Faroujda DV1000 vs. Denon 1600 vs. Arcam DV88

I bought my Faroudja DV1000 new, and it has performed without malfunction all this time. The thick face plate, solid feeling control buttons, and clean styling really position this as a high end product, despite the fact that the transport started as an inexpensive Japanese unit (Toshiba?). I particularly liked the control function that lets the user select sharpness/edge enhancement. My only complaint is that it has old error correction software and can stall out on some DVDs. My new DVD player, a Meridian 598, seems to have more sophisticated (modern) error algorithms and is able to jump through surface imperfections that would stall the Faroudja. The Faroudja does double duty as a fine CD player -- as you have identified, its audio is a strong suit. I haven't listened to the Denon or the Arcam. Good luck.

I don't think that the Faroudja can read and output a DTS signal. This was an issue with some of the early DVD players. This may or may not be an issue for you.

I just bought an Arcam DV-89 and it does both audio and video beautifully. The next step up from here would be Meridian. For the money, look at the DV-78 before you consider any mass produced, low-fi consumer-marketed product such as Denon, Pioneer, JVC, etc.

Aren't the Arcams (DV-88, 88+, and 89) prretty pricey for not having progressive scan? Or does the 89, I haven't seen it spec'd. Technically progressive means a lot, but how does that translate?