Same unit, different name tag? I was at Best Buy looking for an inexpensive (but not piece of garbage) dvd player for my mom for Christmas. I went in looking for the DVD-1710, and found the DVD-555. Sure looked the same to me. I asked if they carried the 1710, and he directed me right to it. Same price even. Hmmm...why would one store carry both if they are the same model? For that matter, why would Denon make two if they're the same?

Looking on vanns.com, I see that there's also the 755 and 955 models as well. Priced just as though they were the 1910, and 2910 units. What the heck is going on?

You're right, Craig, they're identical except that in many cases the alternative model numbers are available in silver only. This is another example of Denon's practice of using different model numbers for units which would supposedly go to a "lower" level retailer(e.g. 2805/985). Often, although the prices that you saw were the same, the alternative sells for less and a couple members here have been able to take advantage of that on Denon receivers. A little clue that that's the case in your example is the fact that the manual is labeled 1710/555. They're in the "specialty audio" section on the Denon site in their "Home Theater Series". Here's a comparative chart of some of the models.

Which is considered the "high end" model? The 1710 or the 555? (funny calling either of these units high end, no?)

Craig, your mother would definitely have more prestige if you got her the 1710 rather than the 555. If you got her the 555 and she learned the truth she'd probably be continually thinking of ways to conceal the model number.

Har har. I know she's not going to care...heck I don't care. I was just curious which model Denon tries pushing has the "elite" model. This just seems like a very odd marketing ploy. I don't understand the point.

marketing people think in very mysterious ways