bigmoose

I know that I am a rookie at this stuff, but please hear me out. I need to find a good dvd player in the sub-$400 price range without a built in decoder. Composite and S-video would be nice. Does anyone have any suggestions? From reading posts, I have found that many players present problems with certain movies or have other faults... (off of audioreview.com) Are dvd players really that problematic?

stevevt

S-video is part of the dvd standard, so you won't find a player without it. You probably mean "component," rather than "composite," which shouldn't be too hard to find in your price range, either. Even models significantly below your range have it.

An example is the Toshiba 1200 which can be had for around $150. I'm sure it's not the final word in video or audio (especially as a stand-alone cd player). However, it's hard to justify a more expensive player until dvd-audio standards are finalized, unless you have a display/monitor that'll resolve the subtle differences between players. Again, cd playback is a whole other thing.

I'd recommend buying the Toshiba 1200 (and spending the remaining $250 on dvds), unless:

* You plan on using your new machine as a stand-alone cd player, and have a system that will reveal the 1200's potential shortcomings
* You need to be able to play CDRs

If you have any other questions, please let us know what the rest of your equipment (present or planned) is.

-S

[This message has been edited by stevevt (edited March 28, 2000).]

matchpenalty

I love my Sony 330...

Furious

The pioneer 525 leaves me feeling all tingly, and its under 200. Great player with all the hookups, vcd playback, and it reads cdr/cdrw.

mulz

I have the ONKYO DV-C600 6 Disc changer. If you have an american express you can get an extra 15% off at Crazyeddie.com and get it for under 400 shipped. It is a GREAT UNIT and I heighly recomend it!!!!

bigmoose

So far, my system includes the Yamaha RXV-795 that I picked up over winter break. I plan to get a pair of Infinity RS-5, and perhaps a CC3. I will purchase a sub and some better surrounds to replace my old Sony's at a later date. I want the reciever to do the decoding, so I don't need that in the dvd player.
Does crazyeddie really give you 15% off with American Express? I would like to use some of my point-click money for my purchase. Any other suggestions for dvd players for under $400?

mulz

Yes crazy eddies does. Do a search here and there is a thread all about it. You don't even mention the deal to crazy eddie American express credits you for 15%. Check the thread for complete details. The ONKYO does not have a built in decoder.

bigmoose

Allright, the Toshiba 1200 sounds like a good investment for a entry level player! Does anyone know of a site where I can get it for a good price with my Point-click Benjamins? I only have about $125 right now, so the less time I have to spend Point-clicking = the better. Thanks.