OPPO DV-980H

February 2009. While many look to the OPPO DV-980H as a top-shelf DVD player, reviews say that its audio prowess meets or exceeds that of many dedicated CD players. This is a universal player, so it can play back all CDs and CD audio formats in addition to DVDs. It's also the least expensive player with both SACD and HDCD support. The company claims its audio-processing circuitry is designed by a high-end (but unnamed) audio manufacturer, and independent tests indicate that the DV-980H can hold its own against players costing far more, especially when playing SACD discs. A USB slot lets you play digital audio files such as MP3s stored on flash drive. Customer support is generally considered first rate. The Pioneer Elite PD-D6-J (*est. $500) is another well-regarded CD player with SACD support. However, it is more expensive and lacks HDCD decoding circuitry and a USB slot.

While lots of reviewers concentrate on video performance with the OPPO DV-980H, several also spend lots of time testing audio performance. Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity focuses almost exclusively on the OPPO DV-980H's prowess as a CD player, while Audio Audition spends the bulk of its coverage on that topic as well. Britain's What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision has a shorter report, but it, too, takes note of the player's sound quality. User reviews at Amazon.com are extensive.