I cannot comment on the H/K DVD players. I have been using a Sony DVP-NS975 for about a month. I use its HDMI output for video and the optical out for audio. I have not tried it for SACD's yet with a 5.1 set of cables. So far I have no complaints.

Tim Pair M60's - VP150 - 2 Pair QS8's - HSU VTF-3 MK 2 Denon 985 - Sony DVP-NS975