Why are SONY discontinuing some of their SACD players ?

[mikenyc]

I'm interested in getting a SONY SACD player...admittedly, for the Stones hybrids...in my initial search, I see that a couple of the SONY players are "discontinued". What's happening here ?

I'd love to get one of the PIONEER universal players but I can't find it domestically. What's up with this ?

Should I just wait ?

[aashton]

Sony work on an 8 month product development/renewal cycle generally and one aspect of this is that they tend to not like having a product available for more than 2 consecutive catalogues. Sometimes incremental or cosmetic changes may result in a new model number allocation especially when that product is available in the Japanese domestic market. Their research and development capabilities also mean that they are capable of outstanding innovation when they are required so each new product needs to be assessed on a case by case basis.

All the best - Andrew

[Richard Feirstein]

Every year there is a big show in Vagas for buyers, then a spring show. My May Sony and other venders give formal press releases with some of their new product releases. Some start to hit the street in June and the rest by November for the Holiday buying season when 50% of such goods are sold. If you don't have new product buyers will look elsewhere for added features and lower prices.

Richard.

[Marc Pool]

mikenyc, the pioneer doesn't get good reviews, maybe you should take a look at the Marantz 8300.

[Dan]

Sony, and most of the other big boys, do a product shuffle about every eight months to a year. No big deal really, you might be able to save some $$$. I saw several "discontinued" Sony SACD units at Best Buy starting at $149.

[mikenyc]

Thanks very much, everyone...you've been alot of help.

I'm going to wait, until this straightens itself out. I don't want to be stuck with a Betamax !

[Kevin Sypolt]

Not to worry. I read somewhere that Sony DVP-NC500V is being replaced by a DVD/SACD player that supports progressive scan. I LOVE my 500! I would love it even more if it supported progressive scan...