Time to decide, Sony BDP-S370, BDP S570 or Panasonic DMP-BD85?

[audiowizard]

I am ready to upgrade now and these 3 players are the ones I cant decide on. 3D is not an issue, im not interested in 3D at all, so the 370 sounds like the best bet for performance per pound. I have been slightly put off going for the sony due to the problems cetrain people have been experiencing, although these may be few and far between. I also understand Sony are working on a fix. Great sound is just as important to me, which gives the Panasonic a slight advantage as well, as its supposed to sound excellent as well as a great picture. Then theres the load times. The Sony's are the fasted at loading discs, but the Panasonic DMP-BD85 will be a lot faster than my current DMP-BD30 at loading I suppose. Can anyone give me advice on which to go for?

 

[Anonymous]

A while ago I sold my Denon 2500BT, as I got a good offer and thought I would like a profile 2.0 player.

So in the mean time I dug out my old Panasonic BD30 and that's been playing my blu rays very well for the past 8 months, after a lot of waying up just like you are, I took the plunge as the 370 droped below £100.

I must admit I have not seen or heard the BD85 in action, but you will not be dissapointed by the picture and sound with the sony, absolutely awesome for the money.

If I where you, I would go with the 370, also in addition I have it plugged into my 10mb bvirgin router via ethernet and stream films off the lovefilm site, it's a nice little bonus.

 

[audiowizard]

Thank you, im guessing you have not experienced any of the issues with sound drop out etc? Good to hear from someone who has upgraded from the Panny DMP-BD30, as this is my current player. Would you say there was a noticable difference in picture and sound on the BDP-S370 than your old Panasonic DMP-BD30? Would also like to hear from anyone who has the Panasonic DMP-BD85 and the Sony BDP-S570.

 

[Anonymous]

In my opinion yes there is a huge difference, also the load times are much quicker.

I would say that the sound is the biggest difference there is so much more detail and the steering seems to be much better.

I think the 370 edged it in a recent review in WHF against the BD85, but I think they took value it to consideration also, but they did comment the BD85 wasn't far behind the sony, which would suggest to me that you may be better off buying the sony and saving some money.

 

[strapped for cash]

Also, as far as I understand, the sound drop-out issue is only a problem when the 370 is connnected directly to Sony televisions. So if you're using a receiver for sound duties, and/or don't own a Sony television, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

 

[audiowizard]

I was just about to order a 370, when I read a post about someone experiencing this when connected through a reciever. Now I dont know what to do. You can read the post here:

http://community.whathifi.com/forums/t/442142.aspx

This may be a problem with the users set up, but it still makes you wonder.

http://community.whathifi.com/forums/t/442142.aspx

 

[chudleighpaul]

I would go for the Panny. I have a personal dislike of the Sony menu system. It seems over complicated to me.

 

[Anonymous]

hi, if i was you i would go for the panasonic bd 85 you will get a great picture and also good quality sound and solid build quality, and panasonic products are very reliable and they tend to last a long time from my experience with them, yes go for the panny and you will not be disappointed.