I'm thinking of trading in my CD player and getting a DVD player. Is there really that much difference? And if so, what is it?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,

Puppy: This is kind of a loaded question. The most immediate difference you will notice is the DVD player will play movies! Just kidding......
If you are asking will there be a sonic difference when you play a CD, maybe. It depends on what you now have for a CD player and what DVD player you plan to buy. The rest of your music system will make a difference as well. Is it capable of showing you all of the capabilities that your new DVD player has to offer? There are DVD players available now for about $100.00 and this kind of machine will be just fine for a lot of people. If you are more of a purist then you may want to invest some more money in your new machine. More of an investment will buy higher quality converters and a higher sampling rate, which is going to result in a more detailed picture with greater depth, color separation and fewer digital artifacts. With regard to your CDs, you will notice much of the same qualities. Most noticeable is that the dynamic range will be greatly enhanced. You'll notice more little things in the recording that you may not have heard before. You'll find yourself listening to pieces that you have heard a million times before and still noticing new details. Please remember what I said earlier, you music system has to be capable of taking advantage of this new piece of equipment. If you think that it may not be but you plan on upgrading it in the semi near future then go ahead and buy a little more elaborate DVD player. You make no mention if you are planning to use the DVD player as part of a home theater. If so, then buy a player that is capable of decoding DTS discs. If you are pleased with your music system as it is then there is no need to go into a higher quality DVD player. My only suggestion here would be to stay with a brand name that you know, perhaps Sony or Panasonic.

It is sound quality that I was referring to. I have an awesome stereo system now, but everyone keeps telling me that I need a DVD player. So thank you for all the info, it is very helpful.