Decent SACD?

The answer as far as the Marantz is concerned, is a definite YES.

It replaced an older $7K CD set-up, and is MUCH better.

Richard

For the money, you want to spend, you can buy Philip 1000
DVD,SACD, and cd player, or you can buy sony 9000es
and both send them to Dan Modwright for modification.
If you can still find them.

The Redbook performance of the Sony SCD XA777ES
CD/SACD player is excellent.

I agree with you Rsbeck. RedBook performance is VERY VERY GOOD. I have owned the XA777ES.

I'm currently considering getting the Consonance SACD 2.0 player which is based on the XA777ES transport and DACs. One should be able to purchase it for under $2300. 2.0 model is 2ch. The 1.0 is multichannel.

For a dealer....see www.audiolon.com. Player details can be had at http://www.operaudio.com/Html/Opera-Products-NEWPRODUCTS-CD.htm

The Sony won't be outperformed by any dedicated player I have listened to at its $2,000 (New) price point. But...I say that because I like it's laidback sound, if you like a player that is forward sounding then those players are on the market also. All players at your price point should sound very good no matter what you play on them but in the end it is always best to let your own ears be the judge.

Dave