Ive read two very positive reviews and saw a demo of it at Best Buy.($179.00) I thought its picture was very good. Equal to the other player running which cost $290.00 He switched to SACD and it was very good but it was my first time hearing SACD. Regular CD's just sounded average to me though. It was hooked up to a nice system but, in the open store there is always noise. All in all Im still thinking of getting it for Xmas though. As you said it wont break the bank, and im anxious to hear it through my 1050.