Hmm, in that case it might be a changed ROM, which would be more of a problem, or a jumper setting which would be difficult to figure out. In the case of the C2EX it's literally a switch labelled "SONY/Panasonic".

As far as NTSC adjustments go, so I read the manual, it doesn't have anything like the Y/C noise-reduction adjustments on my CLD-D704. There seem to be two modes, "standard" & "sharp". I believe, although I'm not 100% certain, that the latter is the noise-reduction-off mode, as it says something about "to obtain a clearer picture when playing discs with less noise". When I use it for NTSC at all, I've mostly been using the "Direct" BNC composite output, passed through my Panasonic TU-AHD100N MUSE decoder & video processor, which upconverts to 1125 lines (1035 active, you can see the blank at the top of the screen just as when playing back MUSE) via component or RGB & has a very sophisticated suite of comb filter & video-processor options (most of which I've not yet been able to use because I need to set up an RS-422 interface to use the control functions). Thus, I can't entirely comment on the NTSC video quality of the C2EX, although it's at least as good as the D704. I know, not very informative.

I will note that the "Direct" output does not by-pass the OSD completely ; there are at least two functions, switching between field & frame still mode, & switching between stop & play, which generate on-screen text. Audio monitor (there is a decided 'click', as of a relay, when switching between PCM & AFM audio), chapter/time display, speed change, & search functions do not.

I'd SOOO love to own an X9 or an X0 - those, and an LD-S2 are 'dream' players for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm very, very happy with my EAD TheaterVision and Panasonic LX-900, especially since Duncan refurbed and realigned both of them for top performance. But the 3 players I listed above are so beautiful in picture quality and build that I want to own one.

My "regret" is that I did not know, back in the 90's, that the LX-900 was such a stunning player and that it was the basis of both Runco LJR models and the reason why they performed so well. My terrible experiences with 3 different Panasonic Prism LX-1000's, and Panasonics response, had so poisoned me on Panasonic LaserDisc players that I just dismissed the LX-900 completely, even though it got a glowing review in Stereo Review. The review even had a special mention that the 900 was better all the other players they had tested in cutting picture noise, chroma noise and the interference patterns that LaserDisc is plagued with due to the various carriers on the disc interacting. (the CLD-97 was reviewed a few months later and while the 900 kept the 'crown' for audio due to Pioneer's problematic Legato Link Conversion system, the 97 had slightly better video measurements - and no APL problems - later they rated the 704 as better than the 97 when its adjustable video NR was maximized)

Anyway, I'll watch a disc now on the EAD or 900 and be blown away by its picture quality and think "I wish I had known". I always thought, and still do, that my DVL-700 has an excellent picture, but it pales in comparison to the EAD or 900.

Besides the EAD and 2 LX-900's, my other players are a CLD-1010, LD-1100, Sony LDP-150, 2 PR-7820's, PR-8210, VP-1000 and VP-1000A, Sony LDP-1000 with still frame audio board.

Well my CLD-1010 I got in October is my most recent. But I can't say that will be my last LD player incase I buy another one

Last LD player I bought was about a year ago, I picked up an LX-900u for $40 from a craigslist seller. Was heading down to the DC suburbs to visit some friends and contacted the seller, hoping to buy it on my way home. It all worked out fine. Player is very nice condition. Even has the red and white sticker on the faceplate!

Excluding the Japanese players, I really believe the LX-900 is in the very small group of 'super' players that go far beyond other players in picture and sound quality. The LD-S2, CLD-97, CLD-99, LX-900 and CLD-95 are, in my mind, the best-of-the-best American players. I didnt list the EAD TheaterVision and Runco LJR because they are just variations on the CLD-99 and LX-900 - and of course, the version of the 97 from McIntosh. Everyone will quibble about this or that with each player, but I don't think there are any better American players than those I listed.

Around a year ago, I bought a Pioneer CLD-98 on ebay. The seller packed it in the original box (no double boxing), and fortunately it arrived in mint condition. The CLD-98 is the champagne/gold version of the CLD-97 designed for the international/Hong Kong market, with multi voltage dials on the back. I snagged mine for a very nice price (around the same as a pristine 97) and it is a very classy looking unit. I still need to get up the nerve to pack it up and have an expert like Duncan perform a full service on it (playback looks like it could use some alignment), so I have it stored safely away in the original box.

Thanks harlock, I know Kurtis had a cld-98 years ago, You use to see them on Ebay from time to time.

I suggest you get it serviced soon just heads up.....

It is a classy looking player and the Japan 95 elite has the same look, but harder to find..

That's a BEAUTIFUL player - much nicer looking I think, than the CLD-97's black Elite finish.

Last February I bought a Pioneer Elite CLD-99 for $400, because both my D704 and CLD-97 were out for repairs, and I wanted another player to use during that time.