The progressive scan video performance of the RP-82 is indeed excellent. However, I think the deinterlacing issues on DVD players are overblown, simply because they are easier to quantify than audio quality. What is your priority? Don't forget that if you are using the digital audio output from the DVD player, then the audio burden is almost entirely on your receiver.
"Poor" is still a relative term in the audio. My portable CD player can sound "great" plugged in to a good system, if you haven't heard better. But it's all about balance in an audio system. The RP-82 audio performance is probably a better match for lower-end speakers like Paradigm Atoms.
I may get a Denon DVD-2200 universal player at some point, though I wouldn't be surprised if its CD performance was still below my Yamaha. Don't take my word for it; the only way you can be convinced is by listening for yourself.
-Cooper
