Kip,
I have both a 598DP & a Denon 5910.

The Denon's picture quality via DVI/HDMI to my plasma and projector is noticeably better than the 598's component output.

Whilst the G98's output via HDMI will likely close the gap I'm fairly sure it won't match the 5910 - no other palyer I've seen will - & especially with older material where the Realta etc. noise reduction provides a really clean image.

Sound quality is a different matter. If you have a Meridian processor and use the smartlink interface I think you'll find that the (upsampled) sound of movie soundtracks and DVD-A is audibly superior G98 v Denon.

So you can choose to optimize video & go with the Denon or you can choose to optimize audio and go with the G98.

Perhaps in time M will offer a Realta based or level video solution...800 card would be a nice start but then again we haven't seen the VE12 yet...

Paul.