Page 1 of Ultra-cheap DVD players from Richer Sounds

I`m looking to purchase an extremely cheap DVD player - I don`t want to spend much money, as I`m intending to buy a DVD recorder as soon as dual layer ones come out (which surely can`t be long now, they`re already out for PCs...)

Anyway, I`ll probably buy from Richer Sounds since I`ve always found them excellent for service and price. I was going to get the Tedelex model that`s been talked about here before, but they don`t seem to have any. Instead, they have the following models in my price range: -

Limit DVD8072 (Graded Multi-region) - £19.95
Acoustic Solutions DVD421 (Graded Multi-region) - £24.95
Ronin P9C0 (Multi Region) - £29.95
Hitachi DVP335 - £29.95
Acoustic Solutions DVD451 - (Graded Multi-region) - £29.95

Can anyone offer any advice on the above? I`d like multi-region ideally, but it`s not too important. What does `graded multi-region` mean? Should I just buy the cheapest of the bunch? Or would I be wise to spend a bit more than the models I`ve listed?

Cheers for any advice,
Si

I`m not sure about any of the models individually, but "graded" means that they`re not absolutely brand, spanking new. They`ll be ex-demonstration, or repaired models or something on those lines. If I`ve got my facts straight, Richer Sounds usually sell them guaranteed as if they were new, but you might see evidence of use/wear on them (the odd scratch etc.), and the boxes will have been opened. Check this out before buying.

It`s also anything but guaranteed that your local branch will have them in stock - again you`ll need to check, and be prepared to not have quite the choice you were hoping for!

If you`re after a dirt-cheap but highly useable machine, many supermarkets will do you one for around £30. Asda`s Pacific 1002 regualrly gets rave reviews round here - hopefully someone else will be able to give you more info - either that or do a "search" on it!

Hope this helps!

I`ve got a Acoustic Solutions DVD321, which is like a 421, but my 321 doesn`t have a display on the actual DVD player, i think that is the only difference.

Anyway, they are cheap and chearful. Will play DVDs from any region, including RCE, VCD, DVD-R, JPEG DVDs/CDs

Which I`m happy with.

Build quality is poor, it`s all a bit platicy, sometimes DVD drawer won`t open, press eject a couple of times and it does.

Occasionaly a DVD will pause for know reason thern resume, that could be a scratch on the CD.

When I bought it, it was one of the only sub £100 DVD players, so I don`t regret buying it, but wouldn`t again.

As sput2001 your best bet is probably the Asda one. Every now and again, liek yourself, some-one asks about cheap DVD players, and loads of ppl say get the Asda one!

Al

The Pacific 1002 is ok but you might also look at the Compacks 800 or S580 from Safeway (or whats left of it now Morrisons have taken over) or the Alba 45 from Argos or the Alba 54/55 from Tesco. All about £30. This is an amazing price considering that my first dvd player (3yrs ago) cost £450!!! and couldn`t do half the things these do.

Thanks everyone for the advice - very useful. I went with the consensus of opinion and popped over to my local Asda, where I picked up a Pacific 1002W for the measly sum of £35.

I have to say I`m well chuffed with it. Picture and audio quality seem great, and it plays audio and MP3 CDs brilliantly. Multi-region too! Haven`t tried anything like DVD-Rs in it yet as I`m still awaiting a burner for my PC, but I`ve heard it copes pretty well.

The only down-side is that it`s a bit of an ugly f**cker, but at that price I can`t complain. :D