Hi folks,

which one is "better" regarding video and sound quality, handling,...

I'm just asking 'cause a sony is offered in my surroundings...

Thanks

Klaus

The Denon is a clone of the Pioneer CLD-D604 which is a decent mid-range player. Should have digital frame memory if you want to freeze frame CLV discs.

I have owned a Sony MDP-A3 which is equivalent of the previous year of that Sony model. It was crap. Picture started to fail (get dark and ugly) after 4-5 years, and I understand that is a symptom of all Sony players which is irreversible.

Go with the Denon if you're trying to decide between the two.

The Sony MDP 850D was the worst laserdisc player I ever bought by some considerable measure. It nearly put me off the format for life.
Hailed as the top of the range Sony player at the time, any entry level Pioneer model or clone from another manufacturer would have blown it away.

So what was so bad about the Sony?

The picture was horribly grainy and out of focus. It just looked like a very bad inbuilt filter was permanently turned on.

Side change was also hopelessly unreliable. At least one in five attempts failed. Admittedly the unit I had bought was second hand so maybe I got a stinker
although it is interesting to note none of the other players I have (which are all Pioneer) ever had a similiar such problem and they were ALL used machines as well.

I therefore wouldn't recommend a Sony laserdisc player to anyone.....even as a gift.

Thanks! The seller also said that the laserunit was changed in 2006....seems to fit to your experience/stories! Ok, I'll stay with my Denon/Pioneer clone

Denon LA-2300

Sony MDP-850D the laser was changed? not a big surprise. That says it all
MDP: Machine Doesn't Play

Pioneer The art of Entertainment

Don't even dare doubt that again