Hello Dvoss:
Happy New Year......
I believe that I have posted this followup before, but somehow, it did not get posted for some reason.
But anyway, as for the difference between the top two Pioneer Elite DVD Players are as follows:
(01). The Pioneer Elite DV-38A has DVD-Audio capability built in, and the DV-37 does not.
(02). The DV-38A also has a heavier base and more sturdier construction than does again, the DV-37 (though, the DV-37 is no slouch either).
(03). The DV-38A also has rosewood side panels as the DV-37 again does not.
(04). And one more important difference here is the price. The DV-38A is priced at $1,800.00, and is very seldom discounted (if it is discounted at all), and the DV-37 is priced at just $1,000.00. The DV-37 is often discounted, and you should be able to get one at a decent price if you shop around a little. I bought mine at a local dealer for just $700.00 almost nine months ago (and I believe they are selling them for around $800.00 or so), and I have to say that it was one of the best audio/video buying decisions I have made in a long time. I have absolutely no regrets in purchasing mine. Not the very least. But just like I said, if you shop around just a little bit, you should be able to get a new one from around $600.00 to about $750.00 or so. Or you can get a used one from about $400.00 to about $550.00.
Also, just like "Sdcampbell" has said, a recent issue of "Stereophile Guide to Home Theater" has a review about the DV-37 right inside of it. And they gave it a high recommendation as well. Last year, "The Perfect Vision" also ranked as one of the best DVD Players as well. Giving it a five star recommendation (one more star than the more expensive Sony DVP-S9000ES), and ranking it in the class as far more expensive players such as the Ayre D-1 and the Camelot Roundtable. If those endorsements aren't glowing enough, then I don't know what is.
So then, if you plan on investing in DVD-Audio at anytime in the near or distant future, then I would look at the DV-38A. But if you do not care for DVD-Audio, then you won't lose anything in terms of video or audio quality if you opt for the DV-37. The DV-37 is a very nice machine. I recommend it highly.
--Charles--