OK, now I think I understand the issues. Looks like (surprise) I can't have it all. I'd love to find the truly universal DVD audio/video unit that would support SACD and DVD-A, record to DVDs and an internal hard drive, and of course play all manner of DVD videos. But I don't think this is available - at any price. True?

And because I am not prepared to spring for a DVD recorder and a combo player just to support hi-res audio, here's my plan. For now, just go for the Pioneer DV563A as the current unbeatable value in a combo player, and wait on the recording part. Does this make sense?

thanks