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Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player

Category: Digital

I love natural recordings that capture the full acoustic envelope of the performances. The Shostakovich Sonatas performed by Ax and YYMa comes to mind...the Sony portrays the entire event in such an unforced and natural manner that it triggers ones acoustic memory into believing it is real. A player that offers no tone color or openness would be my worst nightmare. I replaced my BAT VK D5 24 bit CDP and was amazed at how much resolution and color was lost on the older design. The Sony re-creates the space, music and acoustic tones with overtones so completely that you start to smile and realize that you have been given a great gift...a peak into the performance as it occured at the recording session. My opinion of the Sony applies as much for the redbook section as it does for the SACD section. This player will become a classic product for digital playback....much better it does not get! It's a keeper at any price,,,for $1500 USD it is a freakin steal. This is Sony's best effort to date and manages to break new ground in the digital domain:)

Associated gear
Wilson Sophia speakers
Krell 400xi amp
Harmonic Tech Cables
MIT Oracle AC 2 power cord

Similar products
Sony SCD-1
Sony SCD-XA9000ES
Sony SCD-XA777ES
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Wadia 851
Krell SACD Standard
MF A5
BAT VK D524bit
ARC CD 3
dave_b
tvad
9,467 posts
 
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?
tvad
9,467 posts
 
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.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b OP
2,267 posts
 
No not at all Tvad. In fact I am getting quite fed up with the idol worship of gear and technology at the expense of good common sense and a love of music. I've been guilty of it and I must say I regret it deeply. These days I'm looking to maximize what I own and seek out real bargains for the modest budgeted audiophile. 5ft is hardly that much longer than 1Meter, unless you read the ad wrong...they sometimes read 5M but the length is actually 5 feet for $49 each:O)
tvad
9,467 posts
 
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).
dave_b's avatar
dave_b OP
2,267 posts
 
I'll check it out...the SP1000 comes with pro velcro straps for securing and rolling extra lengths neatly behind the gear.
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