DVD help please

I have a 42 plasma and just had it installed.

I was going to get a Arcam DV27 for $1800 - however I was told that its better to separate the DVD and CD player and that a $600 DVD player can reach the peak picture performance. He claims that the extra cash DVD players are only good if you need them for sound (ie no amp). Is this true? (He was not a dealer he was the installer).

He suggested the Pioneer 737 as best. how does this compare to phils q50 and panny rp91

(nb the shootout is beyond my expertise)


Please advise thanks