Back in 1999 the DVD format was exciting, cutting-edge digital technology that outclassed VHS standards to an embarrassing degree. The best way of all to watch DVD? Using Sony’s lovely DVP-S7700.
We liked this player so much, it wasn’t long before we had two as our reference machines – one set for Region 2 (Europe) and the other to play discs from the American market (Region 1).
The S7700 was a classy product. It was superbly made and featured a metal front panel that glided down to reveal the disc-loading drawer.
Best of all was the performance. The picture quality was sharp, precise and impressively detailed. Colours were rendered with plenty of finesse and control without a hint of extra bloom. This Sony was great at delivering contrast mating properly deep and insightful blacks with plenty of brilliance with whites.
Audio was equally pleasing - and it could handle DTS soundtracks, which wasn’t as common as you’d expect back then. There was no built-in decoder for either Dolby Digital or DTS, so you needed an AV amp with suitable capabilities.
The S7700 was a pretty decent stereo machine too, able to get good results from CD and those early audio-only DVDs that carried 24bit/96kHz music. Even at £800 we couldn’t find a better alternative.
That just goes to show just how much things have moved on. The new UBP-X700 adds 4K HDR, Blu-ray replay and smart functionality to the old timer’s feature list, and costs just £250. It’s a great performer too, with superb picture quality from all disc formats and a fine, though slightly lightweight, sound presentation.
The price difference shines through in the build - the ’X700 is more biscuit-tin than hewn from stone - but in all aspects of performance and sheer value, it’s brilliant.
