to be honest, the looks aren't important to me - something that works and has quality video is far higher up my list.
also I'd rather have good reliable components on the inside with a reasonable case, than a smart looking case with really variable quality internals and buggy firmware... the Philips isn't perfect but its a lot closer than Denon in this respect.
every recent Denon model seems to have very poor quality control ... 2800, mkII, 3800... even the new 2900 that Dimmy mentions already has huge problem threads on avs... and yet people still buy them!
it looks like the 2900 is replacing the 2800mkII and the 3800 to an extent (universal dvd-a/ sacd player), so expect the price to be well above £500 also.
the 5900 doesn't even really exist yet, only recently described and not even finalised. bound to be pricey also.. £800 upwards?
Kirk, there have been bad reviews in the press about Denon players, or at least some mentions of problems... they've never slated one though so go figure... biting the hand that feeds obviously isn't a good thing.
re:the Denon case ... yes it is nice but really just a generic one used on the 2800, mkII, 3800, A1 etc.. I guess Denon must've bought a job lot of the things.
if you actually look at the insides of a 2800, its nearly empty... disc loader and a few circuit boards... so yes, big, chunky and gorgeous... but also what a waste of internal space. no real reason for this, they could easily have a rigid chassis at half the height. people obviously think they are getting more somehow.
agreed, the Philips isn't as weighty as a 2800 - about 4.5kg, against a 2800s 6.5kg.. that extra wasted space in the chassis probably accounts for a good deal of this.
Steve and Kirk... as to what I would do - a tough call and one for you to make, not me.
my change cost me nothing, essentially a swapout from 2800 orig, to a mkII, then onto a 963 + credit note for additional kit.
of course, skimber with the 2800 if you have a 2 yr warranty with your dealer, you could always report specific problems and see if you can get a swapout for something else... not impossible if you report the right faults
. that way you can protect your "investment" perhaps?