Top 5 DVD-Audio Players Available on the Market You Can Try
Who even uses DVD-Audio players these days? Well, you'd be surprised to learn that DVD-Audio players are making a comeback, and for a good reason.
DVD-Audio discs were designed to store high-resolution audio and rarely contain video content. Because of the huge size of high-resolution audio on them, the data must often be compressed. So, in the age of convenient and ubiquitous .mp3, why is DVD-Audio, with all its limitations, making a comeback? Because DVD-Audio lets you enjoy audio content losslessly – the way their creators intended – among other reasons. So, let's take a quick look at what makes DVD-Audio such a hot topic right now and also some of the best DVD-Audio players out there.
Part 1: What is a DVD-Audio and DVD-Audio Players?
The standard DVD discs are designed for storing and playing video formats, so they don't lay particular emphasis on the quality of audio content. In contrast, DVD-Audio discs and DVD-Audio players are specifically designed to produce high-resolution audio content losslessly. For instance, DVD-Audio format can play music at a 24-bit/192kHz rate, which is ideal for producing professional music albums. The format even supports a 24-bit/96kHz 5.1 surround audio track.
The DVD-Audio format supports up to 6 audio channels and the data is stored on the discs in Linear PCM format. Video content on the DVD-Audio discs typically features Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital 2.0, or DTS 96/24 soundtracks.
A modern DVD player that will play DVD-Audio can also play video content but the DVD-A discs usually do not have much video content on them. Furthermore, DVD-Audio discs are backward compatible with DVD-video players and you can play on them, even if the audio output is nowhere near close to DVD-Audio player quality.
Part 2: Top 5 DVD-Audio Players on the Market You Can Try
The original DVD-Audio players were prohibitively expensive for most consumers because the record labels forced the 5.1 analog output on MLP (Meridian Lossless Packing) compression used on DVD-Audio discs. The $1,000 and upwards players never caught much fanfare. Thankfully, when Blue-ray emerged, it used Dolby TrueHD, which was built on MLP tech. So, modern Blu-ray players are capable of playing the high-resolution DVD-Audio discs. Incidentally, they are relatively less expensive too, unlike their predecessors like Classe Audio DVD Player that cost an arm and a leg. Here are the top DVD-Audio players you can get in the market today.
1. Oppo UDP-203 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Player
Oppo UDP-203 is an outstanding Blu-ray player - an absolute delight for audiophiles and videophiles alike. Its crisp 4K UDH video production is rivaled only by its lossless 24-bit/192kHz audio production. Launched over a decade ago, Oppo UDP-203 has dropped in price significantly during this time to become affordable to most consumers. So, if you're setting up a surround sound system with DVD player, then Oppo UDP-203 is the perfect fit.
Notable Features
- Built-in lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio support
- Sturdy metal build
- Ports: 3 USB ports, HDMI 2.0, analog output for 7.1-, 5.1-, or 2.0 channels, and more
Pros
- Extensive support for disc formats
- Excellent build quality
- Fast loading and operation
Cons
- Expensive, despite price drop
- No support for streaming apps like Spotify
- No headphone output
Price: Starts at $549
2. Sony UBP-X800M2 4K UHD Blu-ray Player
Sony never gave up on the disc technology and the UBP-X800M2 is this Japanese giant doubling down on its commitment to this niche. In fact, Sony has gone to some lengths to pack rich, theater experience into this small beast. Granted, the picture quality is not as vibrant as the higher-end Oppo UDP-203, but the Sony UBP-X800M2 is second to none in the audio quality department. The DVD audio playback sounds clear, natural, and rich with detail.
Notable Features
- Support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, TrueHD, DTS-HD MA and PCM audio codecs
- Plays audio at 24-bit/192kHz rate
- Extensive wireless and streaming support to both apps and devices
Pros
- Universal support for discs, including DVD-Audio
- Bluetooth headphone support for nighttime listening
- Budget-friendly
- Cool design
Cons
- Slow loading speed of up to 10 seconds
Price: Starts at $230
3. Cambridge Audio CXUHD 4K UHD Universal Blu-ray Player
Cambridge Audio CXUHD is for the videophile who doesn't mind shelling out some extra dough for superior picture quality. For audiophiles, however, Cambridge Audio CXUHD delivers the same crisp, sharp, and natural sounds as the Oppo UDP-203. In fact, they're almost identical in performance, except for a few differences. Don't let its unassuming design fool you, the DVD player audio delivers a rousing theater experience rivaling big cinemas.
Notable Features
- Universal disc support and format support (AVCHD, DivX, FLAC, MKV, JPEG, MP3, MP4, and WAV)
- Dolby True HD, Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X support
- Dedicated HDMI ports for audio systems
- Supports up to 7.1 channels, 192kHz resolution.
Pros
- Strong build quality
- Upgraded internals to reduce signal interference
- Sharp sound quality
Cons
- No analog audio outputs
- No streaming apps installed, although external devices like Roku, Amazon Firestick, etc. are supported
- Pricey
Price: Upwards of $800 when you can find it
4. Pioneer Elite UDP-LX500 4K UHD Blu-ray Player
For a long time, Pioneer has been the staple choice for cars, home theater systems, and pretty much anyone who likes to indulge in good music without having to go deep researching the AV culture. After all, you cannot go wrong with Pioneer and the Elite UDP-LX500 reinforces that mindset!
If you are ready to upgrade from a budget to a premium DVD player that will play DVD audio, then Pioneer Elite UDP-LX500 should be your first stop. A simple menu, easy-to-use controls, steel construction, extensive codec support, and absolutely delicious sound quality leave you swooning over the device. That is if you can splurge on the $1,000+ beast.
Notable Features
- Universal disc player
- Ultra-rigid chassis and steel construction
- Precision Quartz Lock System (PQLS) eliminates distortions
- HDMI x2, analog audio, optical digital, coaxial digital
Pros
- Unrivalled picture and sound quality
- Built like an indestructible tank
- Widely available for purchase, unlike some other brands like Oppo
Cons
- No Wi-Fi support; a LAN port is provided mostly for software upgrades
- No streaming apps supported
Price: $999
5. Yamaha BD-A1060BL AVENTAGE Blu-ray Disc Player
Yamaha BD-A1060BL AVENTAGE is easily one of the most feature-rich DVD-A players out there; at least definitely the king in its price range of half a grand. Hiding behind a rock-solid body, which prevents vibrations from interfering with disc operation, is a powerful machine that plays the most sublime sounds we've heard. The DVD music player's audio comes out smooth, dynamic, clear, accurate, and rich in detail. With smart features built into it, you've got a music lover's delight in Yamaha BD-A1060BL AVENTAGE.
Notable Features
- Compatible with SACD, CD, DVD, BD-Audio, DTS-MA, Dolby TrueHD, HDCD, FLAC, ALAC
- Wi-Fi compatible with support for playing music directly from smart devices
- Miracast tech for casting from smart devices
- Features 192kHz/32-bit DAC for stunning audio reproduction
Pros
- Outstanding audio quality across the board
- Plays delightfully well with a variety of devices - TVs, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.
- "Audio Pure Direct" disables video processing to deliver pure, unadulterated audio output
Cons
- Only 1 HDMI port
- When a USB drive is not in its port, the DVD player takes 5 seconds longer to load for some reason.
Part 3: How to Choose the Best DVD Player that Will Play DVD Audio?
We've prepared the above list after carefully comparing the products available in the market. But, are you curious to know what factors we compared them against before arriving at our decision? Here's a quick look at them:
- Price
- Ambient Sound System
- Compatibility
- Playback Sound Quality
- Usage Scenario
We looked for products that delivered the most bang for the buck in their price range, whether they were affordable or premium
DVD-A players are mostly used without headphones. So, they must perform spectacularly even against the background sounds
If you're shelling out a few hundred dollars for a music player, we want to make sure that it is friendly with all discs, formats, and smart devices; at least most of them
Of course, the most important aspect in our review is the playback sound quality. Nothing but the best for you
Every user has their own quirks and needs. Some want to enjoy music at home, alone; others love hosting parties late into the night; and so on. We've tested these devices against the most common scenarios
Bonus Tips: Rip DVD Audio to FLAC Files for Playback on Windows & Mac
Did you know that DVD-Audio isn't the only way to enjoy high-resolution music losslessly? FLAC files allow you to do that as well and you can play them on almost all devices too. And the best part? You can easily convert DVD-A files into FLAC format using HitPaw Video Converter.
Here's why audio professionals around the world use HitPaw Video Converter:
HitPaw Video Converter - All-in-one Video Solutions for Win & Mac
Secure Verified. 254,145 people have downloaded it.
- Lossless Conversion: You can convert files from DVD-A to FLAC without losing their quality
- Remove IP Protection: Rip DVD-A files from protected discs like music albums
- Up to 120x Faster: Convert DVD-A files in bulk into FLAC files with a few clicks
- Supports Files of Any Size: DVD-A files can be large. But HitPaw Video Converter converts them to FLAC effortlessly
- Create Complete Replicas of DVD-A Discs: Lets you convert all files on DVD-A discs into FLAC to create a lossless replica
Secure Verified. 254,145 people have downloaded it.
How to Rip Audio from DVD to FLAC with HitPaw
Step 1: Rip DVD-A Disc
Launch the HitPaw Video Converter and hit the “Convert” tab. Then, click as follows: Add Files >> Add DVD >> Load DVD Folder.
Step 2: View Contents and Edit (Optional)
The software analyzes the disc and presents you with the files list. You can edit their names by clicking on the “Edit” (pen) button beside each file, or leave them as they are.
Step 3: Select the Output Format
Choose the output format by clicking on the dropdown menu accompanying each file. You can also set the output format for the entire batch of files using the dropdown menu at the left bottom of the window. The various output options will be available under the “Audio” tab of the dropdown window.
Step 4: Convert DVD-A to FLAC Audio
Once you've made your selections, hit the “Convert” or “Convert All” button and your files will be extracted to your PC.
FAQs about DVD Audio Player
Q1. What is the difference between a DVD audio player and a regular DVD player?
A1. DVD-Audio is a newer technology that stores and plays music losslessly. A regular DVD player plays music by ignoring large parts of the music file data, which an amateur user does not notice but a professional or music aficionado does.
Q2. Can I use a DVD audio player with my existing home theater system?
A2. If your system supports HDMI audio playback, then it is likely compatible with DVD-A players. However, you might want to check the manufacturer's website for specs and confirmation.
Q3. What audio formats are supported by DVD-audio players?
A3. DVD-A technology is backward compatible. So, they support all audio formats leading up to the arrival of Blu-ray tech.
Q4. What is the difference between audio CD and audio DVD?
A4. Audio CDs store music in highly compressed formats, which lose a lot of original quality. In contrast, audio DVDs preserve the original quality of audio files.
Conclusion
DVD-A is the go-to choice of audiophiles worldwide for enjoying high-resolution music. With this guide, you should now be able to purchase an excellent DVD-A player within your budget. Also, you can use HitPaw Video Converter to convert DVD-A files into more commonly FLAC files for playback without limit.
Share this article:
Select the product rating:
Joshua Hill
Editor-in-Chief
I have been working as a freelancer for more than five years. It always impresses me when I find new things and the latest knowledge. I think life is boundless but I know no bounds.
View all ArticlesLeave a Comment
Create your review for HitPaw articles