Tell me a better value DD decoder than Sony ep9es?

I owned an ep9es. I bought it when the "format" wars were going on. I wanted them to settle down before I decided what I really needed for long term. The Sony was really remarkable I thought. It didn't do much--just DD. You can't even have analog inputs and use it as a pre-amp. Digital only. But at it's price point--it sounded really good. As to comments regarding DTS. This is one of the reasons I did finally sell the Sony. However, I bought a unit that is far more costly. DTS is terrific, but with limited DTS material out there and your budget I would want the best DD decoding possible. I think Sony has it at this price point. I do have to confess I have not heard the other units--so I could be wrong, but I can tell you I was very impressed and enjoyed my Sony for many years before I upgraded.

Better value? I haven't heard the Sony but the Technics SH-AC500 has DD and DTS and is usually available cheaper on the used market.

Check out the Onkyo ed-301...Stictly DD, no DTS; Coax & Optical Inputs, sounds good!