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CD v. SACD

I was planning on buying a new CD player (Rega Jupiter 2000), when I read a few reveiws of the Sony SCD-XA777ES, which used, I could buy for about the same amount as the Rega new. I currently have an extensive CD collection, but no SACDs. My question is whether I should just go ahead and buy the Sony, or whether a dedicated CD player, like the Rega (or others at its price point) are significantly better in their CD playback. Thanks. Tom
boschtb
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,699 posts
 
There are several threads concerning this subject on this site; simply do a search. However, (IMO) the sony will outperform the rega on redbook and the SACD play back capabilities of the sony are a plus. You could then buy a couple of hybrid discs and do your own comparison on your system.

I have a scd-1 and since purchasing it I find myself only buying SACD or Hybrids (where possible). I listen primarily to classical and some jazz, and as others have noted, the selection of SACD / Hybrids is lacking.
brianmgrarcom
1,317 posts
 
As was prviously stated, there a few other discussions on this.

It is a tough call, obviously only you can make the right decision for you, that said, there is nothing wrong with getting a wide range of views from others.

There are pros and cons for each.

The combo player, obviously, allows you to play two formats quite well, not the best of each, but quite well.

A dedicated player is designed to do just the one task and *should* outperform the redbook performace of the combo player at the same price point.

CD clearly has the advantage when it comes to software, availability and price, plus you already have a large collection.

In the immediate, the CD player would probably give you the most gratification, but this is my opinion; based on your current collection and availability.
smjason
60 posts
 
For around 1600 dollars you could get a naim CD5 or a meridian 508.24 which would be better than the jupiter anyway. As for SACD, if you interested in the new format, SACD's will sound much better than redbook, but the sony is not quite as good as some CD players in this price range. In my opinion the Sony will better the Jupiter on plain CD playback, but try the merdian and naim, they are great players, even a musical fidelity player, just try it!
audio999
178 posts
 
Give it SACD try !

I agree that the sony will outperform the rega on redbook and the SACD play back capabilities of the sony are a plus.

Buying used player means less loss $$ when you want to resale than buy the new one.

Ones you try to play on SACD,you'll just keep buying SACD in the future.

Good luck.
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