To answer a poster's question below... the 7700 does downconvert the 24/96 to 48. From what I've read, the recording industry does not want any player to output true 24/96, becasue of piracy concerns. I'm not saying I agree with it, but that's apparently the way it is...
BTW, I own the 7700, and I'm totally satisfied. The Digital Bits has a full length review...

I got my 7700 last friday. I sent back my 715 because I just found out that Sony released a new model. After listening to it with CD, I think it sounds better
than my previously CD player, the CDP-XA20ES!
When it comes to DVD, it is just excellent. I watched Scream, and I have never
been sucked into a film like this before (in stereo, though)
I'm waiting for my 9000ES preamplifier, so I used my stereoamplifier (No surround of course). I can't wait until I get the 9000!!!!

Price, dual laser pickup.

Noen that I have encountered.

This DVD unit plays my CD-R's great without any problems. DVD quality is very good and the unit is built solid. I'm not sure you can find a top of the line unit with component outputs for this price. I'll post again after a few more months.

Similar Products Used:

Toshiba SD-2008U

Everybody knows this unit is awesome. Its been around long enough to prove it. I've had mine for 16 months and It performs great. It's not perfect, but it adds class to most any system.
By the way ED, It's not designed to be hooked up and sliding around in the back of your VW bus.

Build,fast chapter access,terrific CD performance,Cimema quality picture. Now new great price.

Down samples to 48khz even though decodes 96khz. Was expensive for too long.

First I must say that the ability to use a “Reference” grade DVD is certainly a pleasure, especially when the price is so reasonable. Just around $799.00. Retail was over $1100.00, and while I am sure a decent number of these units sold, a healthy $300.00 reduction doesn’t hurt getting this machine in more homes. I spotted this reduction initially in a “Good Guys” ad and was definitely on the alert for perhaps even better pricing.

Audio Concepts in Pasadena California had surpassed Good Guys price quite nicely, thank you Gene. First upon opening up the box, the packing is average fare with the requisite foam forms on ends of the chassis, and the soft foam blanket wrapping the chassis. While not the most elaborate packing, it is careful enough. The surprise is when I viewed the rear back panel. Copper is used here in its’ construction, and upon seeing this, I figured good things could be happening here soon. The decent weight of 15 lbs. and few ounces attest to 7700’s build. I understand that many of the “ES” upgrades are used here, such as a honeycomb chassis with copper cladding, and the R-core Transformer. The front panel drops away to allow access to the disc drawer. This sort of reminds me of the Pioneer Elite DV-09 airtight drawer system, but not quite as exquisite. Still it is neat to see the panel glide up and down; it has that expensive luxury look to it. Finished in black the 7700’s front panel is simple with basic transport functions and a power/standby switch and large easy to read display at the ready. The rear panel is adorned with no less than 2 S-video outputs and the composite/ and component outputs are here too, along with the requisite digital outputs of the RCA/Toslink optical variety. All RCA connections are gold plated, again following in the “ES” tradition. Under the drop panel is the multi-directional controls/enter combination, and the track advance/reverse functions. The disc tray is centrally mounted, and of fairly decent quality. While not “high-end” stout, it does the job fine thank you.

The remote with its light absorbing Tritium elements is easy to read in the light or dark. Logically grouped along with a jog/shuttle function, this remote also performs basic functions for my TV and pre/processor, both Sony’s’ of course. Thank you Sony.

The picture is what I expect from Sony, very good and accurate. I need more time to evaluate the picture since my other player; a Rotel RDV-985 was very good, that the differences of the 2 have to realize as yet. Although the Rotel seems more vivid, actually before I calibrated my TV again with the “Video Essentials” disc the Sony wasn’t even in the same league as my Rotel. After going through calibration, the look is pure cinema soft without any artifacts at all. Watching the Matrix, the scenes are portrayed with a softness, and darkness that the makers wanted. My Rotel would be, may I say more exuberant in its rendering. Almost a bit loud, but not annoyingly so. The Sony gets the nuances right. You have to be patient here, and not look for the huge differences. If you already have a fine player, the Sony initially may not be that great, but going back and forth; the Sony gets my nod on the final picture if by the slimmest of margins. As with any new video gear, you must calibrate your TV with it to realize its’ true potential.

Audio performance is very good the action scenes very engaging in “Lost in Space” attack scene near the beginning. Fast paced well-delineated bass was my first notable discovery. I can see how so many folks want this player. The soundtrack is excellent.

Since this player has 2 discrete laser pickups, one for CD and another for DVD, the CD performance should be hopefully very good. Well, no doubt about it, with the Digital out Coaxial playing my Secret Garden cuts, the strings never sounded coarse and hard like some of my other players. The bass is tight and has good extension if not overly generous. The midrange and highs are smoother than I would have guessed. Detail and articulation are first rate. My newly acquired Denon 1650AR might beat the Sony a smiggen, but that is all, and if the Denon hadn’t been here, I probably wouldn’t have sweated it. This player is rather picky about what is fed though, not being able to load my quirky Peter Kater disc while my other machines will play it, though it would be ”click” city here. The 7700 will play my CD-r discs however. A trait that Sony does not specify as a “do-able” here with the 7700. A nice surprise here since my Rotel will not play CD-r, let alone a CD-RW. I have yet to try a CD-RW in the 7700, but it seems doubtful if it will, but will let all know on the next posting either way if needed. Though I am writing this review late tonight, the CD performance just won’t let me stop playing this player. “Incredible”, is just the beginning of the accolades that this fine player deserves. Upon final calibration of the picture, I am sure that this player that had been afforded the “Reference” adjective is justly deserved. Color me impressed with sonic trimmings to go along with this Audio/Visual treat. V.C.

Who needs this DVD player? One whom video/audio quality are extremely important, and already have onboard decoders in their system. Ones who have high quality monitoring capabilities or at least upgrading to one at some point. Ones who can’t decide on a high quality CD or, DVD machine or buying both separately. The 7700 handsomely deals a strong hand here with its’ much lower price now a plus. No real need to have 2 machines $$$.

The competition:

Rotel RDV-985…terrific picture and great movie sonics, though lagging in CD performance a good buy at $699.00 $$

Pioneer Elite DV-05 excellent bargain, with great picture though I thought the Rotel sounded a little better. Around the Rotel’s price range. $$$

Pioneer Elite DV-09 what can you say? If you want better, get ready to spend major dollars, as if $2500.00 wasn’t enough already. With the 09’s build and A/V performance, you can’t possibly go wrong. A true reference. Though getting long on the tooth age wise. You can’t believe its terrific quality, and following or how much it costs. I would love to have one of these too, but.

Similar Products Used:

Rotel RDV-985, Pioneer 606

This is a winner. Absolutely fantastic image quality. Having looked 5 dvds after I got it about a week ago, no problem whatsoever. For the price I payed, $799 delivered, I will give 5 stars in both value and overall rating.

I have to say that this Sony 7700 is the best I've seen. After having so much headache with a JVC 701, I decided to pay more money and try out the Sony. I've had the player for about one week and have absolutely no problems; plays all DVDs (including the problematic ones...Matrix & first release batch of Cruel Intentions) beautifully. The graphics are unbelievable with component outputs (despite using the cheap cables that came with the player) and DD 5.1 output is awesome. As an audio CD player, I couldn't tell the difference when compared to my Nakamichi.
Despite not having cool features like zoom and pluge controls, this player rocks! Unquestionably a 5 star.

Build Quality, Outstanding Video and Audio performance, good looking unit

Bulky remote but still works well

I recently got this unit for the unbelivable low price of $689 from a mailorder place in NY, brand new in the original box & packing. (see www.pricewatch.com for locations with best pricing). The unit is wonderful in all respects. The video and audio performance is simply stunning! The first movie I watched was The Matrix, and it played flawlessly. I watched it twice and plan to buy this DVD. My audio CDs also sound excellent with this unit. I really like the build quality of the DVP-S7700. I have it connected to a Yamaha RX-V2095 A/V Receiver and B&W speakers: 2 B&W CDM-7SE's, CDM-CSE center, 2 DM601S2's in rear, and a Definitive Tech PF12TL sub. The Sony DVD and a 36 inch Sony XBR200 Wega TV completes my system.

Similar Products Used:

None

this $1099.95 model is sony's best. at least that's what they say. i'd have to agree. the play in smooth and flawless. on a 36" xbr wega sony, the picture clarity is unbelievably clean. when i think of a negative about this player i'll let you know.

I just recently sold my Toshiba Sdk-310 and purchased sony S7700. I'm still in the middle of setting up my hometheater system. Currently I have a pair celestion A2 connected to my Holfi integrated amp. The Sony S7700 connected via component to my Sony WEGA. I have made my comparison to three other players(Denon Dv5000, Panasonic and pioneer) before I made my decision on S7700. I know that a minor set back of this player inabillity to set below 0 IRE, but it is still possible to use the monitor's brightness control the level of depth that you prefer. The S7700 gives more detailed sharper image as show in facial details and background. Colour is saturated and clear. Excellent down conversion on anamorphic without jittering. Sound quality is smooth and clear bringing out every details of YO-YO Ma" cello in his latest simply baroque cd. The menus are easily accessible with a flip of button. The fastest track access I have come across. Overall it is a well built solid player. Should be consider if purchasing DVD player, you won't be disappointed.