Samsung DVD-HD841 Up-Converting DVD Player
Nice Unit
Giving in to the concept of convergence, I decided to retire my my beloved Adcom CD player (my one and only) for a DVD player (my first) which could perform double duty. After over-shopping the market I settled on this unit based on styling, output options, and reputation. <br /> <br />  I found the video quality perfect through my Sony XBR using component connections.  Controls are slow and clunky, especially using the unit's remote.  So far it's been able to read, and play every disc I've thrown at it. <br /> <br />  But, the sound.  I realize not every user is going to use this (or any other) DVD player in an audiophile capacity, but I really thought technical advances would have brought this $200 DVD player equal, or past, the sound quality of my sixteen year old CD player.  Not.  The tonal balance of the Samsung is okay, but it's output projects very little image, and zero soundstage.  With time my dissapointment was so great that I needed to remove sharp objects from the listening area. <br /> <br />  Relief came in the form of a California Audio Labs Alpha DAC attained through eBay (when in doubt spend more money). Connecting the Samsung's digital coaxial output via a low-end Kimber Kable, suddenly the world was, again, a beautiful place.    <br />  <br />  Not to get all two channel on ya, but audio wise, if you strive for more than car chases and explosions, you might consider alternatives to this unit's lack luster DACs.