BEST DVD player in $300 range
 

Alright, whos got the best player in the $200-$400max range? It should def. have progressive ability, component outputs, and good audio.

The Denon DVD 1600 is a good choice under $400. You get the great mpeg decoder of the Panasonic RP91, the Faroudja 2200 series deinterlacer, and Brown Burr 24-bit, 192-kHz Audio DACs.

Of course, you have to remember to use the analog audio outputs. If you use the digital, you might as well go for a Panasonic RP82 for 1/2 the price.

Whats wrong with the digitial outputs?

If you use the digital outputs, it'll use the DAC's in your receiver. So there's no reason to go with a unit with high end DAC's. If you go with the digital output, the Denon DVD1600 and the Pioneer RP82 will sound exactly the same (which is to say, excellent, thanks to their great internals).

HK DV5 if you like a changer

The Panasonic RP-82. At $200 it's less than helf the price of the Denon and has had more features(time remaining display, memory for five discs and a better menu interface).

If you want a changer get the Panasonic CP-72, which used the same mpeg decoder and deinterlacing chip as the 82. It's under $200 with the $30 mail-in rebate.