Yamaha DVD-S2500 DVD Audio/Video and SA-CD Player

This is a GOOD DVD player, but there are few things it could do better. I have a 5 year old Sony DVD player. Also, compared this side by side with Denon DVD 2910, using two of the same music CDs (regular CDs, not SACDs) so I can switch from one to the other instantly. I played them together at the same time so that the transition from the Yamaha to the Denon was as seamless as possible. Here's my conclusion.

1. Sound quality. I believe Yamaha has better sound than Denon DVD 2910. The difference is very little and not very noticeable. But, the Denon has brighter sound at the higher frequency. This is noticeable when playing violins. But over all, I think Yamaha has a smoother and unexaggerated sound. Compared to my old Sony DVD player, the difference was more readily noticeable. My Sony had more exaggerated brightness at higher frequency.

2. Disc loading. The biggest draw back for Yamaha is that it takes longer than the Denon to recognize the...Read more

I bought the unit less than a year ago [...]. Right from the beginning it had trouble recognizing different discs and would seize when switching between CD and DVD-A for example. The video and sonic performance of the unit are excellent when it is working.
Today I tried to open the disc tray and it wouldn't open. I disconnected the power cable to "reset" the player as per the manufacturers instructions but I am getting no response. I have a ten year old Sony DVP 7700 that has given me zero problems. The Yamaha is made in China and considering that it is their "flagship" player I expected better. Hopefully it is under warranty.

I had the DVD-2300 unit which preceeded this unit and found the picture and sound quality excellent. Based on this experience I purchased the 2500 without a real review or test drive... Big mistake.

$39 DVD players track discs better... You do have time to make popcorn while the unit attempts to recognize a disc.

Picture quality good but not outstanding... Audio was excellent. Sync problems... How could Yamaha release a dog like this to the market.

Yamaha will never get my money again... Total junk.