Pioneer will come out with the new DV-AX10 SACD/DVD-Audio DVD player soon. It costs $5500 though. I'd probably get the Sony 9000ES for the money. Beside a very limited SACD or DVD-audio software, I don't see any preamp supporting SACD or DVD-Audio yet. Here are the two links to the 9000ES and the $5.5k Pioneer: In Japanese http://www.sony.co.jp/sd/CorporateCruise/Press/200007/00-0724/index.html http://www.dvnation.com/dva.html
Pioneer DV-37 vs. Sony DVP-9000ES
I have been waiting for the new Pioneer DV-37 progressive scan DVD player to be released, and noticed that Sony will release the DVP-9000ES soon. I am wondering which DVD player will have the best picture. Pioneer has always edged out Sony in picture quality, if not ergonomics. The new DVP-9000ES has a new 12 bit video DAC, and the Pioneer has a 10 bit. As a soon to be buyer I want the best video quality first, audio second. The SACD capability of the Sony throws a monkey wrench into the decision. It will be very hard to compare the two machines now. Even IF the Pioneer beat the Sony in a direct video comparison, the SACD factor is a big plus if it sounds anywhere near as good as their more expensive SACD players. Any advice or opinions would be most appreciated.