[Zorba_8]

Hi guys

I was hoping to get your input on my latest query…
As you you'll see from my kit list in my signature, I only have a PS3 which I use for all functions (gaming, DVDs, BRs and music CDs).

Whilst this is OK for me, my other half struggles with the PS3s menus (bless) and is shy when it comes to putting a BR/DVD or music CD. So, this isn't good enough and needs to be sorted!!

My question is, would you spend £200 on a stand alone BR player with will take care of DVD/BR and another £200 on a stand alone CD player? Or would you spend £400 on something that will take care of everything.

As I'm tied by a budget of up to a maximum of £400 and can't purchase until the new year (as have no space on current AV rack until shelves are put in the recess where my gear lives at the moment) I'd appreciate some ideas.

Also, do I need to consider the fact that my AVR has Burr Brown DACs on all channels when looking at adding components?

So will one piece of kit at £400 (BR player) or two items be better at doing the job?

One would be my preference as I've only one spare power socket but this can be fixed relatively easily.

Cheers all.

(as a side, we tend to watch slightly more DVDs than BR at the moment because of price and availability so DVD playback quality is important as I have issues with PS3 - edges are blurred and lacks clarity with any moving images unless watching an animation DVD)

[awink1]

If you have the space for it, go for separates. You need to invest more than £400 to get a blu ray player that does CDs as well as a £200 dedicated CD spinner.

[Zorba_8]

Originally Posted by awink1

If you have the space for it, go for separates. You need to invest more than £400 to get a blu ray player that does CDs as well as a £200 dedicated CD spinner.

The Sony BDP360 can be had for circa £135, will £265 still not provide enough of a budget for a mid range CD 'spinner'

Does that make CDs musical biscuits then?

[awink1]

Originally Posted by Zorba_8

The Sony BDP360 can be had for circa £135, will £265 still not provide enough of a budget for a mid range CD 'spinner'

Does that make CDs musical biscuits then?

I think you misread my post

What I meant is that any dedicated £200 CD player will perform better for music than a Blu Ray player that costs £400

That said, CD players are really crap at playing BDs

[Zorba_8]

Originally Posted by awink1

I think you misread my post

What I meant is that any dedicated £200 CD player will perform better for music than a Blu Ray player that costs £400

That said, CD players are really crap at playing BDs

Ah! I see!!

Well, it's a better answer and I think i'll get a seperate cd player anyway.

I'll create a separate thread in the HIFI section for suggestions.

Cheers awink1

[Seraphim]

I'm interested in the other element of the orginal question. Which is the best BR player for upscaling DVD's? Are there any which are as good as a good standalone DVD player? I was waiting fot the Oppo but the European version got canned (for the reason that it didn't upscale well with PAL ... I understand that to be the reason) and I assume that the US model will also be weak in this same respect.

Any thoughts? I've been thinking of the Sony BDP-350 or hanging on for the new Arcam ... so thinking both ends of the range.

[awink1]

Originally Posted by Seraphim

I'm interested in the other element of the orginal question. Which is the best BR player for upscaling DVD's? Are there any which are as good as a good standalone DVD player? I was waiting fot the Oppo but the European version got canned (for the reason that it didn't upscale well with PAL ... I understand that to be the reason) and I assume that the US model will also be weak in this same respect.

Any thoughts? I've been thinking of the Sony BDP-350 or hanging on for the new Arcam ... so thinking both ends of the range.

The Oppo is still great upscaling SD DVD, even PAL. That said I preferred the scaling from my Pioneer BDP-51FD... it was just soooo sloooow, it was painful.

The Sonys are great upscalers too although I would opt for the BDP-S360 over the 350 if I were you.