Sony SCD-1 vs. SCD-777ES

As an SCD-1 owner, I believe the only differences between the two units are cosmetics and XLR outputs (not fully balanced).

Although I've not compared the two, several years ago, one or more reviewers reported the sonics as supposedly being the same.

-IMO

I had both machines over at my house for a demo.
I could not tell them apart.

I believe the SCD-1 has two power supplies whereas the SCD-777Es has one,also XLR outputs and cosmetics as Stehno suggests.It is basically the same player.

Chuck

The XLR outputs on theSCD-1 are a convenience; they're not really balanced. A power supply difference is the reason for the difference in weight between the units. Although it doesn't seem to be because of XLR vs. RCA reasons, I heard a definite, but quite subtle difference between them at the dealer's, in favor of the SCD-1--slightly fuller lower midrange. Cables seemed to be the same, and the dealer swore that everything else was equal. Since I didn't take the 777 home, I can't tell you whether that was true.

richard kern who does the audiocom mods has stated several times that he prefers the scd-1. i believe he thought it was more open than the 777es. (although i'm not sure if he was comparing fully upgraded units or two stock ones.) you'll find a ton of links on this subject with as many opinions. i can't help thinking that richard is in more of a position to accurately judge the two units...especially since his comments about the scd-1 being his choice probably costs him work while the 777es owners scrambled to upgrade and as hifi goes, ultimately wound up off the hook with somethign completely different like a full-on home theater system.

i love my 777es and hope to get it upgraded by richard...even if he does prefer the big brother.