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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
mikeam
122 posts
 
Never had a problem with my SCD-1. The unit is one of the best bargains on the market. I do think the output stage could stand a little beefing up, which I am currently addressing. Take a look at Classe's new SACD-1 player, it uses the same mechanism as the SCD-1 but the retail is 12K. The Accuphase combo uses the Sony SCD-1 Mech and its retial is 28K (for the combo trans/dac). Also I believe Wadia is working on a ref transport (SACD) using the Sony mech, rumored to retial for 17k. The bottom line is that if this transport were prone to problems I don't think such entities as the aforementioned would partake of the drive.
Regards,
Mike
mikeam
122 posts
 
Apparently my finger are dyslexic and can't correctly spell RETAIL. Sorry.

Mike
rhljazz
1,117 posts
 
My favorite is the 608es which is now 12 yrs. old and has over 6500 hrs on it without any break-downs, talk about reliability! This player has extremely extended and defined bass, excellent pace and rythm. It is lacking somewhat in the area of "air" and transparency which is only obvious in a high resolution system. I also have a 77es which is better in some ways, ie in the areas of transparency but overall not quite as musical. The build quality on the 77es is very impressive with the I-beam frame, high quality boards, and copper plated chassis. It too has been perfectly reliable. I auditioned one of the later Sony's with the fixed laser in both my systems and found it was not an improvement in either case. I don't recall the model number but it was the second to the top.
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