Which UHD player?

[bigboss]

I have a 7.1.4 home cinema system consisting of Denon X6400H AVR and Monitor Audio in-wall and in-ceiling speakers (Trimless 200 series) with SVS PB2000 subwoofer. I've recently upgraded my TV and projector to 4K ones (Samsung 77-inch S95D OLED and Sony XW-5000ES projector). I'm looking to replace my Oppo 103 with an UHD player. Our viewing habits have changed over the years, so will only buy minimal number of discs. So I'm not really looking at spending a lot on the player. Both the Samsung TV and the Sony PJ do not support Dolby Vision so I'm not worried about DV support.

I had bought a Panasonic DP-UB159 from Currys which I think is the same as DP-UB150. However, it is faulty as the tray doesn't open unless I unplug the player and plug back in. I even disconnected the ethernet cable but no improvement. So I will be returning it.

Which reliable good quality UHD player would you recommend?

 

[Al ears]

I have a 7.1.4 home cinema system consisting of Denon X6400H AVR and Monitor Audio in-wall and in-ceiling speakers (Trimless 200 series) with SVS PB2000 subwoofer. I've recently upgraded my TV and projector to 4K ones (Samsung 77-inch S95D OLED and Sony XW-5000ES projector). I'm looking to replace my Oppo 103 with an UHD player. Our viewing habits have changed over the years, so will only buy minimal number of discs. So I'm not really looking at spending a lot on the player. Both the Samsung TV and the Sony PJ do not support Dolby Vision so I'm not worried about DV support.

I had bought a Panasonic DP-UB159 from Currys which I think is the same as DP-UB150. However, it is faulty as the tray doesn't open unless I unplug the player and plug back in. I even disconnected the ethernet cable but no improvement. So I will be returning it.

Which reliable good quality UHD player would you recommend?

What is your budget?
Unfortunately universal disc players are thin on the ground these days as you are probably aware.
Those of Oppo quality are not cheap.
Do you really need one as opposed to Bluray?
Thankfully my Oppo is still going.

 

[R2D2]

I not the biggest fan of my Panasonic Ub400 to be honest, yes it’s loud but it’s no Oppo or Cambridge Audio 4K player, where the sound is a lot nicer and pleasant to listen to. I have bought streaming content rather than buy a disc these days, so I don’t have to listen to the sound of the Panasonic. The disc tray is pretty flimsy and not like the Panasonic 820, which is more solid.

I don’t think the Panasonic 9000 is worth it, that’s a lot of money over the 820. The Sony 700 wasn’t that loud from memory but could’ve done with a better sound. With sound though in some systems I have heard differences with 4K Blu-ray players but with different amps some 4K Blu-ray players sound the same to me. The Sony is universal in playback, something the Panasonic is not.

Does anybody want to be spending this much on probably the best and only real consideration for a top notch player these days?

Magnetar UDP800 (Black)

Shop for UDP800 (Black) Universal UHD Blu-ray Player with Richer Sounds for expert advice and Lowest Prices Guaranteed

www.richersounds.com

Otherwise I suppose I would buy the Sony 800 purely because I don’t get on great with the sound of the Panasonics especially with music in my setup.

 

[abacus]

I not the biggest fan of my Panasonic Ub400 to be honest, yes it’s loud but it’s no Oppo or Cambridge Audio 4K player, where the sound is a lot nicer and pleasant to listen to. I have bought streaming content rather than buy a disc these days, so I don’t have to listen to the sound of the Panasonic. The disc tray is pretty flimsy and not like the Panasonic 820, which is more solid.

I don’t think the Panasonic 9000 is worth it, that’s a lot of money over the 820. The Sony 700 wasn’t that loud from memory but could’ve done with a better sound. With sound though in some systems I have heard differences with 4K Blu-ray players but with different amps some 4K Blu-ray players sound the same to me. The Sony is universal in playback, something the Panasonic is not.

Does anybody want to be spending this much on probably the best and only real consideration for a top notch player these days?

Magnetar UDP800 (Black)

Shop for UDP800 (Black) Universal UHD Blu-ray Player with Richer Sounds for expert advice and Lowest Prices Guaranteed

www.richersounds.com

Otherwise I suppose I would buy the Sony 800 purely because I don’t get on great with the sound of the Panasonics especially with music in my setup.

Providing you have bitstream over HDMI selected on your player, the decoding is done in the receiver so will always sound the same no matter what player you use. (Maybe worth checking in the settings if you find differences)

Bill

 

[abacus]

If you want the same quality as your Oppo then Magnetar is the way to go.
If the above is too much, then have a look at the Sony 800 as it is solidly built as well as being a universal payer.
Otherwise, the Panasonic 820 is the way to go, just remember it is very plasticky so don't knock it around.
The Sony 700 is an option (It's also a universal player) but like the Panasonic 820 is very plasticky.
Don't go any lower than the above, as corners have been cut in quality and reliability to meet the price point.

Bill

 

[Al ears]

If you want the same quality as your Oppo then Magnetar is the way to go.
If the above is too much, then have a look at the Sony 800 as it is solidly built as well as being a universal payer.
Otherwise, the Panasonic 820 is the way to go, just remember it is very plasticky so don't knock it around.
The Sony 700 is an option (It's also a universal player) but like the Panasonic 820 is very plasticky.
Don't go any lower than the above, as corners have been cut in quality and reliability to meet the price point.

Bill

Think Reavon they are cheaper.....

 

[R2D2]

Providing you have bitstream over HDMI selected on your player, the decoding is done in the receiver so will always sound the same no matter what player you use. (Maybe worth checking in the settings if you find differences)

Bill

I have just checked WHF reviews and they have heard the same differences in sound as I have. Nothing wrong with my settings.

 

[bigboss]

What is your budget?
Unfortunately universal disc players are thin on the ground these days as you are probably aware.
Those of Oppo quality are not cheap.
Do you really need one as opposed to Bluray?
Thankfully my Oppo is still going.

Thanks. My Oppo is still going strong, but I have a couple of UHD discs and in the future, will only buy UHD discs. I still have the option of keeping my Oppo and adding a UHD player, but this in my view is unnecessary. I'm not necessarily looking for Oppo quality as the disc viewing will be very occasional. I don't really have a set budget.

 

[bigboss]

If you want the same quality as your Oppo then Magnetar is the way to go.
If the above is too much, then have a look at the Sony 800 as it is solidly built as well as being a universal payer.
Otherwise, the Panasonic 820 is the way to go, just remember it is very plasticky so don't knock it around.
The Sony 700 is an option (It's also a universal player) but like the Panasonic 820 is very plasticky.
Don't go any lower than the above, as corners have been cut in quality and reliability to meet the price point.

Bill

Thanks Bill. This is very useful. I've heard Sony players are glitchy or is it not the case anymore?

 

[bigboss]

Any view on the Panasonic DP-UB450 in comparison with Sony X700? It also has HDR10+ support that the Sony lacks.

 

[daytona600]

Used one of these for a year myself Mega Spec even 8K

UHD8000

UHD8000

www.zidoo.tv

https://www.avforums.com/reviews/zidoo-uhd8000-network-video-and-audio-streamer-review.22336/

 

[bigboss]

Used one of these for a year myself Mega Spec even 8K

UHD8000

UHD8000

www.zidoo.tv

https://www.avforums.com/reviews/zidoo-uhd8000-network-video-and-audio-streamer-review.22336/

Looks way too much in excess of my needs. Does it play UHD discs at all?

 

[Al ears]

Looks way too much in excess of my needs. Does it play UHD discs at all?

Can I clarify that by UHD discs you mean 4k Bluray?
If so I was mistaken and you don't need a Universal Disc Player

 

[bigboss]

Can I clarify that by UHD discs you mean 4k Bluray?
If so I was mistaken and you don't need a Universal Disc Player

Yes, I meant 4K blu ray (Ultra HD).

 

[bigboss]

I not the biggest fan of my Panasonic Ub400 to be honest, yes it’s loud but it’s no Oppo or Cambridge Audio 4K player, where the sound is a lot nicer and pleasant to listen to. I have bought streaming content rather than buy a disc these days, so I don’t have to listen to the sound of the Panasonic. The disc tray is pretty flimsy and not like the Panasonic 820, which is more solid.

I don’t think the Panasonic 9000 is worth it, that’s a lot of money over the 820. The Sony 700 wasn’t that loud from memory but could’ve done with a better sound. With sound though in some systems I have heard differences with 4K Blu-ray players but with different amps some 4K Blu-ray players sound the same to me. The Sony is universal in playback, something the Panasonic is not.

Does anybody want to be spending this much on probably the best and only real consideration for a top notch player these days?

Magnetar UDP800 (Black)

Shop for UDP800 (Black) Universal UHD Blu-ray Player with Richer Sounds for expert advice and Lowest Prices Guaranteed

www.richersounds.com

Otherwise I suppose I would buy the Sony 800 purely because I don’t get on great with the sound of the Panasonics especially with music in my setup.

Thanks. Sound is of no matter to me as it'll be bitstreamed for my AVR to process. The Sony doesn't do HDR10+ that the Samsung TV has. Not sure how important that is.

You seem to suggest the Panasonic UB820 probably is the best balance for my needs. Certainly a great shout and currently on top of my list of options!

 

[michael hoy]

Looks way too much in excess of my needs. Does it play UHD discs at all?

The Zidoo does not play discs in its self BB (will play Blu Ray from an external drive). They are very good devices if you want to Rip your discs and play from a hard drive or stream from a NAS.

 

[bigboss]

The Zidoo does not play discs in its self BB (will play Blu Ray from an external drive). They are very good devices if you want to Rip your discs and play from a hard drive or stream from a NAS.

Thanks. I'm not looking at that option for now. Few years ago, I was very interested in the Kaleidoscope / Innuos option but they were pricey. Now our viewing habits have changed.

 

[abacus]

Thanks Bill. This is very useful. I've heard Sony players are glitchy or is it not the case anymore?

Yes, there are a number of videos on You Tube and in forums about problems, however as most folks only post if there is a problem, not if it is working fine, it's always difficult to get an accurate picture.
If it helps, I have had my Sony 800M2 for some time (Probably well over 2 years), use it regularly and (Touch Wood) it has been fine.
Make sure 4K discs are spotlessly clean, as due to the size of the pits, they are more sensitive than ordinary Blue-Rays.
NOTE: the Sony's do not come with a display on the front.

Bill

 

[abacus]

Thanks. Sound is of no matter to me as it'll be bitstreamed for my AVR to process. The Sony doesn't do HDR10+ that the Samsung TV has. Not sure how important that is.

You seem to suggest the Panasonic UB820 probably is the best balance for my needs. Certainly a great shout and currently on top of my list of options!

DV & HDR+ come into their own if the TV has limited brightness capabilities, however your TV has a very high brightness level, so for most UHD discs you will probably not notice much (If any) difference.

Bill

 

[R2D2]

Any view on the Panasonic DP-UB450 in comparison with Sony X700? It also has HDR10+ support that the Sony lacks.

Like Bill said picture and sound will probably be the same, with the Panasonic you get HDR10+. I have decided to keep with my Panasonic UB400 because I think it’s the best player for the money. The Sony 800 is like £500 currently, so imho not worth it because it was like £280 not long ago. And if it’s occasional use it will be a great buy.

 

[Al ears]

Yes, I meant 4K blu ray (Ultra HD).

I uze a Sony X800 downstairs. Not cheap but no issues so far.
Cannot really comment on Panasonic as never owned one apart from a telly....

 

[Jasonovich]

Thanks. My Oppo is still going strong, but I have a couple of UHD discs and in the future, will only buy UHD discs. I still have the option of keeping my Oppo and adding a UHD player, but this in my view is unnecessary. I'm not necessarily looking for Oppo quality as the disc viewing will be very occasional. I don't really have a set budget.

The Panasonic 820 is probably all you need at a very sensible price. Nice sharp pictures as per below. If you haven't got 4K-Blu-ray UHD Jackie Brown, get it 🙂

 

[Al ears]

The Panasonic 820 is probably all you need at a very sensible price. Nice sharp pictures as per below. If you haven't got 4K-Blu-ray UHD Jackie Brown, get it 🙂

View attachment 8971

I think I contemplated buying one of these but do occasionally like to play my SACD multichannel discs downstairs, hence the Sony.

 

[bigboss]

Thanks all! I'm going to pull the trigger on the Panasonic 820. I checked it out at Richer Sounds and am impressed with the build quality for the price. Waiting for it be back in stock at Panasonic store so I can get RS to price match (I have a 10% Panasonic store voucher).

Meanwhile, I've paid for Control4 system with Halo Touch remote.

 

[michael hoy]

Update about Reavon as a reply to my email.
Hi,
thank you for your message.

We kindly inform you that all of our Reavon players are discontinued.

No plans for replacement models at this time due to lack of specific components on the market.

Best regards

Reavon (Contact)

www.reavon.com
Another one bites the dust.