Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony DVP-NC685V 5-Disc DVD/CD/SACD Player

I did some research for a DVD player for my parents, and I knew I wanted something close to my Sony 900V (about $650) without the price. There are also certain pieces that were a must - a good audio converter and video converter. I currently own the Sony 900V and a JVC 523, and due to my Sony being able to play almost anything (more compatibility than the JVC), and wanted to stick to that route.
Several features stood out:
1. Plays VCD, DVDs, DVD+-R/RW. I have tested with everything that I have except DVD+R/RW
2. Plays SACD - which was so clean sounding that it was "scary"
3. Overall sound quality is awesome (connected to a receiver)
4. Video quality was great using S-vid and Component out
5. I really like the 5 disc ability to continue playing the current disc, while changing the others.
If the SACD ability is not important (or you don't see yourself ever using it), I would consider the 665V model instead.

My setup includes:
40" Sony Wega
Integra receiver 802
connected with component cables (video) and digital coax (audio)
Paradigm Monitor 5's and PW 2200 Sub

Sony makes great DVD players and this model is no exception. Furthermore, it is a progressive scan player which will give enhanced picture quality with a high-definition TV. You may not have HD TV yet but you probably will have one within a year or two, at which time you'll want your DVD player to have progressive scan capability. So, if you're buying a DVD player now, please be sure to get one with progressive scan, like this Sony, and be prepared for HD TV.

Another terrific feature of this model is that it plays Super Audio CDs. Most modern DVD players play CDs as well as DVDs, but very few have the capability to play SACDs which are the highest fidelity audio medium currently available. And the circuitry which allows this unit to play SACDs actually improves the sound of regular CDs. So if you want both the best picture and the best sound a progressive scan player with SACD capability is the one to get. This Sony has both of these features at a very reasonable price.

This player plays CDRs, DVD+R, & DVD-R (Ritek 8X only tested so far).

Sound quality is good also, SACD is GREAT (with 5.1 out of course).

My only compliant is that it won't random\shuffle MP3 CDs. I burned 100's of MP3s to a CD with a folder structure and it won't snuffle them. This VERY disappointing since I have an MP3 deck in my truck, MP3 boom box for camping, etc.

Earlier I had Philips 5 DVD changer and it really disappointed me with not playing most of the disks, I'm really exicted to see the results and the response time on this player. Sony has once again marked its presence by giving a great DVD player. If you are looking for a player with 5 disk capacity then u don't have to think of any other player other than this one! It plays all formats including DVD+R, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3. It produces excellent sound, superb picture. If you have a AV reciever and you want to get the best out of the player then u must connect it with Optical Cable and if u happen to have a progressive scan TV then Component Video Cable is strongly recommended for the ultimate picture quality. With all the features and ease of use, its a overall winner!

The only negetive point i came across is that this player doesn't display the folders in the actual tree form the way they are stored on a disk.

I bought the unit recently and cds sound better than they ever did before. For the price, imho this unit is hard to beat. And you get all of the advantages of a carousel holding five discs.

DVD picture is also very good.