Sony 9000 ES SACD output stage cold

Darrell- I recently had a similar post. As Rrsclyde correctly states, the sound is indeed warmer, smoother. (PT P1A/P3A? this is a reasonably priced DAC I think so i assume he agrees the 777 on redbook is weak) It is also less open and transparent with poor imaging. I think the people who like the player have systems that needed "taming". (probably solid state!) I had an MSB II also and it is noticeably better on redbook CD- NO DOUBT ABOUT IT. It sounds like there is less between the CD and the speakers. I don't know anything about the electronics but apparently the analog output stage on the 777 is very complex. A bunch of op amps and resistors... whatever (?) The MSB is a simpler circuit and sounds like it. I can see how the SONY will improve some systems, but Sony players are not meant for purists. I am optimistic however about SACD software and looked into tweaking the player. Apparently it is very hard to work on and shipping it is obviously a disaster. I am in NY- let me know if you come up with an idea.

Sorry! I have a 777, and the post is about a 9000. Probably similar sound however.

There is a new review at Audioreview.com in which the owner has had two different units (from his dealer) with varying DVD picture quality. It could be a QC problem with the SACD. I have read different takes on the standard CD playback quality of this player, but everyone seems to agree that the SACD playback is very nice.

I think that if the Sony's (9000ES) analog output stages could be upgraded it might help the sound quite a bit. I know that the MSB output stages are somewhat "tweeked" and I'm sure that's why many who use the Sony as a transport with their MSB are happier with that sound quality than they are with the sound of sacd through Sony's SACD analog outputs. Does anyone else use an external dac with the Sony and also find that the SACD sound isn't as good as what they get using an external dac on reg. CD playback????????

Darrell, I believe that Stan Warren does an extensive mod for this player. Simontju was having it done to his player, but I haven't seen any posts from him on the results, or if it's back yet. I think that Great Northern Sound is or at some point will be doing them as well. Jerry Ozment bypassed the output of my 777ES and attached the Audio Logic's tubed analog stage to the unit, with a separate power supply, with outstanding results, but I don't think he's doing that anymore (wouldn't hurt to call him, though). Let's face it, the output stage of the Sonys, except perhaps the SCD-1, is built to a price point, certainly not to perfectionist audiophile standards, and a well-designed outboard DAC with its own power supply should be able to outperform it handily on Redbook CDs. But for its price and compared to similar one-box players, from the posts I've been seeing, it's not bad, and you get a DVD player and SACD as well.