Sony SCD-1 vs. SCD-777ES


One of the major differences between the Sony SCD-1 and the SCD-777ES (not the XA777ES), is that the SCD-1 has balanced outputs. Does the SCD-1 have fully balanced differential circuitry, or does it have a single-ended signal path with XLR outputs?

Are there other important differences between the SCD-1 and the SCD-777ES? Has anyone compared the two side by side, and does the SCD-1 sound better?
gharrington
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.
I have owned the SCD 777Es for about two years and enjoy it immensely. The dealer, who sold both units (though the SCD 1 was not on the shelves at the moment) said that he could tell no difference in listening to the units.
Those of you who own either of these; I curious to know how satisfied you are with the music options available in the SACD format? ROI?