I'm looking at getting a blu-ray player. Don't need 3D. SACD is nice to have, but I'm really after the best picture and audio possible from both blu-ray and DVDs. I will be using an hdmi audio breakout box > dac. Budget is £400. Has the technology moved on a lot in the last 2 years, such that the Denon has similar performance to the other three? All thoughts welcome, thank you!
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CES Hands On - Samsung HW-Q990F review
Sony BDP-S570 vs Cambridge Audio 650BD vs Denon DVD-2500BT
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PeteAllen,
IMO, the Denon DVD-2500BT still beats both these players for pure picture and sound quality.
Ronald
IMO, the Denon DVD-2500BT still beats both these players for pure picture and sound quality.
Ronald
The Sony beats the Denon for picture for me by some way, sound i am not sure as i have only heard the Denon sound wise and that was really good.
michael hoy
Well-known member
peteAllen:I'm looking at getting a blu-ray player. Don't need 3D. SACD is nice to have, but I'm really after the best picture and audio possible from both blu-ray and DVDs. I will be using an hdmi audio breakout box > dac. Budget is £400.
Has the technology moved on a lot in the last 2 years, such that the Denon has similar performance to the other three?
All thoughts welcome, thank you!
Ronald Archiebald:
PeteAllen,
IMO, the Denon DVD-2500BT still beats both these players for pure picture and sound quality.
Ronald
I might be biased but the 2500BT is still the one to beat if 3D or BD live does not matter to you.
Has the technology moved on a lot in the last 2 years, such that the Denon has similar performance to the other three?
All thoughts welcome, thank you!
Ronald Archiebald:
PeteAllen,
IMO, the Denon DVD-2500BT still beats both these players for pure picture and sound quality.
Ronald
I might be biased but the 2500BT is still the one to beat if 3D or BD live does not matter to you.
jase fox
Well-known member
I'm with Michael on this one and that's the Denon is still the player at this price range to beat for pure PQ and AQ.
Anyway , how are you Michael? Hope all is well with you mate.
Anyway , how are you Michael? Hope all is well with you mate.
IMO I would say the Sony, I myself don't have the 570 but I do have the 370 and it is the best Blu Ray player I have used in terms of picture and sound quality and being as I used to work in Tesco as a Tech Guy, I have tried out plenty of Blu Ray players. I also find that in terms of firmware updates the Sony is always ahead of the competition and I have also noticed some new Blu Ray's that are getting released (Predators for example) have trouble playing on some players out there but the Sony players don't really have any trouble at all and the fact that the load times are really quick on the Sony is a bonus!
michael hoy
Well-known member
manicm
Well-known member
Look, in some ways the 370 is better than the 360, and in some ways not - I know current consensus does not reflect this - I've had both and the 370 is better than the 360 at noise reduction esp. for Blu-rays, but I feel the 360 had better image 'depth'. Still I do prefer the 370 overall.
Also, from what I've gleaned from other reviews is that Sonys, even the latest and higher-end models, can be bettered at noise reduction.
I would not be surprised if the Denon's offer superior picture quality to the Sony's, or even the higher-end Pioneers.
Also, from what I've gleaned from other reviews is that Sonys, even the latest and higher-end models, can be bettered at noise reduction.
I would not be surprised if the Denon's offer superior picture quality to the Sony's, or even the higher-end Pioneers.
Don't forget the new offerings from Marantz and Denon. The Marantz UD5005 and Denon DBP-1611 have just hit the shops. I picked up my UD5005 last week for £370. Can't tell you what it's like yet, it's my Xmas pressie!
michael hoy
Well-known member
pete321:Don't forget the new offerings from Marantz and Denon. The Marantz UD5005 and Denon DBP-1611 have just hit the shops. I picked up my UD5005 last week for £370. Can't tell you what it's like yet, it's my Xmas pressie!
I'm quite interested in a comparison between the Denon DBP-2011 and the 2500BT myself, will have to wait until at least February though.
I'm quite interested in a comparison between the Denon DBP-2011 and the 2500BT myself, will have to wait until at least February though.
michael hoy: I'm quite interested in a comparison between the Denon DBP-2011 and the 2500BT myself, will have to wait until at least February though.
My plan was to get the base model Marantz which has the same solid chassis as the next model up (as does the Denon 1611 compared to the 2011), in the new year I'll have the clock replaced and some upgrades to the 2 channel analogue out for stereo SACD output. The clock upgrade will also benefit blu-ray playback. I reckon for about an extra £250-£275 on top of the £370 I paid for the UD5005 I'll end up with a player that far exceeds the next model up in the Marantz line up, albeit without the multi analogue outputs which I don't need.
My plan was to get the base model Marantz which has the same solid chassis as the next model up (as does the Denon 1611 compared to the 2011), in the new year I'll have the clock replaced and some upgrades to the 2 channel analogue out for stereo SACD output. The clock upgrade will also benefit blu-ray playback. I reckon for about an extra £250-£275 on top of the £370 I paid for the UD5005 I'll end up with a player that far exceeds the next model up in the Marantz line up, albeit without the multi analogue outputs which I don't need.
Hello, so, I bought the Denon 2500 ex-dem. Briefly played a blu-ray and it looks very nice actually.
However, there is a problem... it doesn't work with my hdmi audio breakout box. Unlike the old panasonic I have. I think it is the HDCP handshake failing, it doesn't recognise the breakout box as a worthy companion
As I don't have a receiver, this means I'll have to return the Denon unless anyone has any ideas for fixing this?
However, there is a problem... it doesn't work with my hdmi audio breakout box. Unlike the old panasonic I have. I think it is the HDCP handshake failing, it doesn't recognise the breakout box as a worthy companion
As I don't have a receiver, this means I'll have to return the Denon unless anyone has any ideas for fixing this?peteAllen:it doesn't work with my hdmi audio breakout box.
One of the reasons I would go for a more recent player. I owned and was very disappointed with the 2500BT based on the £600 I paid for it at the time. Blu-Ray is only really just coming of age, manufacturers now having had a chance to put out a few models and get things right. I reckon you'll get a better picture with one of the new crop of players, plus better compatability. The Sony 370 is a good example of this, it may not match the Denon for sound (albeit I found it a bit too smooth), but I think you'd be hard pressed to notice any difference in 1080p picture quality at normal viewing distances. If that's what you get from a modern budget player that sells for £99, an extra £300 on top of that spent on a modern player should bring you more hapiness than the 2500BT is capable of. The only thing that bought me hapiness from my 2500BT is when I very quickly sold it and replaced it with the Oppo!
One of the reasons I would go for a more recent player. I owned and was very disappointed with the 2500BT based on the £600 I paid for it at the time. Blu-Ray is only really just coming of age, manufacturers now having had a chance to put out a few models and get things right. I reckon you'll get a better picture with one of the new crop of players, plus better compatability. The Sony 370 is a good example of this, it may not match the Denon for sound (albeit I found it a bit too smooth), but I think you'd be hard pressed to notice any difference in 1080p picture quality at normal viewing distances. If that's what you get from a modern budget player that sells for £99, an extra £300 on top of that spent on a modern player should bring you more hapiness than the 2500BT is capable of. The only thing that bought me hapiness from my 2500BT is when I very quickly sold it and replaced it with the Oppo!
Long time no post...................that's another story!!!
Can't help but notice that no OP has mentioned the Cambridge 650BD.................
The Cambrideg is my current thinking for upgrading from the Sony I have, although the770 does seem to have an incredible review, don't need 3D, do need exquisite sound and picture quality
Thoughts
Thanks
Can't help but notice that no OP has mentioned the Cambridge 650BD.................
The Cambrideg is my current thinking for upgrading from the Sony I have, although the770 does seem to have an incredible review, don't need 3D, do need exquisite sound and picture quality
Thoughts
Thanks
Yes, I think I will probably get the 650BD next (hoping it will be compatible with my hdmi switch!).
The shop (PRC) I got the Denon from are saying they will charge a 10% re-stocking fee - for an ex-dem item! The kind of service you get in shops nowadays is not good
Any other suggestions at circa £400?
The shop (PRC) I got the Denon from are saying they will charge a 10% re-stocking fee - for an ex-dem item! The kind of service you get in shops nowadays is not good
Any other suggestions at circa £400?
michael hoy
Well-known member
bigboss
Moderator
I own the Cambridge Audio 650BD and it's a fantastic all rounder. Pretty much plays all formats, multi region for dvd out of the box (know that's not so much of a consideration these days, but bonus if you have loads of region 1 discs like i have), build quality is very good. Very good picture and sound quality wether it's movie or music. No 3d capability or wifi, but dont own 3d tv yet and player is close to modem so those features don't matter to me.
I recommend this player very highly, I know a lot of people prefer one of the big boys (Sony or Denon) but consider this player it's good value.
I recommend this player very highly, I know a lot of people prefer one of the big boys (Sony or Denon) but consider this player it's good value.
ianb76:
I own the Cambridge Audio 650BD and it's a fantastic all rounder. Pretty much plays all formats, multi region for dvd out of the box (know that's not so much of a consideration these days, but bonus if you have loads of region 1 discs like i have), build quality is very good. Very good picture and sound quality wether it's movie or music. No 3d capability or wifi, but dont own 3d tv yet and player is close to modem so those features don't matter to me.
I recommend this player very highly, I know a lot of people prefer one of the big boys (Sony or Denon) but consider this player it's good value.
Good to hear/see an independent review, thanks for this.
Was on my short list mid year but was very unsure, but now it is time to move the 370 to the kids room (as it is now known by my 11 (going on 17) year old and replace in my mind with the Cambridge
Just waiting til January to see if RS are going to do a special on this, hopefully they will!!
I own the Cambridge Audio 650BD and it's a fantastic all rounder. Pretty much plays all formats, multi region for dvd out of the box (know that's not so much of a consideration these days, but bonus if you have loads of region 1 discs like i have), build quality is very good. Very good picture and sound quality wether it's movie or music. No 3d capability or wifi, but dont own 3d tv yet and player is close to modem so those features don't matter to me.
I recommend this player very highly, I know a lot of people prefer one of the big boys (Sony or Denon) but consider this player it's good value.
Good to hear/see an independent review, thanks for this.
Was on my short list mid year but was very unsure, but now it is time to move the 370 to the kids room (as it is now known by my 11 (going on 17) year old and replace in my mind with the Cambridge
Just waiting til January to see if RS are going to do a special on this, hopefully they will!!
ianb76:
I own the Cambridge Audio 650BD and it's a fantastic all rounder. Pretty much plays all formats, multi region for dvd out of the box (know that's not so much of a consideration these days, but bonus if you have loads of region 1 discs like i have), build quality is very good. Very good picture and sound quality wether it's movie or music. No 3d capability or wifi, but dont own 3d tv yet and player is close to modem so those features don't matter to me.
I recommend this player very highly, I know a lot of people prefer one of the big boys (Sony or Denon) but consider this player it's good value.
I have been waiting for a good honest independant review of this machine too and much appreciate your comments Ian, thanks. Still on my shopping list to match up with my amp though I am going more down the PC music file and digital streaming route, a good all-rounder for CD and Bluray is still high on my list of priorities !! Hope it comes down in price in Januray thro Richer Sounds...
I own the Cambridge Audio 650BD and it's a fantastic all rounder. Pretty much plays all formats, multi region for dvd out of the box (know that's not so much of a consideration these days, but bonus if you have loads of region 1 discs like i have), build quality is very good. Very good picture and sound quality wether it's movie or music. No 3d capability or wifi, but dont own 3d tv yet and player is close to modem so those features don't matter to me.
I recommend this player very highly, I know a lot of people prefer one of the big boys (Sony or Denon) but consider this player it's good value.
I have been waiting for a good honest independant review of this machine too and much appreciate your comments Ian, thanks. Still on my shopping list to match up with my amp though I am going more down the PC music file and digital streaming route, a good all-rounder for CD and Bluray is still high on my list of priorities !! Hope it comes down in price in Januray thro Richer Sounds...
f1only
Well-known member
What about the Pioneer BDP430 for £299 or the New Pioneer BDPLX54 at £399 ? Mind you i have not seen any reviews on What HiFi in the mag or on here for these two players, but if the old Pio 320 is anything to go by the sound & picture quality should be pretty good.
An audition is worth a go for the Sony & other models you are considering before a purchase.
Paul
An audition is worth a go for the Sony & other models you are considering before a purchase.
Paul
@michael hoy: i've got plenty of hdmi ports, it's just that i need to separate out the audio so that it can go into my berkeley dac (which doesn't have enough digital inputs at the moment so that's why i have the sky hd box and blu-ray sharing the same input using the hdmi switch)
I considered the Oppo, didn't think it was available until feb '11. Might be a possibility. Anyone know of any online comparisons between the CA & Oppo 83?
I considered the Oppo, didn't think it was available until feb '11. Might be a possibility. Anyone know of any online comparisons between the CA & Oppo 83?
peteAllen:@michael hoy: i've got plenty of hdmi ports, it's just that i need to separate out the audio so that it can go into my berkeley dac (which doesn't have enough digital inputs at the moment so that's why i have the sky hd box and blu-ray sharing the same input using the hdmi switch)I considered the Oppo, didn't think it was available until feb '11. Might be a possibility. Anyone know of any online comparisons between the CA & Oppo 83?
peterAllen
Isn't there/wasn't there a school of thought that said the 650BD and the previous Oppo (that didn't quite make it's release here earlier this year) are pretty much one and the same thing?
Even down to the internal layout and various hacks available, as I remember
peterAllen
Isn't there/wasn't there a school of thought that said the 650BD and the previous Oppo (that didn't quite make it's release here earlier this year) are pretty much one and the same thing?
Even down to the internal layout and various hacks available, as I remember
bigboss
Moderator
IIRC, the Cambridge Audio 650BD was similar to the Oppo BD 80 (the cheaper version of Oppo BD 83). Cambridge Audio 650BD is manufactured by a Chinese company called Winbase Electronics, who apparently also made Oppo players (probably still makes them). Many users claim the 650BD to be the same as Oppo BD80.
The latest version (93) has just been released & is in stock now (check the Oppo thread). I don't think you'll find any comparisons between the 2 players just as yet. I suspect the new player will be superior to Cambridge Audio.
The latest version (93) has just been released & is in stock now (check the Oppo thread). I don't think you'll find any comparisons between the 2 players just as yet. I suspect the new player will be superior to Cambridge Audio.
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