Yamaha DVD-CX1 Multi-disc DVD Player

Pros: Sound quality, sharp looks, CD-playback great quality for a DVD player.
Cons: During Play-Exchange feature hard to rotate platter to remove rear disc (very minor)

One reviewer here had a very bad experience with this Yamaha DVD-CX1. I've had mine for over 2 years (bought new/factory sealed), and use it regularly (nearly every day). No problems at all, so far. I bought this unit because, AT THE TIME, for under ...

Pros: Great performance, solid construction, quiet operation, and ease of setup.
Cons: Remote does not have backlighting. Poor durability. Extremely expensive to repair.

If you enjoy spending good money for a really great performing product that fails early and costs a lot to repair, then this is the DVD player for you.

I purchased the DVD-CX1 in 2003 and was wowed by its whisper quiet operation, solid construction, ease of set up, and performance. It breathed new life into my aging system (13 year old Mitsubishi monitor & 7 year old Denon receiver). However, after 2 years of light use, the Yamaha failed with an HO2 code. Some research disclosed that this is a common failure mode of several Yamaha & Panasonic DVD players. The culprit is a 3rd party optical pickup system. My unit requires replacing that system and an integrated chip for $340.

This is kind of like buying a $50,000 automobile that performs and looks great, but having the engine burn out at 20,000 miles ... then getting a quote to replace the engine for $34,000. Who would buy that? I've decided to dump this player and shop for something new, avoiding Panasonic & Yamaha.