Sony Xa5400 ES vs Cary CD 500 demo

I'd go w/the CD500. I owned the sli80 f-1 for 5 yrs & really enjoyed both the 306/200 & later the 303/300. I briefly tried the 308 & was greatly disappointed w/it's sound & build quality. A local buddy of mine uses the cd500 w/his sli80 & it sounds great. brand synergy can be a good thing. good luck.

also the remote for the cd500 will run your f-1 too.

I would do the 5400 and look to modwright to get the most out of the unit.

To Bigshutterbug, looks like you like the Sony. Would you know how the Sony compares to Cambridge 840C??? Does Sony only make the XA5400ES in black, never saw a silver one yet on AG.

Hey Crwindy how is the Cary doing?

Modwrights web-site pertaining to the Sony Player.

http://modwright.com/modifications/sony-xa5400es.php

I have a highly modded Sony SCD-1 and it is a great player very comparable to the Audio Research Reference CD-7 on Redbook CD and exceeded the AR player on SACD; the AR reference CD-7 could not play SACD.

Chuck