The Philips BDP9500 ($799) is sleek looking and uses the Qdeo Kyoto-G2 advanced pixel based video processor. But it only weighs 9.25 lbs. Not much less then the 10.9 lb Marantz BD7004. You'd think for $800 they could make a slightly heftier, better insulated player. Maybe not. Wish I could afford the UD8004 at a hefty 18.7 lbs. Tax return? ;-)
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Rlwainwright:
Not the type of response I wanted. Try to offer a more insightful reason as to why it's so good, specifically over the other BDP's I've mentioned. Have you actually compared it to other BDP's? I know it plays everything. I know it has a great picture. I know this from all the reviews and comments. But others would disagree when comparing to, for example, the BD7004. Perhaps it was the best in it's class/price when first released, but that playing field changes fast. I also have to wonder, if it's so incredible, then why is there a constant flow of "like new... barely used... mint condition..." ones for sale?
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Thanks for the comments. I'll read them later...
What I'm looking for is someone who can compare two or more of these players and offer an objective opinion with emphasis on the picture quality.
I'd also like to hear comparisons between new and old (discontinued models), for example, the Marantz BD7004 vs BD8002, to see how the latest ABT VRS chip holds it's own with a two year old HQV chip. Is it worth buying an obsolete model w/o network capabilities purely for the picture quality?
I've recently discovered another processor; Qdeo by Marvell. Looks impressive. Meridian uses it in their $185K projector. :-O Not many mid-priced BDP's using it though; Philips BDP9500. Pioneer uses it in the $2K Elite BDP-09FD. A bit out of reach.
There sure is a gap with BDP's between $800-$2K, not to mention with design. I wish one of the manufacturers would do something more stylish with the faceplate and chassis, similar to high-end CDP/CDT's, but without the ridiculous premium for rebadged Oppo's.
One other question concerning Audio and HDMI. Am I not getting TrueHD/DTS-HD audio when using HDMI (only DD)? What if I use the digital audio output to my 2Ch systems DAC (which I was planning to do)? |
Addendum:
I actually purchased the Marantz BD7004 to try. First impression as far as picture? Stunning, although I have no base with which to compare. The Blu-ray picture, with my first BD movie, "The Fifth Element" (remastered), was jaw dropping. Similar to HDTV broadcast, but much more film-like. The clarity, color, saturation, gradation, details, textures,.. were superb looking. I'm hooked and already ordered more BD's.
As far as the unit itself, it looks well built, but I wish it had more weight to it. It's too light. Makes it feel cheap. Materials also. I've been spoiled with high-end audio gear over the years. This BDP just reminds me of the mass-consumer electronics being made for the last 30+ years. What should I expect for $800. The new design is clean, with some curve to it, but not as impressive in person. Set up was easy, but the GUI is very dated looking. Hooking up to the network was as simple as plugging in the ethernet cable and a push of the button, updating firmware the same. Don't have a BD-Live disc so I can't comment on that. Having a network player really isn't as big of a deal as they make it out to be if this is all it does. Downloading and burning to a CD is not that difficult.
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Mhedges:
Thanks. I'm a novice when it comes to HT. For some reason I was under the impression that only the analog outputs offered the HD audio. Confused by all the online reviews and customer comments I've glanced over. So for the meantime, I'll run it to my preamp. At some point I'll have to invest in a 5.1 speaker set up...
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While both the Oppo BDP-83 and Marantz BD7004 do use the same processor brand and series (ABT VRS), the chip model itself is differs; ABT2010 and ABT1030 respectively.
Here's one online comment I came across comparing the two;
"The Oppo's chip (ABT2010) is a bit better at recognizing obscure film cadences used in animation and anime, but the ABT1030 chip in the 7004 does an exceptional job at detail reproduction, color accuracy, and motion."
Take it as you will.
With regards to the build quality of the Oppo and Marantz (how light or cheap it feels), I think the $69 comparison is a bit harsh and unrealistic, but then again from my high-end audio perspective, the Marantz would fit into that catagory. It's very subjective and based on the equipment one has owned. It takes tremendous will-power to accept this level of electronics into my domain. ;-)
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I returned my Marantz BD7004...
I loved the picture quality, but the noise from both the fan and the drive were distracting. I could hear it from 8 ft away. The fan sounded like a computer tower and the spinning of the drive was incessantly loud at times (like a computers CD/DVD disc drive), that it caused a whining resonance, vibration, through the chassis and into the wood shelf. Not sure if this was normal or the drive had mechanical issues. Either way, the fan noise was too audible for me. I was also disappointed with the mini-two prong AC input and the lightweight construction/materials. The design wasn't as nice in person either. I'd prefer a thicker aluminum faceplate to their plasticky aluminum/resin design. I guess I shouldn't expect too much for $800. Looks as though it doesn't get much better until you spend over $2K, which I don't want to do.
Time to try other BDP's. Somehow I knew it would turn out this way. You can't rely on opinions or reviews. You have to experience it for yourself. Plus this is my first BDP. I need to have some references to compare. Next up; PS3 or Oppo BDP-83.
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Mitch4t: I did. Although my BD8002 was new and at a big discount. I posted my thoughts on another thread. To sum it up; "stunning picture".
I tried a PS3 just before this. Great for games and cool GUI, but it's a toy. And I found the picture quality to be "gamey" if you will. Reminded me of watching video on a computer. The Marantz BD7004 was better, with a more filmic quality to the picture. However, with that said, the PS3 would make a great BD/DVD transport with an outboard video processor (DVDO,..etc). But then the BD8002 has that in one package, just w/o all the cool interface and internet BD-Live take-more -of-my-life-away-from-me consumerism. I just want to watch the movie.
I wanted to try the Oppo BDP-83 but thought; "what's the point?". It's an over-hyped $500 universal player. How good could a video chip be inside a $500 BDP? And yes, better power cords do make a difference. I use them with very positive results. But a $500 BDP is not going to come close to a $2000 BDP with a better power cord. I didn't like the AC IEC either. But that could be upgraded. I also kept wondering why most main brands used the two-prong (no ground), as opposed to three-prong. Something to do with ground issues and video. maybe they know something others don't, or care not to think about since heavy-duty IEC's are standard with audio gear. But i have no problem using my power cords since the ground plug unscrews. |
I bought the Marantz BD8002...
So everyone knows and doesn't keep posting suggestions. |
The BD8002 continues to impress me. Even with cheap $30 Dynex HDMI cable. Although I am going back to WireWorld Silver Star 5/2 (already replaced one; A/V Rcvr->Plasma). But before that I replaced the fuse with a HiFi Tuning SilverStar and I'd swear the PQ has improved from that. I couldn't believe it. And now with the WW SS 5/2 it's looking even more stunning. Can't wait to be abck with all WW SS 5/2 (BDP->A/V Rcvr). |
The Oppo and Marantz BD7004 use different ABT VRS chips.
Now that I'm using WireWorld Silver Starlight 5/2 HDMI cables again (this time from BDP->A/V Rcvr->Plasma) the PQ is even better then I remember (more so because how bad it looked with the Dynex and AQ cables). The picture is more cohesive, steady looking. Everything about it looks amazing. |
Update: Marantz BD800
The picture quality just got better now that I'm using a Running Springs Audio Haley Elite PC. I couldn't believe the difference from the BPT CPC. The hues are more colorful, vibrant, and saturated with more depth and texture as well. This took a week or two to really become apparent (silver wire settling in), but I suddenly noticed the change while wathcing a previously viewd Blu-ray. Nothing else had changed, yet there was a dramatic improvement with the picture (audio was immediate). I would not have believed it had I not witnessed it myself. The fact is each tweak I made to the BD8002 from the HiFi Tuning fuse, PSA AC3 power cord, WireWorld SS 5/2 HDMI cable and now the RSA Haley has made significant improvements, most notably to the picture. The BD8002 was incredible in stock form and the reason I bought it, but now it's just astonishing. What a bargain at the price I paid for it new ($800). If you want the best BD/SD picture and can live w/o internet/BD-Live do yourself a big favor and pick up a used one. No $500-$800 BDP is going to come close. I wonder why anyone would sell this. |
