is very revealing and accurate. <br /> <br />  I have watched a couple of movies on my 2-channel system (via the addition of a 20\\" Sharp Aquos LCD monitor), and can say that through the component outs the picture was excellent.  Not a great test, but it did look good.  Yesterday I tried it out on my new 50\\" Sony Wega plasma TV and it was absolutely stunning.  I have a Denon 2910 (which is HDMI capable) on order for the 50\\", as it has the latest HDMI inputs. <br /> <br />NOTE: The only problem I've had so far is that this player is a bit noisy and does vibrate a lot while spinning a disc.  The noise is tolerable, as the noise floor of my listening room is higher than  the player, which sits seven feet away.  But I had to move the player off of my equipment rack as it was causing the tubes in my  pre-amplifier to vibrate, resulting in audible noise. <br /> <br />Overall, it's a great deal right now because it has been eclipsed by the newer, more expensive 2910; which looks uglier, has the same cicuitry inside, but includes an HDMI output.  So if your looking for a great universal player and not concerned about HDMI, get this juicy player before it is put out to pasture! <br /> <br />Greg Curtis