What are the "budget" universal (Blu-ray, DVD-Audio, SACD) players out there now?

I wouldn't call that "fumbling along" as you have the capability to play DVD-A, SACD and Blu-ray audio. It's great that you spent under $200 for all that disc playback capability .

Bill

 

There's your perfect answer OP......

TWO gifts.....LOL..........A USED Sony BDP......... AND........ a USED DVD/A capable deck.

ALL for LESS than a NEW OPPO 103D!!!!

 

I've seen my Pioneer Elite CD/DVD-Audio/SACD player HDMI and 5.1 analog outputs for as little as $45 on Craigslist. If you need a Blu-Ray with analog audio outputs and HDMI there WERE some Panasonics that probably fly under the audiophile radar and might be similarly priced.

 

Here the 2012 top of the line Panasonic DMP-BDT500 with 7.1?analog audio and component video for $150.

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ele/5302427811.html

 

So here is you $250 or so solution;

Panasonic DMP-BDT500 Blu-ray player with 7.1 analog outputs and HDMI. http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ele/5302427811.html
Pioneer Elite DV-48av CD/DVD-Audio/SACD player with 5.1 analog outputs and HDMI https://tulsa.craigslist.org/emd/5264016302.html
you can nurse your old receiver along with a $90 manual 5.1 analog audio switcher http://www.hdtvsupply.com/5-1-audio-switch.html

According to your information page, you're NOT using a record player. An entry level Denon with a complete HDMI array for $250. http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs700w/denon-avr-s700w-7.2-4k-a/v-receiver-wi-fi/bluetooth/airplay/1.html

I strongly endorse any HDMI equipped receiver that will offer digital bass management and some flavor of room correction. The biggest step up in my personal system was combining my $99 DV-48av with a $550 nick/scratch/dent HDMI equipped receiver.

Good luck!

 

Urgh! I wanna jump on that...but just bought a ton of other stuff and want to take my kid shooting...argh...CONFLICT...CANNOT DECIDE...CONFLICT...CO..N...FL...I..C.............................

(The switcher solution is OK for purists but then the bass management goes out the window (or maybe redigitized? Usually not I think))

 

Bass management is in the player, the switcher would just pass through. Your receiver PROBABLY does nothing to the signal passing through the 5.1 auxiliary input.

That said the bass management on my Pioneer DV-48av cuts off small main and center speakers at 100hz as opposed to the THXish 80hz. The goofy bass management is another reason for going with a HDMI equipped receiver with digital bass management.

Since your based in Los Angeles, here is a Denon receiver with plenty of HDMI jacks , no remote in Hollywood for $200. Maybe your old Denon remote will work with it?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/ele/5324565962.html