SCD-777ES or SCD-1

Echo Mimberman's suggestion of the SCD-1. It was the first flagship SACD player made, and was intended to make a statement.

If you have to choose betwen these two, then choose an SCD-1, and buy one in it's original, unmodified form with box, packing and manual.

The more original you can get (box, manual, accessories), the more it's worth.

Both units are identical inside, except that SCD-1 has transformer shields and an additional PCB at XLR to derive balanced output from single-ended analog stage. The additional processing for XLR may even degrade signal relative to RCA output. In RCA mode they are indistinguishable. In stock fitment they are average at best, but well-modified examples can hold their own with current hi-end players.

If you want a player that sounds comparable to a modded SCD-1, then buy the current production player. Modding the SCD-1 will destroy it's collectible value, which at this point is the primary reason to purchase one.

IMO.

Put another way, at $800-900 for a used 777ES vs. $1800 or more for SCD-1, 777ES is a good deal for anyone interested in performance/value or mod potential. Moreover, a 777ES can easily be converted to true balanced operation through one of several pro mod shops.

I see your point, Dgarretson. What currently produced CD/SACD players would you say are sonically on par with a modded 777ES, and how much do you believe a mod would cost to bring the 777ES up to the performance of one of these player?

That's the real cost analysis question in your scenario.

On the other hand, the SCD-1 purchased today for $1800 will likely retain it's value over the long haul. Heck, I've seen SCD-1 player selling for around $2000 for nearly three years now. $2000 appears to be their bottom line value...give or take a few hundred bucks.