PLEASE HELP! Is this a good deal? (Yamaha S2300)

[phreaky_d]

Hey guys! I have the opportunity to get a Yamaha S2300 universal player for about $350, and I was wondering if you thought this was a good deal. It doesn't have the box, manual, or the remote, but I'm planning on using my Pocket PC as the remote for it (HP Ipaq 2215 with Nevo Universal Remote). I'm well-aware of the S2500 coming out this month, but it's gonna be beyond my price point, since I'm saving my money to get the 37" Sharp Aquos LC-37G4U. What do you guys think of this player, and is it worth the $350? From what little I've heard or read, most people think it's a decent player. I'm mostly worried about picture quality, and I've heard it is superb in this regard. Please post any thoughts. Thanks!

[lightspeed240]

I spent some time looking at the s2300 (running through a 50-something inch Mitsu RP display,) and it does have nice overall PQ. It has the older faroudja deinterlacer, so its very clean and doesnt have MB issues. It is at least one generation behind the newest players in terms of components, but its usually more important how the components are put together than what they are. I was not crazy about the remote, but thats subjective. Control response was good, but not the best. I didnt get to really listen to its audio abilities, but I have heard its strong in that area. Yamaha's quality control is excellent, and I have never had any hesitations about recommending it to people on that basis.
Im presuming this is a floor-model at that price and description. I just noticed that tweeter/hifi buys dropped the price on the denon 2200 to under $300 and the 2900 to under $500. I bought one of each and I have been very satisfied thus far. I would recommend you compare the 2200 to the s2300 if you get a chance. The PQ of the 2200 is outstanding, rivaling the dv59 I had (close, but not quite.) And the 2900 is phenominal for audio performance. The only problem is some reports of quality control issues with the 2900/2200 (vibrating with some discs and some fail-to-reads on certain discs, mainly re-recorded.) Both of mine have been fine thus far. The response to controls is the best there is, and there is no layer change. It really makes the players nice to use overall.

[phreaky_d]

Thanks for the reply and the advice. Yeah, it is a floor model. As far as trying out the older Denons, my store doesn't have any of them...just the Yamaha. Any other opinions out there?