As a CD transport or player, the 596 is top-notch. As a DVD player, with the addition of an SDI interface (cheap) and an SDI-enabled scaler (like my DVDO iScan HD+), it can't be beat. Still a bargain for DVD playback.

Main system: Cable, Apple TV, HD621, G68D, AC11, 218, DSP7200SE (L+R), DSP3200 (L+R Rear)
2nd system: Cable, Apple TV, MC200, HD621, 568.2, M3100 (L+R)