Does anyone know which machine(s) the R5 is based upon, or is equal to? since it was produced for such a long time, it would be interesting to know if its any good, and which parts it use, since you can find a bunch of new-in-the-box machines on yahoo, and they all have the new pioneer logo (also laserdisc archive doesn't have a production year for it, so have no clue how old it really is). Just curious =)

Can't say for sure, but I remember reading somewhere that it has about the same PQ of a D50x or D60x.

Since it has an optical output (something the D50x series doesn't have) I would lean toward D60x.

It was among the last models of LD players in production. Considering its company in that group (DVL-919, DVL-K88), that marks it as squarely average.

The one I had appeared to be a CLD-D605, same mechanics, optics, etc.
I'm not good at "dating" the 4 letter serial numbers but it was BLTT******

ah, i wonder why pioneer went on to making the R5 up until 2009, rather than a r7g

Probably cheaper to make as the R5 doesn't have the fancy comb filter that the R7G does. And wouldn't have to include an LD-G decoder.

Does anyone know anything about the R6g? One is up for bidding on ebay, but I can't find any information on the machine.

Probably like the R7G but without the NEC 3D comb filter. That's just an educated guess from me.

With the "G" at the end, that means it should have the LD-G capabilities. Only worthwhile if you want to be able to decode Japanese LD-G titles.