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Sony ES CD Player Cult--which sound best

There seems to be a cult for the big Sony machines, especially the 77ES, 777ES, 779ES, X707ES, & XA7. The SACD models start after these. Some say the 77 & 779, for example, sound better than the XA7. Others say that's absolute nonsense. Since the X707 is an improved 779, I would think it would be the best for those who think the older ones were better. The XA7 & the SACD players that follow it have the stationery laser mechanism. Is it problematic? It sounds kind of weird to me & I wonder if it will prove to be problem prone or wear out early. Sony Groupies, answer & be counted!!!
kevziek
lloyds
2 posts
 
Can the SACD-1 be used to drive power amps directly? If so, has anyone tried it? How does it sound?
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
4,163 posts
 
I've used the 707 for the past four years. While the build quality is outstanding, the sonics are by today's standards only good. Used stand alone it has a pleasant sound -- warm bass, clear midrange, but not particularly open highs. It clouds over some of the differences between good recordings. That said at current prices ($400-600), it's a great value. I've recently replaced the 707 with a Sony SACD, but I'm going to hold onto the 707 for a second system. It's a long term keeper product. If anyone knows of someone doing "upgrade" mods to this unit, please reply.
kevziek OP
323 posts
 
Onhwy61, is your 707 the 707esd (older) or the X707, which is 6 years newer.????? Just curious.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
4,163 posts
 
I have the X707ES.
john_l
782 posts
 
I have the xa7es and I'm pretty happy with it. I think my friends levinson 36 is better, but not by much. One thing I really like about the xa7 is that it has balanced, fixed rca AND variable rca. When used in a preampless system, you are seeing enormous value for money. It also drives a passive preamp nicely (no big surprise). Another nice feature is the high quality headphone output. I love the ergonomics with the way-fast one-touch track selection, audible in-track fast-forward & reverse, & build quality from hell. Some day I will probably buy a 777 or an SCD-1. I might still hang onto this player though. It's just so useful.....
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