DC, a CD/DVD player has a dual laser, with a 780nm wavelength which is optimal for reading CDs and 650nm, which is optimal for DVDs/DVD-As/SACDs. The source of the report that you mention is uninformed.
Speaker cables of adequate gauge for the distance of the run(16ga is fine up to 30' or so)are all entirely adequate for the job and there can't be any resulting sound difference. The electromagnetic field which carries the power and information travels along the outside of the wire. The part of the wave that penetrates into the wire to guide it to its destination is lost as heat and doesn't directly contribute to the sound. So, different metals, twists, etc. can have no possible effect on sound quality, and blind tests fail to show differences previously claimed.
Not familiar with the players, but if otherwise suitable for you, go with the lower pricing.
Both DVD-A and SACD are generally viewed as commercial failures and likely to be no more than a tiny niche in the market, if they survive at all. Rumors to that effect have appeared, but there appears to be no solid evidence to back up the Sony report.
