Well, I'm not one to ask about a good dvd or cd player probably. Never owned one that costed more than $150.
The audio signal from this cheap dvd player($70+tax 2 years ago) is better than my high def receiver's signal.
The Pioneer is part of a theater/music system that retails over $5000 with this being the cheapest component. Other parts in this system include a B&K AV5000 amplifier and Infinity Beta 50 speakers and a Pioneer Elite VSX-52TX(which I won't recommend for powering big speakers).
~The sound from the cd player seriously sounds fine and I'm a very picky audio person. I find it hard to believe a player can outperform because if the player isn't just complete crap shouldn't a EQ be able to boost any part of the signal lacking?
Movies or music never been frustrated with my cheapo Pioneer dvd player. I've never felt the need, though there might be one(?), to replace this dvd/cd player. I could be missing alot I wouldn't know. Highs sound clear, bass is defined. I've heard lots of details in the midrange I missed on more expensive Sansui dvd player.
~Now for video. Unfortunately, the DVD player only upscales to 480p. I watch it using my Samsung 720p plasma. The video isn't as good as my High Def reciever but it isn't bad for sure. This is the only area of the dvd player that makes me contemplate getting a 720p or 1080p upscaling dvd player.
I will upgrade when this thing dies, for video only because it's out dated slightly. Thanks to the impressive performance and reliability of this player, I would stay in the Pioneer family for my dvd/cd playing. Much more reliable than my old Sony dvd player that was part of a package theater deal.