The Denon SCD-1700NE shares many design features with similar Marantz-brand models: Front- and rear panel layout and controls, tray design, LCD display and remote control. What distinguishes the Denon machine from its Marantz relatives are its improved load speed (very fast format detection -- 2-to-3 seconds after drawer closes); quiet mechanical operation; and, quick response to control input, whether from panel buttons or remote.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nSetup is trouble-free: Unpack it, put batteries (included) in the remote control, attach power and audio cables -- that's it. Unless a specific format is desired, the machine will automatically choose the correct one -- SACD or CD -- without user input. (Note: This is a 2-channel machine. It can be commanded to play multi-channel SACDs, in which case the surround channels will be digitally downmixed to the main [front] channels.) <br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nAs with the older Denon SACD predecessor (and the similar Marantz players), the control buttons are not illuminated, which is a disappointment. To be fair, very few players -- SACD and\/or CD -- in this price class have lighted panel buttons. Unlike some other players, even those below this price class, the SCD-1700NE does not have a headphone socket -- the machine must be used with an external preamp or amp that has headphone capability, if headphone listening is desired.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nOne other, minor disappointment is the lack of an open\/close button on the remote control. Many other players' remotes also lack this feature (Marantz, notably), but many do have it -- and, a remote open\/close button is handy, especially in consideration of the dark front panel controls (legends virtually unreadable in a dark room or in a dark shelf or rack). Fortunately, other remotes that do have the open\/close button, and that are compatible with the -1700NE, are readily available (mostly used, but very inexpensive). Because the other remote functions (play, skip, stop, and so on) are compatible across the Denon remotes and players, a second, non-1700NE remote can be used for most of the important functions.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nIn all important areas -- flawless playback, quick response to control inputs, quiet mechanics -- the Denon DCD-1700NE is an excellent machine at a fair price.