Sony SACD Monsters: Already Obsolete?

in response to the pioneer unit, while it seems great that it does it all, this unit downsamples dsd (sacd) to pcm, so basically all the advantages of sacd are thrown right out the window. it will still sound better than regular cd but even the cheapest model sacd player you can find will beat it in sacd performance.

Adhesiv, if you're still sticking around, I have a question for you. You seem to have some knowledge on the current info. Concerning the Pioneer SACD/DVD-A, why even bother having an SACD player at all? Is the PCM just for digital out? It doesn't make sense Pioneer would produce an SACD player and not provide analog output from the DSD bitstream. I would liken it to using a telephone to transmit Morse Code.

I just got a Sony 777ES! Holy CRAP! As soon as i hooked this 60lb monster up the sound difference was SO obvious it made the hairs on my arm stand up. This is a regular red book cd. the SACD is a whole 'nother story. I got mine used for 1,500 (oade was selling them new for that price not too long ago but are all out). I was a sony snob (hated the company for various reasons) but now i dont know what to think. This player is unbelievable! I played a cd for a non audiophile on it and she said 'wow, you can hear more of the music.' exactly.

I think adhesiv is right, this is destined to be a classic. i'm sure the sacd players that replace this model wont have the build quality near the 777es. seems like sony went overboard as a statement to the new format. once it catches on (if ever) the players will cost $150 and weigh 6 pounds like most cd players today. read reviews at audioreview.com if you're thinking of one. some good comments, better than i can provide. but still...holy CRAP!

You guys, knock it off. Soon you will find the scd-1 and 777es prives go up and my tax return is coming any day now. At least can you hold on for couple of weeks? Seriously, with rave reviews on this post, stereophile A+ rating and all, even my stubborn attitude to not upgrade is being swayed!

The SCD-1 and 777 were expensive players to build and have outstanding sonics. I bet Sony lost money on each sold.

I suspect the second generation will be like when Sony came out with the DVP-7700 to replace the DVP-7000 DVD player. The 7700 added a couple significant features (like DTS output), but the 7700 was obvioulsly cheaper to build and many concluded was not as good sounding. I hope Sony won't repeat this. BTW, Sony's third generation flagship DVD player, the S9000ES, kills the 7000 and has more features that the 7700. I do not know if it's cheaper to build than the 7000, but has a higher list price.

The second SACD generation will be cheaper to build, cheaper to buy, multichannel, and include bass management. I lood forward to the second generation. I just hope the C555ES scheduled out in April is as good as the 555ES that already has been released in Europe. It's getting rave reviews. I hope the 777 replacement scheduled to be out this summer, equals or surpasses the sonics of the current 777.

The SCD-1 has not officially be discontinued and they're still available for purchase. Several mail order firms sell them under $3K. I've not heard about a SCD-1 replacement.