Ayre CX-7e comparison to Sony SCD-xa5400es

The strength of the Sony XA5400ES is in its SACD performance on both Stereo & Multi-channel which is excellent and I doubt if the Ayre can match it. I do not find it as good as my modified Marantz CD94 for RB CD but many will find it very acceptable as can be seen from comments on various Forums

I purchased both models and have lived with both and compared them side by side. I prefer the Sony in all aspects, however the Ayre is a superb player in it's own right.

On Ray Brown's Moonlight Serenade the "Pluck" on his bass strings are definitely sharper and cleaner on the Sony.

I recently had my CX7e upgraded to the MP. As good as the standard "e" was, the MP upgrade takes this player to a whole different level. I would even go so far as to say (gulp) that it's now a fair match against my vinyl rig. I never thought digital could match vinyl, given the same mastering in both formats. Now I'm coming to the conclusion that that it very well may be a toss up.

BTW - the CX7 does not play SACD, that's the CX5.

Buconero117 - In a previous post, I recall you stating that you didn't care for the 5400 and returned it to Sony. Now you bought another one?