Denon DVD-5000 or Pioneer Elite DV-09 ????

I have the DV09 and the 9000ES. If you don't care for SACD and progessive then the DV09 is a better machine. The DV09's picture is richer and audio has a larger soundstage when using its digital output and S video out. I didn't compare audio in analog between the two machines. I did compare the 9000ES's analog output using a cd to a Krell KPS30i cd player. As expected, the Krell was much better. The 9000's SACD audio is very impressive - better than Krell's CD.

Thanks I was looking at the 9000es but I don't need progressive or sacd and the Sony's are going for about 300 dollars more than the 09. The toshiba sounds interesting though?

Check out the fllowing link. I think you will be quit supprised at the reviewers and results. They did extensive tests which have been done in 2000 and 2001 on current products. Good info. http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_7_3/dvd-benchmark-introduction-9-2000.html

Sony 9000es would be my choice over those two.

The Pioneer is a fine piece but you can get better for the same amount for what they go for. the Denon is JUNK....as are most all Denon DVD players. Unreliable, noisy and underperforming. Consider a Toshiba SD-9200 or the 9000ES Sony. Both are really great units and the Toshiba can be had for around $550.

i have the 09 and i can tell you it has a kick but picture and very good sonics i do not know about the denon though. from what i have heard from a friend who has an 09 as well he said the denon was not that great. you also might want to consider a sony 9000 as well.