Pioneer Elite BDP-LX500

[RalphoR]

For me it entails my whole system for how great everything sounds but the LX500 is an integral part. It's no pitch for anyone buying it. It's just my experience with it. As I've stated in several posts I don't think anyone could go wrong with either the Panasonic or the Pioneer. It's a matter of choosing which specific features are most important and getting the best option based on that.

[IntelliVolume]

The more I think about it, the more it seems like maybe I should go with the UB9000 -- if only because we still have not heard anything from the repair center regarding my CXUHD since early last week, and with all that's going on in the world (and this facility is in New Jersey -- where a great many cases of the virus have been reported), who even knows when, if ever, I'll get my player back from them...

For all I know, this facility may have been shut down permanently because of the pandemic.

In the meantime, the LX500 still isn't available, and we're using a first-generation Panasonic DMP-BD10A in the main system as a substitute deck; while still operational, this thing is getting long in the tooth to use day to day, as it refuses to play/load some more recent Blu-ray titles and exhibits glitches on others (it refuses to load my Avengers: Infinity War Blu for example, and froze up multiple times during a BD rental of John Wick 3 last night, ultimately crashing the player). It's just SO annoying already. It's also slow as molasses to load any Blu-ray, as it's so outdated.

The UB9000 is in stock at our local Best Buy, so I was figuring we could get it, bring it home, live with it for awhile, and if I don't like it -- as I think Danny had suggested, though it may have been Ralph -- I could return it and then look into the LX500 at that point or perhaps running the two players (the CXUHD, once repaired, for Blu-ray/4K Blu-ray and the Oppo BDP-83 for DVD; I'd rather have just one player though for different reasons).

It's ridiculous that I don't have a 4K Blu-ray player in my possession at this point, and it's really not fair that I can't watch the titles I have or ones I want to buy.

[ronboster]

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

The more I think about it, the more it seems like maybe I should go with the UB9000 -- if only because we still have not heard anything from the repair center regarding my CXUHD since early last week, and with all that's going on in the world (and this facility is in New Jersey -- where a great many cases of the virus have been reported), who even knows when, if ever, I'll get my player back from them...

For all I know, this facility may have been shut down permanently because of the pandemic.

In the meantime, the LX500 still isn't available, and we're using a first-generation Panasonic DMP-BD10A in the main system as a substitute deck; while still operational, this thing is getting long in the tooth to use day to day, as it refuses to play/load some more recent Blu-ray titles and exhibits glitches on others (it refuses to load my Avengers: Infinity War Blu for example, and froze up multiple times during a BD rental of John Wick 3 last night, ultimately crashing the player). It's just SO annoying already. It's also slow as molasses to load any Blu-ray, as it's so outdated.

The UB9000 is in stock at our local Best Buy, so I was figuring we could get it, bring it home, live with it for awhile, and if I don't like it -- as I think Danny had suggested, though it may have been Ralph -- I could return it and then look into the LX500 at that point or perhaps running the two players (the CXUHD, once repaired, for Blu-ray/4K Blu-ray and the Oppo BDP-83 for DVD; I'd rather have just one player though for different reasons).

It's ridiculous that I don't have a 4K Blu-ray player in my possession at this point, and it's really not fair that I can't watch the titles I have or ones I want to buy.

Sounds like you've got the proper focus on the current situation and have a solid plan. I would contact Robert at Value Electronics for either player.

[Waboman]

Yep, got my 9000 thru Robert at VE. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. And if I were in the market for an lx500 I would do the same. As I like easy peasy.

[RalphoR]

Good plan. Robert is the way to go unless you are an elite member at Best Buy and can get them to give you 24/36 months same as cash.

[IntelliVolume]

Again: Not going through VE.

At any rate, if I don't ever get my CXUHD back, I have to be prepared for some kind of suit against Cambridge I suppose -- they even have two DVDs of mine in their possession.

What a friggin' hassle this has all been...

[bguzman]

Originally Posted by JohnAV

You two trying to convince someone that Digital Bitstream over HDMI sent to a external AVR has different audio characteristics. That sounds like a sales pitch.

For something to be noticeably different you would have to have internal decoding of digital audio by the player which is limited (speaker setup), or using multi channel analog which neither LX500 and LX800 offers. DACS are not involved unless it’s analog.

Yes I agree and yet I prefer the sound of the LX500 in my space with my equipment after comparisons with the players I listed previously.

IntelliVolume,

I think you have made the correct choice for your situation and will be very happy with i the UB900’s performance if you do indeed purchase one.

[IntelliVolume]

Originally Posted by bguzman

IntelliVolume,

I think you have made the correct choice for your situation and will be very happy with i the UB900’s performance if you do indeed purchase one.

But don't you own an LX500?

[bguzman]

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

But don't you own an LX500?

Yes I do, and I also use my LX500 to play SACD and DVD-A discs. Additionally I use the analog outs to my stereo setup to play SACDs and hirez files. For me the LX500 is a good choice. On the other hand you stated that your use is mainly video discs via HDMI so the best choice for you is the UB9000 in my opinion. Both are excellent machines however our situations are different therefore the features and uses of each player dictates my choice of which player is right for their space.

[IntelliVolume]

Originally Posted by bguzman

Yes I do, and I also use my LX500 to play SACD and DVD-A discs. Additionally I use the analog outs to my stereo setup to play SACDs and hirez files. For me the LX500 is a good choice. On the other hand you stated that your use is mainly video discs via HDMI so the best choice for you is the UB9000 in my opinion. Both are excellent machines however our situations are different therefore the features and uses of each player dictates my choice of which player is right for their space.

That's all true, with regard to my intended usage, but there are some other things at play here...

First, please have a look here at what I had originally stated were my pros and cons of each:

UB9000:

* THX Certification; seems like this would kind of guarantee a good video quality experience.
* HDR Optimizer; at first, I thought this would be too intimidating to use, especially since we don't have that great of a 4K display, but now I'm thinking that perhaps it could make 4K Blu-rays with HDR10 look better on our Samsung NU8000. Plus, I was told that the HDR Optimizer is a simple on/off affair, so it's not too complex.
* Rumors of an overall richer, better picture quality experience compared to any other player; it seems many Panasonic owners, and even reviewers, say that the 9000 truly beats the pants off of any other player compared to it, even when taking into consideration DVD upconversion to 4K (a big deal to us).

What I don't like about it:

* The automatic off function after 20 minutes; this really is an almost make-or-break thing to me.
* The somewhat complicated setup menus and all the adjustments available -- for example, a myriad of noise reduction controls (I use NR, but I'd prefer one simple on/off control or a slider, like on the Oppo, Cambridge and Pioneer), the image adjustment controls during playback (calling up the HDR adjustment on the remote, for example) and some others...Jesus, I'd rather just see the image as it was supposed to be seen coming off the disc (albeit with the player doing DVD and Blu-ray upscaling).
* Isn't quite as beefy in build as the LX500 (but I could definitely live with this; it boasts an aluminum finish on the front panel, and that's good enough for me); in comparison, the UDP-203 and CXUHD are almost the same dimension-wise.
* All the streaming/app features built in (we're never going to use them).
* Poor quality DVD upconversion we experienced using Panasonic's first generation BD player, the DMP-BD10A; this concerns me if Panasonic didn't step up its game with the Hollywood processor.
* Perhaps the most important thing: There's no way to zoom any non-anamorphic DVDs to their proper aspect ratios, nor is there a way to stretch full screen DVDs to fill a screen (something important to us as we have a ton of titles like this, unfortunately; though, if need be, we COULD begin replacing these on Blu-ray little by little).

UDP-LX500:

* Battleship-like build quality; the way this thing stands like a mini-AV receiver is astounding, and I like the look of it very much.
* Rumors that this unit shares the processor used in the UDP-203 and CXUHD, the MediaTek chip, so I'd be familiar with its video quality performance.
* Menu system that is similar to the CXUHD and UDP-203, so I'd be familiar using it; some settings are different, but from what I've seen online, it isn't a big deal to get used to.
* Like the Oppo 203 and Cambridge CXUHD, there's a way to zoom non-anamorphic DVDs and stretch full screen DVDs.
* I don't know if I'd consider this a pro or con, but this player comes with a selection for outputting "Reference" video, or the user can select the type of display connected (projector/OLED/LCD); this would be the first time I am playing with such a control, as my CXUHD had no such option.

What I don't like about it:

* No onboard WiFi to get OTA firmware updates automatically; I got used to this very quickly with my CXUHD.
* Kind of boring home screen with just the Pioneer logo on a black background; this wouldn't be a make it or break it thing though after living with the CXUHD's screen with that dude on it (in comparison, I think Panasonic's decision to include their company name and the mention of "Ultra HD Blu-ray Player" on the home page was great).
* Rumors that the performance here isn't as good as the UB9000; some are reporting "okay" DVD and BD upconversion, but if this player shares the processor used in the 203 and CXUHD, I don't think I'd have an issue with the performance, as I didn't really have any issues with my CXUHD's upconversion.

I think the biggest negative for me when considering the LX500 is that lack of wireless access, believe it or not, because as the player gets firmware updates -- how many are expected for it outside of possible HDR10+ support? -- I'd have to use the front panel USB port (I guess no big deal).

------------------------------------------------------------

Based on all this, do you have additional thoughts?

[bguzman]

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

... it will ONLY be used for film playback...

I already read your post and this line here seals the deal. The UB9000 has premiere build quality and the best most feature packed film performance of any player.

[smithb]

Just curious...since analog audio is not part of the equation why not consider the UB820 and save $500? I realize the UB9000 is a more solid player and built like a tank, but is that worth an additional $500 when you are forgoing the audio aspects that are a good chunk of the price difference.

[ronboster]

Originally Posted by smithb

Just curious...since analog audio is not part of the equation why not consider the UB820 and save $500? I realize the UB9000 is a more solid player and built like a tank, but is that worth an additional $500 when you are forgoing the audio aspects that are a good chunk of the price difference.

That was suggested over a year (or more ago), before the Cambridge purchase even. Buy the Panny 820 and repair or replace the OPPO to use for dvd's. But, the fixation on "built" like a tank was one of the over-riding reasons to buy the Cambridge unit vs a very capable Panny 820.

Found it:

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.p...69&postcount=3

Originally Posted by ronboster

I would either repair the your OPPO 83 or fine another used one. Combine it with a darbee darblet 5000 (new through ebay or monoprice w/coupon...or used one)...for me gives me the best upconversion performance to 1080P.

For the 4k UHD performance, I would say a used UB9000 or the current UB 820. Depends on your perceived need for the HD optimizer.

This should keep you in a fair budget range and give you the best of both worlds.

Used OPPO 83 or repair $100-150
Darblet $110 (new with coupon) - $125 w/o coupon. Used darblet $75
Used UB 900 for $250 or New UB 820 for $499

[RalphoR]

Since money is a major factor as well I'm not sure either the LX500 or the UB9000 should be considered an option at all.

[IntelliVolume]

Originally Posted by RalphoR

Since money is a major factor as well I'm not sure either the LX500 or the UB9000 should be considered an option at all.

We're planning on getting the UB9000 -- if that's the way we go -- via our Best Buy on our card we have with them, and even though, yes, it is out of budget, I'm sucking it up and going to possibly put us in hack because I value a premium-built disc player that much (and there are no options in this category anymore at the $500 to $800 range).

We figured on the same thing if we get the LX500 through online vendors we researched that will offer it -- financing through them.

Also: We are hoping that the sale of the CXUHD on the open market will offset the cost of the new player somewhat.

[IntelliVolume]

Originally Posted by smithb

Just curious...since analog audio is not part of the equation why not consider the UB820 and save $500? I realize the UB9000 is a more solid player and built like a tank, but is that worth an additional $500 when you are forgoing the audio aspects that are a good chunk of the price difference.

You're most likely not familiar with my history regarding these players; I DID buy a UB820 originally before I got my Cambridge Audio CXUHD, and returned it the next day because of the plastic build quality and what I felt I wasn't getting for the $500.

I also didn't care for the complex set of adjustments on the unit, and it's something that is keeping me away from the 9000, as well (but it looks like it's the only one that's going to make sense because the LX500 from Pioneer is still MIA so far as a re-stocking date is concerned).

[IntelliVolume]

Originally Posted by bguzman

I already read your post and this line here seals the deal. The UB9000 has premiere build quality and the best most feature packed film performance of any player.

It doesn't automatically seal the deal because of this (which, if you truly read the post, you would have taken into consideration):

* The automatic off function after 20 minutes; this really is an almost make-or-break thing to me.
* The somewhat complicated setup menus and all the adjustments available -- for example, a myriad of noise reduction controls (I use NR, but I'd prefer one simple on/off control or a slider, like on the Oppo, Cambridge and Pioneer), the image adjustment controls during playback (calling up the HDR adjustment on the remote, for example) and some others...Jesus, I'd rather just see the image as it was supposed to be seen coming off the disc (albeit with the player doing DVD and Blu-ray upscaling).
* Isn't quite as beefy in build as the LX500 (but I could definitely live with this; it boasts an aluminum finish on the front panel, and that's good enough for me); in comparison, the UDP-203 and CXUHD are almost the same dimension-wise.
* All the streaming/app features built in (we're never going to use them).
* Poor quality DVD upconversion we experienced using Panasonic's first generation BD player, the DMP-BD10A; this concerns me if Panasonic didn't step up its game with the Hollywood processor.
* Perhaps the most important thing: There's no way to zoom any non-anamorphic DVDs to their proper aspect ratios, nor is there a way to stretch full screen DVDs to fill a screen (something important to us as we have a ton of titles like this, unfortunately; though, if need be, we COULD begin replacing these on Blu-ray little by little).

[ronboster]

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

It doesn't automatically seal the deal because of this (which, if you truly read the post, you would have taken into consideration):

Please don't treat other members like they are your paid consultants. You are not their customer. They have taken the time out of their day to help you. Show some appreciation for their responses.

[RalphoR]

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

We're planning on getting the UB9000 -- if that's the way we go -- via our Best Buy on our card we have with them, and even though, yes, it is out of budget, I'm sucking it up and going to possibly put us in hack because I value a premium-built disc player that much (and there are no options in this category anymore at the $500 to $800 range).

We figured on the same thing if we get the LX500 through online vendors we researched that will offer it -- financing through them.

Also: We are hoping that the sale of the CXUHD on the open market will offset the cost of the new player somewhat.

Good luck!

[smithb]

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

You're most likely not familiar with my history regarding these players; I DID buy a UB820 originally before I got my Cambridge Audio CXUHD, and returned it the next day because of the plastic build quality and what I felt I wasn't getting for the $500.

I also didn't care for the complex set of adjustments on the unit, and it's something that is keeping me away from the 9000, as well (but it looks like it's the only one that's going to make sense because the LX500 from Pioneer is still MIA so far as a re-stocking date is concerned).

I see. Obviously the build quality is important enough to you to spend the extra $500. At least based on the options currently available. I can understand that. I've had an Oppo BDP-83 since 2009 for my HT. In other parts of the house I have gone through at least six flimsy (basically, disposable) players. However, my Oppo is still going strong (except for the tray that requires me to keep a disk in at all times). Solid build and dependability can pay for itself over time.

In a way, my Oppo lasting so long has made it so I've missed an opportunity to upgrade to another Oppo before they got out of the market. I've been following the thread to get ideas for my own next purchase. I'd be happy with a solid 2K player to work with my projector, but it looks like I'll need to go up to a 4K player because that appears to be where the quality market is currently at.