Future of Blu-Ray Player

[audioguy3107]

For anyone interested in a high quality blu ray player that does 4K HDR with built in tone mapping, the DP-UB820 is probably the best pure player on the market right now, the 9000 adds a couple of features, but as far as blu ray playback, for the price point it's at, pretty much impossible to beat. The reviews on AVS forum are universally stellar.

[prepress]

Originally Posted by LarsT

I have the Pioneer Elite UDP-LX500. No complaints plugged into my Marantz 8805

There is a review of the LX500 in the latest issue of Sound and Vision.
https://www.soundandvision.com/categ...player-reviews

This player is, because of its tone mapping, great if you have a projector. Unlike the LX800, it uses the AKM processing, which is great to me because I found the Sabre in my Pioneer Elite BDP-88FD a bit light on tonal balance compared to the earlier 09FD (Wolfsons); a similar criticism was leveled at the Oppos by one review I saw of them. I would get a LX500 if my current players go down, and I don't even own a 4K set. This player also handles SACD and DVD-Audio and is built like a tank. The Panasonic UB820 is much cheaper, however, and I suspect for many will be more than good enough; even the 9000 is $100 less than the Pioneer (based on MSRP).

[FreddieFerric]

I ditched cable last year and went with Apple 4K boxes. It's been a year now and I haven't bought a single blu ray since. With all the news about cord cutting picking up steam and streaming services gaining ground, I think the tide has ebbed on Blu Ray. While I think the format will be around for some time to come it will probably exist as a niche format like CD, SACD and vinyl is today.

As for McIntosh entering the fray, that would seem doubtful. Although I do hope I'm wrong.

[TommyC]

The only real high end UHD player that I'm aware of right now are from Goldmund and MSB. Next step down are the Pioneer LX800 (not available in North America), LX500, and Panasonic UB9000. Very few options.

[bart]

Originally Posted by TommyC

The only real high end UHD player that I'm aware of right now are from Goldmund and MSB. Next step down are the Pioneer LX800 (not available in North America), LX500, and Panasonic UB9000. Very few options.

Merging NADAC has one in the works.




In its stack:

[Antonmb]

There’s also the Cambridge Audio CXUHD, a UHD/Blu-ray player at $800. It has no built-in DAC, intended to reduce noise and assuming most serious HT buffs will have a separate high-end DAC/processor.

[TommyC]

The Cambridge has been discontinued a while ago.

[Antonmb]

Originally Posted by TommyC

The Cambridge has been discontinued a while ago.

Ah, thanks for pointing that out. It’s still on their website, but I see now it says “Archive.” Too bad.

[prepress]

Originally Posted by Antonmb

Ah, thanks for pointing that out. It’s still on their website, but I see now it says “Archive.” Too bad.

I'd thought about the Cambridge as a replacement for my Pioneer 09FD if it ever died, because the Cambridge uses a Wolfson DAC too, as I recall. Who knows, depending upon how long ago it was discontinued there may be some still lurking in some store's inventory somewhere.

[TommyC]

Originally Posted by prepress

I'd thought about the Cambridge as a replacement for my Pioneer 09FD if it ever died, because the Cambridge uses a Wolfson DAC too, as I recall. Who knows, depending upon how long ago it was discontinued there may be some still lurking in some store's inventory somewhere.

The Cambridge CXUHD player doesn't have a DAC. It's strictly a transport.