Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player

Dave, please try to gracefully accept that others may prefer something contrary
to what you recommend.

Sorry, Dave. I misinterpreted your comment as a dig.

Tube output devices can euphonize the sound but can
not deliver the complexity and agility of a well done SS player.
Dave_b (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers)

Bssed on my experience with digital players built with tube output stages, I
disagree.

A player's agility, and its ability to convey complex pasages is completely
dependent on the player's design, regardless of whether its output stage is
tubed or solid state.

A well designed and implemented tubed output stage can be more agile than
a solid state output stage, and vice versa. One should look at the attributes
of each individual player rather than generalize across the board.

The output impedance of the source and the input impedance of the preamp
(or amp if connected directly) will also affect the perceived agility of a player,
since high output impedance matched with low input impedance can result in
rolled off bass and highs which can translate to a perceived pack of agility,
clarity or complexity. This is why a solid state player can sound more agile to
more listeners, IMO, because more solid state players will optimally match
with a wider array of preamps due to the inherent lower output impedance of
solid state designs.

Therefore, one should look at the impedance match between a tubed
component and it's mating preamplifier before determining that the tubed
source component is somehow lacking agility or complexity. It could simply
be a poor impedance match, which could be ameliorated with a higher input
impedance preamp, or by using an impedance matching buffer made by
Burson (for example).

...the Sony has the most natural and extended high frequencies I've ever heard...If you guys are hearing something different, then somethings wrong with your setup or ears. This is not an opinion, it is a fact!
Dave_b (Threads | Answers)

No, this is not a fact. It is a textbook definition of an opinion.

I dare you to try them.
Dave_b (System | Threads | Answers)

If I try them and return them, and report here that I did so, will I be subject to endless debate about why I can't hear, or that my system isn't up to snuff?

I looked at the Monster SP1000, but decided not to purchase any as the 5 foot length is to long for my installation.

It doesn't surprise me that you like the pro mic cable. Mogami Neglex mic cable is used in pro studios worldwide, and it's very close in quality, if not equal, to cables I have owned costing significantly more. Pro audio is a good resource for low cost, high quality gear.

5 feet is too long for my installation, believe it or not.

I suspect one can't go wrong with either the Monster or Mogami mic cable.

Have you listened to the Mogami Neglex mic cable? It's also available with a return policy from several retailers (eg, Guitar Center), although Sweetwater doesn't carry it (or it didn't come up in my search).

pro velcro...

now there's something...

:)

He's not Disbeliever for nothing.

So I wonder if the modwright should give me the upgrade over the stock-player is in the same league as what the Python CX does over the stock powercord.

Thanks,

Sequence56
Sequence56 (Answers | This Thread)

I have owned a Modwright Sony 999ES player with tubed power supply. There is no question your Sony player will be improved by the Modwright mod, and that the improvement will be larger than what you hear with the addition of the power cord. That said, the Modwright players benefit greatly from good power cords...both on the player and on the power supply. So, take this into consideration when you're deciding about the Modwright mod. You will likely find yourself spending additional money on another power cord for the power supply.

Sequence56, you're welcome. Good luck.