Marantz DV 8300

Advantages: Features, build, sound
Disadvantages: Fussy infra-red

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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Near Audiophile quality crisp picture precise sound
Disadvantages: Very few

...Most DVD players will spend a lifetime sitting under the TV - this one is just as happy in the Hi Fi rack. The trouble with most DVD players is that they are first and foremost intended as a player of DVD movies on the television. When it comes to playing audio CDs, they simply don't compare with 'proper' audio CD players. This one is different. Marantz is well respected as a 'near audiophile' brand name - the emphasis is on quality rather than features, the DV-3100 is no exception. I have a particular interest in baroque chamber music. Few DVD players can offer the precision and dynamic range of a digital audio track - the DV-3100 handles this admirably. In terms of looks - the design theme is simple - black knobs, a single smoked 'window' which shows the basic functions, centrally mounted CD drawer all on a flat plastic face... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: universal player compatible with current and future formats
Disadvantages: remote can be a bit fiddly

...Having read a glowing recommendation from the What Hifi Sound and Vision magazine in July 2003, I narrowed my choice of DVD players to 2, the other being a Marantz. Whilst the Pioneer does not have progressive scan, its ability to play a large range of formats (DVD-Audio, SACD, SACD Multi-channel together with DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD-RW, CD-R, CD-RW, CD, VideoCD and MP3 on CD-R) makes it an obvious choice for anyone who wishes to 'future proof ' their DVD player. The functions are very easy to manipulate through the online menu, the picture is superb, as is the sound. The player comes in Black and Silver. The Black version looks like a cheap DVD player, so from an aesthetic point of view, take the Silver. All in all, an amazing DVD player with features expected of much pricier models.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful