I am not a big fan as I have had problems in the past with the Marantz 5 disk dvd changer. I am not thrilled by the Denon models either. I need something that will support DVD audio as well. Any suggestions?

I think that Marantz discontinued the 5 disc DVD changer due to many problems . Almost everyone we sold has had issues. We have been using the Sony 777 ES 400 disc units. I have a couple dozen out in the field and Not one problem .

I am not a Yamaha Dealer but I hear they have a good 5 Disc DVD changer.

I am, and they do. Would have to check on the DVD-A thing, though - we don't sell too many of them.

Onkyo makes the DV-CP702. Although it doesn't do DVD Audio it seems to be a very well built changer with smooth tray motion. A little clunky when changing discs but otherwise quiet during playback. I think they may also be coming out with a higher performance (possibly universal) player. I use this for casual DVD playback and as a CD changer (it holds six discs) and have a Marantz DV 9500 for SACD/DVD AUDIO and reference DVD Video viewing, etc.

Isnt the yamaha 5 disc a rebadged phillips?

I have had good luck with Integra's DPC-7.5 6 disc.

Solid Machine(better than the earlier versions)

Great discrete's!

3yr warranty.

I like the Denon stuff. The 1805 was bad, but the 1815 has given me no trouble. The 2815 has been good to me also. We pretty much only sell the Sony changers now that we do Control4. They are a decent changer for most jobs. If the customer wants better we add a high end Denon single disc like the 2910 or 3910.

Any carousel changer is a service call time bomb. I second the 777 if installed in a remote location, with a management system if feasible. If not just go with a single disc locally. Most people I have talked to still end up using the 5-6 disc changer like a single anyway.

JMJ, there's no merit to your statement. I've serviced DVD and CD changers to component level for a long time and there is nothing inherently less reliable about a changer. You think a carousel is highly complex and looking for trouble. It's just a motor and some simple gears. Did you consider that single disc players have a drawer, motor, and gears as well?

This doesn't mean certain brands or models aren't problems. But your blanket statement, based perhaps on your own experience and your own models, doesn't wash across the entire gamut of changers.

Any single disc can be a disaster, just as any changer can be.

I've used Integra for that occasional changer and have not had problems. The current model that does DVD AUDIO is the DPC8.5. Keep in mind the Integras have a three year parts and labor warranty, which is a real plus and a good selling point.

I don’t know your service background, but I had worked in the electronic repair industry for a major retailer for 5 years. While you statement about the mechanisms resembling one another is true, it is not the only thing to consider when installing in a residential environment.

In a rack install consider the inconvenience of a 5-6 disk DVD player; I have not personally seen a management system for a carousel.

As for the local install, I'll just say that I have personally pulled a pair of panties out of a jammed carousel. Any environment where there is a child around or the player can be moved a jam is inevitable.

I have removed numerous items, replaced many motors, and realigned many trays on every manufacturer of the carousel style players. I have never personally seen a jammed single disc. So what qualifies your expertise? Is it your ability to sell them easily or is that you only deal with childless men/women?


PS. I also removed 15 dvds that were jamming a DPS-6.5 just last week.

Umh...Years and years of experience?
Much more than your 5 years!

I don't doubt your abilities. Stick with it and you'll be a veteren too!(much sooner than you'll expect!)

Time fly's!

The only issue I've had with carousels (other than motor failures wich happens in single play units as well) have been the result of user mistakes.

Move a fully loaded unit and guess what!

The discs fall out of the tray causing a jam!

I've seen that with single play units as well.

One disc floating around doesn't cause as many problems as six discs out of control.

jmj the problems you listed were user error not due to the manufacture or design of the device. I like having a 5 disc DVD player. That way I can leave 4 of my daughters movies in and still have room for one that my wife or I want to watch. I put it up high so my daughter can't reach it, and taught her how to use the remote. To me that is simple customer service. I would do it for any of my clients and I have a real world example to go on.

I also am not a fan of the Denon 5 disc changers, CD or DVD. All too often these are DOA for us, even after having a unit RTV'd. This includes the bottom of the barrel 280 up to the 2815...all junk IMO. Haven't had any problems with Yamaha but then again they don't get sold as much.

Customers screw up single disc alot do. Had a customer complain the other day the denon 2910 would not play his movies. I opened the drawer to find 2 discs on top of each other. No kids in the house either. Brilliant!

I did 29 years as owner of a service center doing in and out of warranty repairs for many manufacturers.

Is this a repair issue? I think not.

Is this a repair issue? Is anything kid proof? Is that a selling point for single disc players? I've pulled coins, french fries, jewelry, you name it out of single discs, multi discs, vcrs, and cassette decks.

Have you never changed a motor or replaced slipping belts in a single disc drawer? I have many a time. Do you want makes and model numbers?

Again, not a service issue due to a manufacturing defect. All your examples seem to be customer malfunction and billable time.

BTW, I did not say anywhere that I liked all changers. I hate clunky noisy Yamahas and cheap looking Philips and Marantz to name a few. All I am doing is commenting on basic opinions that are being thrown out as facts on DVD changers being a liability in all cases.

The issues i've had with carousels is user error.
Changing discs around ,stuffing too many discs in etc.These sort of users are a PIA!
I've just bought a disc they say (often rubbish copies from a european trip to there second home) and cant get them to work. (Shame its 12.00 at night and its because your too stupid to work it i think to myself)
you get there and even though you tried talking them through step by step they cant work it .It works first time when you get there.
arrr well theres the call out charge that stops you from blowing your top (even though they know they have to pay it they say isnt it covered under the manufacturers warranty just to get out of paying what is in terms of what they earn a pitance.)
Some customers no matter the user interface are only capable of using single tray machines!
(and they still have problems that the disc menu looks different on each disc!)

end rant