Spent a lot of time researching DVD's, and might've gone with a Sony if it was dual voltage (in HK now, returning to Canada soon), but am very happy with quality & ease of use of the Denon. Very fast-searches, great audio quality (I use it as main CD-player), and decent connections. I put co-ax into my AC-3 Denon amp, and optical into my MD recorder, and plain rca into CD connections, everything works great. I was concerned at how light it is compared to some flagship models, but the construction is actually quite good. I do wish Denon's remotes were more consistent though.. have 3 Denon remotes apparently designed by 3 completely different groups..
Highly recommended, especially if you are also looking to replace an old cd-player.

Excellent product. Matched with my Denon AVR-3300 with component video switching. Remote could be a little cleaner, otherwise it's flawless.

When I originally picked this DVD player up, I wasn't at all looking for it. I was looking at the Pioneer Elite DV-05 or the Sony DVP-S7700. When I finally saw the thing while auditioning speakers, I bought it based on what I saw and heard, and the high quality reputation of Denon products. I was a little shaky about this decision, but thought the thing would either prove its worth or get returned. Well, I spent last night watching The Fifth Element on it, and wow. Color reproduction is excellent, sound quality is superb, and I even love my CDs played through it. Optical and Coax outs, component too. The remote isn't the best, but the only remote I like now is the RC5000! It is quite a bit lighter than the others, but that goes away once it's found a rack home and no longer is getting moved around.
I will keep it. Good price too- $600 from Audio F/X in Sacramento, CA. The Pioneer Elite was tempting, but I just couldn't reconcile the lack of difference between it and the Pioneer DVL-414. They look the same, and that's really hard to get past in the day of cosmetic changes for price increases. The Sony was excellent, but had a couple of inputs that told me to stay towards the traditional high end (cds also didn't really have the sparkle with this player). I am sure all three DVD players mentioned here are excellent. This one won due to price and right place at the right time. It's staying with me due to performance.

I tried to research which DVD player to buy and kept coming up with recommendations for players over $1000! Too much. Well the 1/2 step down from that price-wise ended up being 2 steps UP in value for the dollar. The Denon 2500 DVD player has been a joy to own. With DTS and component video outputs, this player lacks nothing and did slightly outperform the Toshibas and Panasonics I compared it to -- though they were a bit cheaper.
I have nothing but praise for this unit and give it 5 stars. 4 stars for performance (not as good as the Theta David), 6 stars for value (Theta David costs $5000!).

Well, sorry about the confusion, but I have to change my opinion on the DVD-2500. Initially, the thing was a screamer, but not after I saw the Marantz DVD-930. In this price category, the Marantz is a clear winner. Check it out for yourself. I was very impressed with the Denon, but it's sort of a toy compared to the Marantz.

Bought one yesterday, looks good so far. One major disappointment: the European model DOES NOT have component video. Bummer.

It works perfectly with me over a month's time. It reads DVD titles of all codes, trouble free! Two additional features I like the most are 1) it has indication when it reads 24/96 format discs and 2) users can alter picture contrast, brightness and color by using the remote control unit. Why I like the second feature while almost all TV sets can do the same job? It's because I'm using a CRT projector with no remote control unit. It gives a new life to my projector!!

Flexibility, great CD sound, looks good...

On screen menu functions hard to memorize

I am into my second DVD player, and I have reduced my components by one. My last, a Sony S300 first generation player, just had an edgy, sterile sound on CD's...this one sounds great, no need for my old NAD player now. This unit has one of the most handsome front panels on the market, much more attractive than the cheap looking Panasonic and RCA bunch (even the new Sony's). This player does everything well, and allows plenty of setup options for those like me who love to try all the audio setups. Vocal enhancement on 5.1 audio also gets high marks...it combined with dynamic compression make it possible to watch a movie at the same volume I would normally watch TV and hear every word. A great piece to have until DVD audio comes around.

System:
Sony 36" XBR250 Wega
Rotel RB985
Rotel RTC 965
Paradigm Studio Reference 20's
Studio CC
Velodyne FS12
Definitive Tech BP1's
MIT Bi-wires
Panamax power supply

Similar Products Used:

Sony DVD s-300

I'm pretty happy with my DVD-2500.No problem found.
This one is allzone from the factory.
Select the zone by software.
I can listen to Thai language from Amagedon zone3.

Pioneer DV-515 needs hardware upgrade for allzone.
It can't play Thai on the DVD.
Another problem on DV-515 is lipsync problem.

Why did that idiot post 4 times? Trying to bring up the average review value I think.