To answer some of the points raised about the 220.
1. In terms of connectivity, the player had an HDMI Out, a composite out, a component out (Pb, Pr, Py), and digital co-axial out. Nothing else.
2. Here are the audio specs:
MULTI CHANNEL
44.1 kHz to 96 kHz, 16-bit/ 20-bit/ 24-bit 2-channel linear PCM audio (including 2-channel downmixing)
Dolby Digital 5.1-channel audio
DTS 5.1-channel audio
MPEG audio
TWO CHANNEL
Audio output (stereo L/ R)
Audio output level..................... 200 mVrms (1 kHz, -20 dB)
Output terminal.........................RCA terminal
Frequency response...................4 Hz to 44 kHz
S/ N ratio.................................114 dB
Dynamic range...........................84 dB
Total harmonic distortion.............0.01 %
Wow and flutter.........................Below measurable limits (0.001 % W. PEAK)
OTHERS
Windows Media Audio (WMA)
Sampling frequencies: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz
Bit rate: Up to 192 kbps
MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3)
Sampling frequencies: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz
3. Yes, the player does handle CDs with MP3 songs.
Folk, this is a very simple player. Please do not look at it being an audiophile product. It does what it is supposed to do quite well. For multichannel audio, the best is to the send the data in raw format and let the AVR handle it.
It plays DVD, AVI and such files quite well. The video is quite decent. Connected to a Denon 2310 that decodes the multi channel audio, I was hard pressed to question the capabilities of this player.
If you are looking for other tasks, you have look up in the value chain. The OP wanted something under 6K, and the Pioneer 220 fits that quite well.
Cheers