Marantz 8300 SACD/DVD AUDIO

I looked at the Elite 47ai, Intregra 8.3 and bought the DV8300. I found out from a marantz rep that the video section is pioneer and after listening to all three (at differnt dealers) with my cables, grado headphone amp and headphones the marantz was the most musical and detailed.
The integra was close but after a bit of warming up the marantz came all too clear.

your marantz experience was quite different from mine. I thought the dv8300 lacked transparency
the video on the dv47ai IS a killer

I bought the 8300 about four months ago and have been thoroughly pleased with its audio performance, so much so that I sold my Linn Genki CD player. I've tried both DVD-A and SACD. Could be my imagination, but I think it works with DVD-A better than SACD. I couldn't argue with Subdoofus about the video - my tv just isn't up to the test.

I am thinking of purchasing this. Have there been other reviews of the this unit, as compared to the Pioneer or other units. There was a positive review in this month's Audio/Video Interiors

I've heard the good, bad and the ugly about the 8300, and kept away. But Marantz generally puts out great dedicated players. So I was first in line when the 8400 was released just weeks ago. It may be a leap, but I'm assuming its much improved audio-wise. It's in the mail to me right now, I'll post when I hear it first hand.