"Best" multichannel universal player right now?

Cannot say. Never compared in same system.

Kal

I vote for the new Oppo BDP-83 player. Fast load time (like my PS3), stunning video, decent audio, nice build quality, and only $499.

I believe the Esoteric UX-3Pi has everything on your list: 1080p, excellent video processing, excellent 2 channel and multichannel SACD and DVD-A, HDMI 1.3, and a digital out.

Yikes! I would hope so for that price, Tvad. I might consider that beyond the "knee" of the curve. :-0

Audiolui, yes everybody seems to love the BDP-83. Like I said the earlier models I'd seen were truly a great bang for the buck. If you've heard the 83 I'd like to know if you were able to get a sense of its sound compared to other mainstream or upper end alternatives.

oppo blue ray it is