Great Blu-ray or DVD player for CD Transport

I advise against the Denon 3910. It has a documented history of premature laser assembly failure. I had two replaced in mine, and a quick Google search will return others commenting about the same problem.

If you can find a used one for a couple hundred bucks, it'd probably be worth the expense, but don't count on its long term reliability. Otherwise, pass.

Seems to me the Oppo BDP-83 or BDP-80 would be worthwhile buying on Oppo's 30 day money back guarantee.

That way you get to hear the player in your system and decide for yourself if it's to your liking. If not, return it.

Both are within your budget.

I had my Denon for three years with no problems. I also know a guy that still has his after five years. The Oppo is outstanding for everything except as a transport. If not a Denon, I would next recommend a Sony or an old Acoustic Arts Drive One. I had a Shanling at the time that I considered the Oppo, which I still have to play sacds and HDCDs. The Shanling was far superior as a transport.

I had considered the Denon 3910 but was concerned about the laser reliability and loading times based on what I've read on the net.

Anyone have any familiarity with Pioneer Elite players (dv-59avi, dv-79avi)? I used to own an old pioneer DVD player and was always surprised by the fast load times as well as the general transport quality. In fact I was actually using it in place on a Muse Model 5 transport and was amazed how similar they sounded. The muse player was better, but the fact that a $2500 cd transport and $200 dvd player didn't sound much different really surprised me. I guess the fact pioneer transports are used by other hifi companies says something about their general quality.

Go with a Pioneer. I've used the DV-79AVi for over three years with heavy duty use without a problem. Another option is to find a used Denon DCD-1650AR cd player. It is great as a transport. Built like a battleship. Stereophile's Sam Tellig used it as a transport.