Pioneer UDP-LX500 £999
There can be only one winner, of course, but the truth is there isn’t a bad 4K Blu-ray player here. All three machines offer something for someone and perform brilliantly at their respective price points.
We knew what we were getting with the Cambridge and Panasonic players before we started this test, and our opinions haven’t changed – they’re still supremely talented machines.
Launched in 2017, the CXUHD is the oldest player here, but it has aged remarkably well. The other two machines boast a slightly clearer, more detailed picture, but they are more expensive – considerably more in the case of the Pioneer. This gives the Cambridge some leeway in the final reckoning.
And don’t underestimate the CXUHD’S audio ability, either. It’s still hugely competitive in this company, to the extent where some might prefer its timing and rhythmic skills over those of the Panasonic.
The DP-UB9000 is a weighty and powerful-sounding brute of a 4K Blu-ray player. It delivers movie soundtracks with plenty of gusto, making it a fine choice if you live on a diet of action flicks. It also produces a more insightful picture than the Cambridge. It’s clearer and boasts better definition and fine detail, which adds a greater sense of realism. There are more features to take advantage of too, including the multichannel analogue output and its balanced connections. This makes it more flexible and versatile than the Cambridge – and even the Pioneer.
But this test isn’t won by the player with the most features. It is won on the big screen – and it’s the newcomer that walks away with the top prize.
The Pioneer UDP-LX500 is the most expensive player here, but it produces the best picture and sound. It is capable of serving punchy, eye-catching whites and detailed, nuanced black levels in equal measure. Throw in immense detail levels and an expertly judged colour palette and you’ve got a 4K Blu-ray player that will definitely make the most of your display, whether it’s a 4K LCD or OLED TV or projector.
Audio excellence
But it’s sound quality where the Pioneer really stands out from its rivals. Hook it up to a suitable surround-sound package and it blows you away with its dynamic, entertaining delivery. It’s as happy serving up explosive, sofa-shaking blockbusters as it is more nuanced, dialogue heavy and delicate soundtracks.
And all these qualities transfer across when you switch from multi-channel to two-channel playback. If you want to enjoy the most thrilling movie and music experience possible at this level, then you can’t look past the Pioneer UDP-LX500.