Onkyo DV-SP1000 THX Ultra DVD /CD / SACD / DVD-Audio Player Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I always think spending 2 grands on a dvd player is outright ridiculous. After researching and drooling over the specs of this Onkyo reference dvd player, I decided to jump into the bandwagon. I placed an order online and spent one sleepless night, "Do I really need to spend this much on a dvd player?"
Got it from Onecall for $1499 (gave me free shipping to keep me from cancelling the order the next day.
All that feeling went away as soon as I received and opened the box. I thought I was picking up a high-end receiver. Dont even try to lift it if you have existing back problem, it weighs a ton. Faceplate is simple yet very attractive. Side panel has bar type stabilizer that'll remind you of a bodybuilders ribcage.
It has an extremely solid construction. You gotta see it in person to appreciate.
Setting up is a breeze. It must have been engineered with end-users in mind. OSD menu is simple and easy to navigate. It comes with an intuitive backlit remote ..sturdy & classy too. This is where Denon could learn a few lessons (they make such a cheap-looking remote controls).
DVD-Audio and SACD performance is mind-blowing using 5.1 channel analog audio. This player even has an extra pair of surround channels for 7.1 set-up. I took the following for a spin: Eagles' Hotel California(DVD-A), Grover Washington's Winelight(DVD-A), Roxy Music Avalon(SACD), and Beck Sea Change(SACD). They all sound very clean, smooth and crystal.
On the video side this baby did not disappoint. I connected the player to my fairly old Sony RP HDTV using HDMI-to-DVI Monster cable( I got it for half price in ebay). Setting the resolution to 1920x1080i 16:9 60Hz, the picture is nothing short of amazing. And this is on default picture settings. I tested the following DVD-Video: Desperado Superbit, North By Northwest and Disney's Jungle Book 2. Colors are vibrant and images are life-like. No jagged edges seen. The player uses O-plus Flexscale video scaling. (Denon 3910 uses Faroudja video scaler but picture quality looks washed out). This unit even features a dedicated connections for your interlaced and progressive scan outputs.
Bonus features (that you always enjoy from cheapo dvd players but missing in high-end units) includes ability to remember point of last disc played, a screen saver and the ability to handle virtually any disc format. I threw in my backup movies recorded in DVD-+R/RW. They all played perfect. And finally it's THX certified if that matters to you.
I called customer support once for some technical question and I was very pleased with their response. Warranty is 1 year parts / 1 year labor -in home service if bought from an authorized dealer.
I rate Onkyo DV-SP1000 5 out of 5 stars for its superb and unsurpassed video and audio performance.

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