I bought a Panasonic A7, a JVC 723GD, and Sony S9000ES. I also have a 2 year old Sony 300 (cost me $500). The A7 and JVC are DVD-A players. The A7, JVC, and Sony 300 had similar quality CD and DVD play.
The DVD-A play on the A7 and the JVC was noticably better than their CD play. However, CD/DVD play on the Sony S9000ES was better than DVD-A play on the A7 and JVC. The S9000ES was more dynamic and defined. SACD was another step up.
I'm sure the Rotel ($1500) is much better than the A7 and JVC. There's other high quality DVD-A players (Toshiba and Onkyo are examples) to consider.
By the way, I kept the S9000ES and returned the A7 and JVC.
I am very pleased with SACD and the current software. I've bought 16 SACDs and have a list of over 20 more I plan to buy. I bought one DVD-A disc (Aaron Nevelle). I think there's only one or two others I would buy right now. Some are getting horrible reviews.
The DVD-A play on the A7 and the JVC was noticably better than their CD play. However, CD/DVD play on the Sony S9000ES was better than DVD-A play on the A7 and JVC. The S9000ES was more dynamic and defined. SACD was another step up.
I'm sure the Rotel ($1500) is much better than the A7 and JVC. There's other high quality DVD-A players (Toshiba and Onkyo are examples) to consider.
By the way, I kept the S9000ES and returned the A7 and JVC.
I am very pleased with SACD and the current software. I've bought 16 SACDs and have a list of over 20 more I plan to buy. I bought one DVD-A disc (Aaron Nevelle). I think there's only one or two others I would buy right now. Some are getting horrible reviews.