The only thing I can say about this player is that it is going to be for fans of dvd/sacd audio only. In reading reviews of Pioneer products, I do not recall their receivers with the hdmi input being able to decode the high def audio formats(dvd-sacd audio). If they do, then you must buy one of their receivers or look around and see if there are other manufacturers out there that make receivers that also decode buy hdmi. I would think this unit would be more saleable if it had 5.1 channel outputs, bass management and settings for the distance from the listening position. If it does not, you tell me who is going to buy this.

The market is the SACD market (DVD-Audio is dead). I don't want distance/listening position, eq for the analog outputs they just add distortion for dubious benefits. If I wanted that junk I wouldn't bother with SACDs (this is why SACDs are so limited in their appeal, classical music and acoustic jazz recordings are the only legitimate uses for it, other than that a DVD is better for pop music since it is processed to hell with mixing software anyway) Pioneer Elite 94, Onkyo 805/Integra 7.8 and up, Mar antz 8002 (maybe the 7002, not sure) all can handle the DSD natively as can the latest higher end Denon and Yamaha stuff that is a reason for it. Since HDMI doesn't have the PQLS that iLink had the quality of the transport matters since jitter is a factor again (stupid design I guess). Finally the 1796 is only topped by the 1792 audio dac (Onkyo/Integra use the 1796 in their receivers, Pioneer's 94 uses an older inferior one, the 1791). The next step up is the 3910ci from Denon