Price Paid:  $113.00 from AMAZON.COM

Summary:
This player is significantly better than its predecessor (NC665P) in a number of ways. The biggest improvement is in the video quality but the differences in audio are noticablely better too and that doesn't include the SACD capability which its predecessor didn't have.

I'm utilizing the video through the component video out jacks straight to my older interlaced Mitsubishi big screen. I'm also using Monster's best video cable M1000v. What I've noticed is a dramatic improvement in contrast and clarity from the 2003 model. There is no block noise that I can detect. The images were so clearly defined that I had to back my TV's sharpness control down to get better resolution. The blacks are BLACK!

Upon opening the cover up to examine the insides, I noticed a cleaner layout with just 2 circuit boards on the rear right side. The unit also operates much quieter and the laser motor assembly is better sheilded from electronic noise. But just incase there was any additional noise, I installed a half piece of Stillpoints ERS paper under the cover above the circuit boards to further reduce any electronic noise. I also installed (2) 2.5" strips of ERS paper at both ends of the power cord for the same reason. Additionally I added Walker Audio's SST Silver Treatment to the video and digital-out RCA jacks and cables. What a difference these made. But really the player didn't need these items.

The audio was noticably cleaner, compared to the NC665P, with redbook cd's in the vocal range. Sound staging was steadier; voices and instruments weren't floating all over the stage like the previous unit. The bass was somewhat better defined but still slightly underweighted. Dynamics were good but not spectacular. I have not tried the SACD capability yet because I am waiting on some cables.

The loading and changing of discs are just a tad slower than the NC665P but again--it was quieter. The remote has tiny buttons for my large hands but this is minor complaint. This Sony will satisfy 95% of the population for sound and video.

Strengths:
A matchless value at $113 delivered to your door from Amazon. I'm quite happy all in all. Love the shuffle of mult. discs.

Weaknesses:
Wish the dynamics were a little better like the Denon but hey that was a $1200 machine. Bass was better but could use a little more weight. Video contrast and saturation is excellent but clarity not as clean as the high end Denon machines at many multiples the price.

Similar Products Used:
SONY NC665P, Denon DVM-4800.

Price Paid:  $139.00 from Best Buy

Summary:
Well something bad happened to the DVP-NC685 I reviewed earlier here. Not the machine's fault. Things happen. So I was suddenly in the market for something with all the same features and maybe a tad slimmer. I'd been aware of the NC80V, but at the ever-lowering price of each generation os Sony's "department store" line (and the increasing crappiness of the newer ES stuff, I was scared. Necessity finally drove me to pick up this apparent chunk of cheap plastic, and lo an' behole! There's sometging funny going on, because Sony is definitely scrimping on materials and build quality, yet these things, cheap as the look and feel, do everything and do it exceedingly well. At least well enough to hold the spot in my main system til I can find something with a more solid feel. Only Yamaha, with its DV-C750, comes close, and frankly this one works more smoothly and doesn't have the eye-piercing yellow display Yaaha uses - and costs about half the price of the Yam. I don't get it, but I'lll take it! (Oh, and speaking of displays, the one on the NC80 is small and reflected off mirrrors, so it's vitually useless close up and needs to be at eye level then, but it's a lovely blue and from across the room one can read it well enough. The unit is pleasingly slim, looks good in the rack (OK, so I'm superficial - sue me!). It also happens to function VERY well, especially at the throw-away price. Video is far beyond adequate - it is downright stunning - and it plays SACDs incredibly well, redbooks like a good CD player, and all DVD audio layers except for the 24/192 ones that the idiots keep making. I defy anyone to tell me they can hear that difference! (of corse first you'd have to find a machine that will play 24/192 stereo - they are becoming rare as hen's teeth). Anything else I hand it comes back to my ears like I'm at the recording session. How do they do it? Beats me. Would I prefer a mor solid-feeling machine? Sure! I guess this is one of those "Don't ask, don't tell" situations. It just worls. Maybe it'll go up in smoke tomorrow, but if it does I've already got way more than my money's worth out of it. That's hard to beat.

Strengths:
Great setup menu, full compliment of connections, decent cosmetics, fabulous sound, just incredible, and, of course, there's the price...

Weaknesses:
Made of plastic, can't handle 24/192 DAC layer of "Hotel California" DVD-A (who cares?), and hard-to-see-up-close display.

Similar Products Used:
Sony DA-777ES, Sony DVP-685V and NC650V, B&W DM600's, a/d/s 200Cs, Boston Acoustics PV600 sub, etc.