Blu-ray Player Recommendation Please

[boojiboy]

I lurk in these forums often, but I must admit, I'm not much on the technical specifications of the players. So I'd appreciate advice on which Blu-Ray player to buy. I'm aiming to purchase around Xmas time.

I currently have a Integra DTR 4.6 receiver, a 5.1 speaker system and a Sony SXRD 60 inch TV. My HD-DVD Player is obviously obsolete. However, I really like the sound I have, I believe I'm using TrueHD with analog outputs. When I dumped HDMI and went analog outputs I noticed a very significant improvement in sound.

So obviously picture is important, but sound is also very, very important to me. I'm a PC gamer, so I'm not interested in the PS3. Also willing to spend $400-$500 if need be, but it looks like prices are dropping nicely.

Thanks in advance!!

[RIPSeanTaylor21]

Originally Posted by boojiboy

I lurk in these forums often, but I must admit, I'm not much on the technical specifications of the players. So I'd appreciate advice on which Blu-Ray player to buy. I'm aiming to purchase around Xmas time.

I currently have a Integra DTR 4.6 receiver, a 5.1 speaker system and a Sony SXRD 60 inch TV. My HD-DVD Player is obviously obsolete. However, I really like the sound I have, I believe I'm using TrueHD with analog outputs. When I dumped HDMI and went analog outputs I noticed a very significant improvement in sound.

So obviously picture is important, but sound is also very, very important to me. I'm a PC gamer, so I'm not interested in the PS3. Also willing to spend $400-$500 if need be, but it looks like prices are dropping nicely.

Thanks in advance!!

If you Max Budget is $500 then :



Pioneer - BonusView Blu-ray Disc Player with 1080p Output
Model: BDP-51FD | SKU: 8894609
Price: $599.99
Brilliant video and dazzling audio are delivered with equal facility by this Blu-ray Disc player, thanks to its full 1080p upconversion, Wolfson Audio DACs and an exclusive jitter-reduction circuit that ensures high-quality audio and video performance from all your entertainment media.

What's Included

Pioneer BonusView Blu-ray Disc Player with 1080p Output
Remote with 2 AA batteries
Composite video cable
Analog audio cable
Power cord
Owner's manual


In my opinion fastest Loading Blu Ray next to PS3

[RIPSeanTaylor21]

• Pioneer BDP-51HD- $599.99
• Sony BDP 350- $299.99
• Panasonic BD-35K- $299.99
• Sony BDP 550- $399.99
• Samsung---STAY AWAY

[Aerodude73]

Originally Posted by RIPSeanTaylor21

• Pioneer BDP-51HD- $599.99
• Sony BDP 350- $299.99
• Panasonic BD-35K- $299.99
• Sony BDP 550- $399.99
• Samsung---STAY AWAY

hello -- not sure where you are seeing that price, but Amazon has had the S550 for pretty much $329 the last 2-3 weeks at least. (maybe you had "List" prices for each?)

[RIPSeanTaylor21]

Originally Posted by aerodude73

hello -- not sure where you are seeing that price, but Amazon has had the S550 for pretty much $329 the last 2-3 weeks at least. (maybe you had "List" prices for each?)

best buy.com

[Aerodude73]

Originally Posted by RIPSeanTaylor21

best buy.com

well, that's why I guess! i'm sure the S350 is lower as well at Amazon than BB or CC, or any local stores in one's area. it'd be nice if they could price match, but I don't think they do that from what i've heard or read.

[boojiboy]

Thanks for all the great responses already.

So if I'm not mistaken, with my preference for analog outputs (don't know the technical reason why, but I can certainly hear the difference), going with a player that internal decodes the signal is the why to go? I assume there is an advantage to the player decoding the signal over my Integra DTR 4.6 receiver?

I'm also planning to redo the ISF calibration since my High Def player will be a completely new source. Just double-checking because someone told me it doesn't need to be redone.

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by RIPSeanTaylor21

• Pioneer BDP-51HD- $599.99
• Sony BDP 350- $299.99 - no analog audio
• Panasonic BD-35K- $299.99 - no analog audio
• Sony BDP 550- $399.99 - good alternative to the Panasonic

udpdated.

[kpkelley]

According to the specifications on this site the Pioneer does not decode the DTS-HD MA internally, so if you go for that one it would have to be over hdmi.

The Panasonic DMP-BD55 can internally decode both or bitstream them to an equivalent player. Since you preffered analog audio over the hdmi alternative I would suggest this player, it's also cheaper.

Panasonic DMP-BD55