Hello Tim,
You should be able to find a DVD player that matches the quality of your Axiom speakers. Although it strikes me as unlikely that the audio processors in the Kenwood are at fault, I've been using a Sony DVD player for several years and have auditioned and edited reviews of Toshiba players as well. The audio section of the Sony is very clean as are the Toshiba players. I also can't fault the audio sections of several Panasonic DVD players I've listened to. Because Toshiba is one of the originators of the DVD format, and the parent company of Panasonic (Matsushita) is a key player in the evolution of DVD-Audio, I believe you'd be satisfied with a player from either manufacturer. However, be sure the CD you are using to check out players doesn't already have hot or equalized (i.e. harsh) highs. Many pop/rock CDs have exaggerated high frequencies to ensure they have lots of "presence" when played over FM radios and car systems. Beware.
Good luck.
Alan Lofft
Axiom Resident Expert
