[blgentry]

I'm trying to decide between these two low priced changers. I've done quite a bit of research including reading the owners manual for the F87 and the Sony 675, but I couldn't find the one for the 875. The 875 appears to be an upgraded 675 with essentially the same transport, similar features, and SACD on top.


How is the user interface on the Pansonic versus the Sony in terms of speed? Do either of these players respond quickly to track forward and back, fast forward, and rewind commands? How about FF and REW search speeds? It looks like the Panasonic goes up to 200x (wow), in five increments, but I don't know what the increments are. Can anyone fill me in on the FF speeds? Same question on the Sony. It appears to have 1,2,3 forward and reverse speeds, but no indication of exactly how fast they are.


Any operational quirks with either player?


Thanks for any help.


Brian.

 

[AkaStp]

I have no experience with the Sonys but I've had a F87S for the past 30 days and am really pleased with it. Its solidly built. I like the pillar-box capability for 4:3 material and also the zoom capability. The fast forward and reverse works well. UI is good, no real complaints (well - except that the progressive setting is not in the most intuitive place).


I have not yet tried the F87's DVD-Audio capabilities (waiting to get cables and a DVD-A disc to try - probably will be Hotel California and/or Rumors). If you want SACD rather than DVD-A then you'll need to choose the Sony. Conversely, if you want DVD-Audio you'll need to choose the Panny.


Be aware that the F87 only has a digital coax output, no optical, so make sure you have enough of the appropriate digital inputs on your receiver.


As BB and CC stock these units you should get one or the other or both for a 30 day tryout.

 

[cpc]

I had the F87 but returned it because that player won't play read the "Waking Life" dvd consistently. I also wasn't keen on how the player didn't allow you to adjust the noise reduction as on the F85. Other than that, the player did appear to work well and offered good mpeg decoding.

 

[luvhdtv]

I just got a Sony 675 to replace a Philips DVD793C which I liked but is very eratic playing burned DVDs.


Pros: The Sony will play EVERYTHING; great sound (I'm still on analog); picture looks good, great price at Circuit City


Cons: Only one analog audio output; NO MP3 PLAYLIST (I'm very bummed about that one); confusing menu.


I haven't decided yet if I'm going to return it because of the lack of playlist.