Cost effective mods for a Sony SCD-777ES

I wouldn't touch it. Rather, I'd buy a good used DAC and use the Sony as a transport. Why? Because IMO the DAC...say a Dodson or similar...will outperform the Sony even after mods. Also, the Sony will retain more of its residual value as a stock piece as the Sony players become more and more rare.

SOTA has many different flavors these days as a quick listen to the variety of SOTA digital players will reveal. Using an external DAC is the easiest way to experiment with different flavors.

However, replacing the clock and upgrading the power supply on the Sony would be beneficial to it's function as a transport.

Depending on budget, I'd research: Dodson 217D Mk II, Lavry DA-10, Bel Canto DAC1, Monarchy M24, MHDT Lab Paradisea, and Benchmark DAC1.

All highly regarded. A variety of flavors and prices.

Better is simply better until you get near SOTA, at which point Tvad's point about flavors kicks in. If you heard one of these units really tricked out I doubt you'd ever consider selling it.
Dgarretson (System | Answers)

I agree in general with this statement. However, one can hear different flavors no matter where on the SOTA scale one's equipment lies.

For example, I recently experimented with a Paradisea DAC ($500) and my 1992 Sony ES level changer. The sound was terrific. Warm and inviting. In some respects, I wish I had kept the Paradisea DAC. However, my Modwright Sony 999ES is better, i.e. more resolving, larger image, etc...and I felt I should make a choice before the holiday gift giving season.

The flavor difference was clearly audible, though, despite the equipment not being anywhere near SOTA.

More resolution does not necessarily translate to more musical or more enjoyable, IMO. I have owned very resolving players approaching SOTA that I would never own again. I'd own the Paradisea again in a heartbeat.

I have no major argument against modding the Sony CD player except that one doesn't know what the unit will sound like after the money has been spent, and it's nearly impossible to recoup money invested on modding. Clearly, the player will be more resolving, and that's a good thing I suppose. With outboard DACs, one has the freedom to experiment with sound quality, and change as one sees fit. Also, several of the DACs I mention are considered close to SOTA (Dodson, Lavry, Benchmark).

Sony SCD-777ES loaded with Kern mods listed now for $1550. Thats the best you'll ever do value-wise on a 777ES with mods...

Dgarretson, I believe we are essentially members of the same camp.

However, I don't believe a different "flavor" necessarily entails compromise. I simply believe three SOTA digital players will sound differently. I have the sense that you are suggesting that three players...maxed with mods...will sound similar. Perhaps I misunderstand. If this is your position, it is one I cannot accept based on my listening.

IMO, the bottom line regarding modding is that other than user reports, reviews, or personal auditioning of a similar player, it is impossible to know how a digital player will sound after all the mods are complete. There is no doubt in my mind that it's tonality, or "house sound" will be changed. I have heard this in an Electrocompaniet EMC 1-UP SE that I had modded to the max. After mods, it had no semblance of the Electro house sound. It sounded very good, but it was no longer an Electro.

There are enough owners of Kern modded Sony SCD-777ES players that one can probably get some idea of the sound of the player post-mods by communicating with other owners, but once the mods are done, they're done. There's no going back, and recouping the cost of the mods upon resale will be impossible.

I write this as an owner and past owner of seven modded digital players. Do I believe in modding? Yes. Am I considerably more cautious than I was after selling number six? You bet.

12-28-06: Czbbcl
Tvad

I agree with your assesment that the house sound, as you call it, if sony has a house sound, is changed; no doubt. And also agree that once modded you probably can not go back; depending on the mods performed.

My modded SCD-1 is so far beyond where it started it isn't even close in comparision. I put about $1800 in mods and feel it was well worth it.

Chuck, I have no doubt your SCD-1 sounds far beyond where it started, and if yours was purchased used, then it certainly has proven to be a good value.

I'm simply pointing out some pros and cons to modding from my experience.

One's satisfaction is all that matters.

Having owned modified statement digital sources from Modwright, Exemplar Audio and APL, I can readily identify a "house sound" with these players, and they all use high grade parts. In the case of Exemplar Audio and APL, I have owned two models from each...Exemplar Denon 2900 and Denon 3910, APL Philips SACD1000 and Denon 3910. In both cases, the Exemplar modded Denons and the APL modded Philips and Denon each had recognizable sounds distinct to Exemplar Audio and APL.

I find this very interesting. It cannot be attributed to cheap and inferior parts, but rather to the specific design of each modification and the superior parts selected by both designers.

12-29-06: Dgarretson
Tvad,...why so restless with so many CDPs through your system?

Several factors, not least of which is audiophilia
nervosa. Mostly, I was searching for a sound that pleased me.

The most satisfying player I owned was the APL Denon 3910, which I
sold for financial reasons. The second most satisfying is the one I
presently own, which is the Modwright Sony 999ES Signature Platinum
version with tube 9.0 power supply. I don't believe I am giving up much
in the Modwright versus the APL. The Modwright costs 1/3 of the APL
(used prices), but it's at least 90% of the performance and enjoyment.

I have no need to change digital sources at this point.

...but, I've said that before. :)

One last point. The only stock audiophile digital source I owned and
then modified was the EMC 1-UP SE. I regretted modding that player.
The resolution improved as well as all the ancillary qualities that come
with better resolution, but the player lost its soul in the process.

Values can be had fairly often on Audiogon on used, modded digital
sources, and in my opinon, this is the most cost effective method to
experiment with the advantages of modding.

I'm glad to read Dcaudio has decided to leave his Sony as is.