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SONY SCD-1 vs the New Generation of Competition

I have an Arcam FMJ CD23T, and must admit I am very disappointed in its sterile playback and lack of tone/bass. I primarily play Redbook CDs, and have read a lot of dated material about the full sound of the Sony SCD-1 in that mode, and am curious to know (1) if the newer generation offerings, IE MF Nuvista or Trivista, as well as any other manufacturer’s models, will deliver the full range (albeit artificial) sound of my Denon 1650AR, but in greater quality (2) also, are the new SCD-1s which are currently for sale improved at all from the original model. Thanks in advance for your opinions.
handymnami
jwmazur
179 posts
 
I had a CD23, non-"T", and had wonderful sound. They did have unit variability, though.

The Sonys are pretty much the same from start to end. You can perform any level of modifications to them and get sound that is better than a lot of todays offerings. Positive Feedback on line magazine has done quite extensive coverage on the mods and the Modifiers themselves. The only step from the Sonys to get better performance is to go to the Meitner DAC's. I have had to ask myself why there are so many Musical Fidelty TriVista'a up for sale. One dealer says there are other units that sound better. But, this is all a matter of taste and system.
comm152
2 posts
 
I had heard so much about the Sony. I took my Mark Levinson 39 to the store and A/B the two. The salesman tried to give evrey advantage to the Sony but there was no decision. The Sony sounded like a little harsh import. The ML 39 was so suppior there was no desion to which one was the best. It makes you wonder, if it's that bad on red book how much better could the SACD be?
handymnami OP
5 posts
 
Jwmazur: this is great input and very much appreciated. I too have noted the extensive number of (used and new) TriVista (s) for sale, and considering it is a limited production model, and all the positive press it has received, can't help but wonder what's wrong... I have been printing off everything I've found RE the mods, just in case I end up buying the SCD-1...

I have also read a good deal about the ML 39, and so com152, your information with regard to that model is very helpful to me and very much appreciated also. I certaily will take your advice and explore that prospect further.

Please keep it coming folks!
rbstehno
916 posts
 
I currently have the sony 9000es player and have listened to the scd-1 and the 777es models. IMO, Compared to quality stand alone cd players, the sony's can't compete in playing redbook cd's. In sacd playback, in video playback, they are very good. I also heard the 9000es modified by dan modwright and the redbook cd playback sounded excellent. I am in the process of auditioning a DAC with my 9000es for cd playback.
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