I am considering buying a new DVD player, but I don't want to spend more than about $300, since I figure I'll be upgrading again in a couple of years. I don't need DD/DTS decoding (though I do want good DTS output) or multiple disk capability, and I don't play anything except DVDs and music CDs. I prefer an optical digital output, only because I already have a Toslink cable. I've narrowed my choices to the following, any of which I should be able to get for less than $250 delivered. (The number in parentheses is Audio Review's user rating / number of reviews):

Onkyo 535 (4.77/26)
Panasonic RV30 (4.69/38)
Sony DVP360 (4.23/73)
Pioneer DV-333 (4.33/60)

Obviously, based on the Audio Review users, these are all fine players. So ... which should I buy? I'm currently leaning toward the Onkyo, but that may just be the bargain-hunter in me -- 800.com has a $50 rebate + free shipping, which brings the price down to $250 delivered, which is very good for this unit. On the other hand, I am currently using the Sony 360 "on loan" from WalMart, and I really like the full-size and easy-to-use remote.

So ... suggestions?


[This message has been edited by runngdog (edited November 26, 2000).]

go Sony, it's the most reliable player out there.

I have the 330 and had the same restrictions when I bought it.

Drat, the mspassport 800.com deal 20% off is over..You should definitely be able to beat the price you posted however. Try searching at www.dealtime.com for places that discount them online.

Hey! Me again!

I highly recommend the Panasonic DVD-RV30 player. Look on audioreview.com and epinions.com for user reviews. At both sites, this player has an extremely high rating (one of the highest). The Sony is nice too, but a lot of people have been saying that it has a noisy drive and produces a soft picture, not a crisp picture like hte Panasonic.

Keep in mind that the Panasonic has a $50 manufacturer mail in rebate. Here's the link.

Also, I just bought my player from mercata.com for $181.99 total price! The price dropped to $221.05, and I had a 20% off coupon at Mercata. The total price after shipping was only $181.99!

Not only is the Panasonic one of the best in its class, you can get it for an excellent price!

I think this would be the best player to get!

Hope this helps!

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What about Toshiba? You didn't mention any Toshiba players within that price range.

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quote:<HR>Originally posted by Deftones17:
What about Toshiba? You didn't mention any Toshiba players within that price range.
<HR>

If Toshiba can guarantee me there will be no firmware problems with any specific player that I purchase then I might suggest someone purchasing one of the Toshiba players...definitely not one that I feel comfortable recommending at the present time due to all of the complaints which have been lodged on this forum regarding outdated firmware.

I would go with the Panasonic or the Sony!!

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"You know Andy...I never thought it would come to this....Mayberry....Gateway to danger."

Barney Fife

Definately get the Pioneer DV-333. This player rocks for the price. I just got mine and it is one heck of a player. It has played everything I have thrown at it without any probs. It has a very good detailed and vivid picture. The sound is awesome, but that is probably due to my receiver. It has all the features you will need like component output, dts and dd5.1 output, optical and coaxial inputs. Also, you might want to consider that the Pioneer allows you to squeeze an animorphic image to fill more of a 4:3 screen, not sure if the other players do that. Well, hope this helps. Good luck.

I would definitely recommend the Panasonic. i just bought one from 800.com (for about $100, after their 10% off DVD plus free shipping, $20 coupon, 20% MS Passport discount, and $50 mail-in rebate!!!). It'll be my second Panasonic DVD player (I have an A120 already). One key feature of the Panasonics (besides general reliability) is the very fast access, which makes menu selections and screen changes relatively seamless as compared with most other players. They also have excellent fast and slow forward/reverse scan modes.

I have the Sony 360 and i've been very happy with it. Folks say you're paying more for the name, but I know my player is chock full of nice features and I haven't had a single problem in the 3 months i've had it.

It's got RCA, Coaxial and Optical jacks in the back for audio, and normal video, svideo and component video in the back, heck I think there's even 2 of each video jack so you can hook up 2 TVs. Also if you don't have a surround sound sterio, it has some way to simulate surround sound out of just 2 tv speakers.. never listened to it like that though since I have a big sterio system

I personally think Sony makes crap for the most part. I have been disappointed by everything Sony I have ever owned except one big screen tv and my minidisc portable recorder. My friend junked a sony the other day and bought a new toshiba. He works at an electronics store if that is any indication.

I am currently looking at Onkyo to replace my stereo and I am comparing it with Pioneer Elite so I would have no trouble recommending either of those brands.

I own the Panisonic and my only complaint is it is a little loud compared to my Toshiba 5109. I like Toshiba really well, but I have also heard some problems with the 1200 firmware. I bought that DVD player for my parents though and so far we have seen no problems at all. I am very confident in Toshiba and we just purchased a 1600 for my sister. My brother owns a Pioneer 525 and is very happy with it.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by speedyray:
I personally think Sony makes crap for the most part. I have been disappointed by everything Sony I have ever owned except one big screen tv and my minidisc portable recorder. My friend junked a sony the other day and bought a new toshiba. He works at an electronics store if that is any indication.

I am currently looking at Onkyo to replace my stereo and I am comparing it with Pioneer Elite so I would have no trouble recommending either of those brands.

I own the Panisonic and my only complaint is it is a little loud compared to my Toshiba 5109. I like Toshiba really well, but I have also heard some problems with the 1200 firmware. I bought that DVD player for my parents though and so far we have seen no problems at all. I am very confident in Toshiba and we just purchased a 1600 for my sister. My brother owns a Pioneer 525 and is very happy with it.<HR>

And that would be a personal opinion due to the fact that Sony does not make crap!!

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"You know Andy...I never thought it would come to this....Mayberry....Gateway to danger."

Barney Fife

quote:<HR>Originally posted by speedyray:
My friend junked a sony the other day and bought a new toshiba. He works at an electronics store if that is any indication.
<HR>

Uh, would that be Circuit City or Good Guys? I am extremely pleased with my Sony DVD player and just bought another Sony TV -- my 18 year old, wonderful XBR just got zapped by the power company. I think Sony DVD players have a very good reputation.

[This message has been edited by X (edited November 27, 2000).]

Unlike as has been mentioned Sony makes very good products. I have had my Sony DVP-S300 DVD player for over two years now with not one single problem or incompatible disc. If you look at the overall quality, reliability and disc compatibility then Sony and Pioneer definitely come out on top. Since I have been a member I have not heard one problem with Sony players, especially disc compatibility, but I have seen one or more posts regarding this subject on practically every other brand.

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MY GETTING LONGER BUT SLOWLY EXPANDING DVD LIST

"The earth does not belong to people; people belong to the earth. Everything that happens to the earth happens also to the sons and daughters of the earth." -Chief Seattle.

I would go with the Sony. My first DVD player which I still own and it works great is the Sony DVP-S300. Never had any problems with it. I currently run a DVP-S7700 which is heaven...so to speak I run all Sony stuff and haven't had any problems with anything in 5 years.

I would have to agree. Sony is CRAP! I have own tons of Sony gear and the only thing I would buy from Sony today is ES or a TV. Their audio gear stinks (CD/Receivers/etc). If it wasn't for the reliability I would rate Sony as one of the best manufacturers in the business but I have never had a peice of Sony equipment that hasn't broke. BUT my dad still has a 1972 or so Harman Kardon receiver that still works today! If you plan on keeping this player longer than the warranty lasts don't but sony! Here's my reccomendations from above.

First: Pioneer
Second: Onkyo
Tie LAST: Panasonic & Sony

I own a Toshiba and love it, but the firmware crap is a bitch. Because of it I can't reccomend them anymore. I would have to try a newer unit before I change my mind on them. Good luck.