Just like the title says. You always read that the HLD-X0 and X9 are the best players, but how much better are they really? Can anybody show screenshots or describe visually what is better about these players compared to the CLD 99/97, and D704?

The X0 and X9 are two totally different animals. You cannot compare them. You also get MUSE capability with these players.

The X0 is a single sided player that has a high quality design for ultra low noise inside without the need of DNR, Only the US LD-S2 can be compared to it. The X0 does have a superior video section converting the digital to analog for the output compared to the S2.

The X9 is a good design but has the same level of noise as the CLD-99 and 703. The X9 depends on DNR to lower noise levels. What the X9 has is a different video output circuit and Adaptive filter and it provides a "HR" mode which will give you the sharpest picture available from LD if you don't mind a digitized look to the picture. It is also one of a few players that does not have the white smear issue.

The CLD-97 is in between the two, Noise levels are between the two with DNR off on all machines. So it you want a smooth filmlike picture but want dual sided playback, the 97 is the way to go. If lowest noise is a must and single sided is fine the the LD-S2 or HLD-X0 are the machines for you. If you want the sharpest picture and you don't mind the digital look then the X9 is for you. If you have a newer monitor that doesn't smear (my Pioneer Elite PRO-151 doesn't have any) then the CLD-D704 is a great bargain as it is as sharp as the X9 in non-HR mode.

You have to know your preference and choose the right one for you. Different people prefer different players. All I can say is that I've never heard of a disappointed owner of a LD-S2 or HLD-X0

Note that the LD-S2 was marketed in Japan as the LD-X1.

As great a unit the 704 is, if you can't afford the X0, get a CLD-R7G. This is often a forgotten or disregarded player. Japanese made with some of the X9s features it is only a notch below the LD S9.

The X Line is the Pioneer Reference...
So comparing lower models does not makes sense.

Even the LD-S9 is not comparable to the X9...

I just want to note I'm not looking to buy one of these players, and I am just wanting to know how much better these players actually look. Saying they're not comparable seems like a cop out. Yes its there reference series, but what makes it better or is just snake oil?

It is not a cop out it is a fact these are different machines that focus on different priorities. It's like asking to compare Cadillac and Mercury cars. You are asking for an absolute answer for on units with different strengths subject to a persons personal preferences. I don't think a CLD-99 is any better than a CLD-D704 except it has the Elite look. Others love the CLD-99. I prefer the CLD-97 and that is where I'll stay.

What people like about the X9 is it does not have the white smear issue like the others though I believe this is really a TV quality issue. I always buy TV's with quality power supplies. It also has the most versatile Adaptive filter and the "HR" mode for the sharpest picture. That is what makes it better. I had one and sold it. I was disappointed as it had the 99/704 digitized look and grain with DNR off.

Now the X0 just has the smoothest non-digitized, filmlike look. Lowest noise and best color stability in a LD player. People that have these love them and swear by them.

As I said before how much better they are depends on who is viewing them. For me they are not, for others they are.

i could never afford one do they really bring laserdiscs to dvd quality or better? and what about muse? is that like blu ray quality?

Are parts still easily available for some of the last made Pioneer Japan only players? like the CLD-R7G?

Somewhere's I read some of the last Japan market models, were a bit more difficult getting parts, (not being USA released) but was not sure if that was true?

Not to offend anyone but the R7G is a DVL players LD section (equal to the CLD-D604) with the better adaptive filter. It has more noise than the 99/704/S9/X9 and not as good chroma control. I know if was the last Japanese LD player but the others really are better. The R7G is not bad, just not fully up to the quality of the others.

Getting parts for the Japanese model requires you have the service manual and know the actual Pioneer part number if you are in the USA. Parts availability is about the same as the last players made for the US market.