Is the main difference in these players the Adjustable Noise Reduction circuit?

Or is there something else that gives the D704/3 a better S/N ratio?

In addition to the 3-line digital comb filter, sharper and less noisy picture . . .

D703/4 has Digital Frame Memory for freeze framing CLV discs.
D703/4 has an SPDIF output for digital audio.

D503/4 has neither.

Check the chart on this page. It compares the D704 with the D605, D505, D406 and S104. Gives a good rundown on the differences.

The 503 lacks the noise reduction chip and (semi-)direct composite output.

The 504 is a cut down version of the 604, you'ld be better off with a 406 instead.

Thanks everybody.

What is this about (semi) direct composite output?

$250 shipped for a D703

yikes!

Sorry if this is a little off-topic, but there are plenty of cheaper (and in my opinion better) players out there than the D703 if money is scaring you off. I highly recommend the CLD-3080. I got one off of ebay for $25. (I've owned a CLD-D704 BTW)

I have an Panny LX-600 I just got.

Looking to pick up a Panny LX-900, LX-1000 and Pioneer D703/D704....as well. I can wait it out.

But thanks for the recommendation. Is the 3070 just as good. No 3080s on ebay right now.

The lx-900 is a good player. I have one. The noise level on the 3080 is lower so I prefer that one. I haven't had any luck with lx-1000s. I've gone through three and haven't found one that will track correctly. The lx-1000 has so much potential though, lower noise than the 900.

I've never seen a 3070 in person but the 3080 service manual references many aspects of the 3070 so I assume Pioneer made some major improvements between the 3030 and 3070 and then refined them further for the 3080.

I believe the CLD-95 is based on the CLD-3080.
I own a 3070 and can't be happier with it, I am looking for a 3080 to compare, as its a nice looking player.

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There are two comb filters in the 703/704/99 - the noise reduction chip has one (and it's output is always recombined), then the 2D (704) or 3D (99) comb filter. On these, the digital output from the NR chip is split between the comb filter and another DAC, so the 'direct' composite out only goes through one comb filter.

Almost all LD players with S-Video output have had their composite output reprocessed in some fashion - for true direct composite you need a S104/V2800, D406, or some Karaoke players.

Does 406 have digital tbc? I know the lower end models are direct composite but their tbc are inferior which defeats the purpose. Some use analog tbc.

Yeah - and so do all later Pioneer players (94 on?) Even the S104 does.

If Im gonna spend $250 shipped on a LD player, it's gonna be the Pioneer Elite 95.