The DV59-AVi is the flagship model in Pioneer's Elite lineup, and that says quite a lot. The Elite products provide some of the best audio and video reproduction around, so a universal player holding the top position must have some serious chops. Indeed, the DV59-AVi certainly delivers the goods.

The DV59-AVi is carefully designed to provide the best possible signal quality to downstream components. For example, the video D/A converters operate at 216MHz and 14 bits; the latter is quite impressive considering that most players use 10-bit converters. The result is very clean images.

For improved picture quality, the resolution can be up-converted from 480X720 to virtual-HD 1,280X720 or 1,920X1,080. Similarly, the audio signal path employs high-quality Burr-Brown D/A converters, which are known for their accuracy. The DV59-AVi accommodates DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, DVD-R/RW, SACD, CD, and CD-R/RW, as well as MP3 audio files burned to disc.

Other high-end features include an HDMI interface, which allows the DV59-AVi to output uncompressed digital audio and video data without undergoing intermediate D/A and A/D conversion.

However, to take advantage of this technology, the associated audio/video receiver and display must also have HDMI ports. Unlike some players that can only employ HDMI for video data, the DV59-AVi can use HDMI for up to eight channels of DVD-Audio.

The unit also has an iLink (IEEE 1394) port for digital interfacing. Additional goodies include Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, SRS virtual surround, full bass management for both DVD-Audio and SACD, and channel level and time delay.

The physical structure of the DV59-AVi is designed to protect the electronics inside, and it provides a very stable disc platform. The chassis uses a triple-layer bottom plate to isolate the components from vibration. Something that doesn't get much attention in the audio/video world is the owner's manual, and this player's 100-page manual is superbly written.

Anyone looking for the best possible playback experience would be hard-pressed to find a universal player that audibly or visually outperforms the Pioneer DV59-AVi.

Warranty
2 years