The CLD-97 is actually superior for my purposes to the CL-99. Take a look at SNR measurements, for both luma and chroma here:
http://www.laserdiscarchive.co.uk/la...eer_cld-97.htm
Couple the CLD-97 with a superior comb filter and you have a combination that will beat the CLD-99 every single time. This is what I'm doing when backing up some of my rarer LDs to DVD. Also note that at it's best, the CLD-97 is coming within 10 dB or so of the theoretical maximum luma/chroma SNR for both composite and S-video out from a DVD player. On a TV screen, they would look essentially identical if mastered from the same source.
If you're watching the straight analog out on a roundie, like I am some of the time, noise from the BT modulator, tuner, IF strip, and chroma and video curcuits is going to have a far greater effect than the LD disc or player.