Sony 777ES Cleaning

Hello

Thank you for the info. I think I'm going to take the plunge and work it around my holidays so that I don't miss the unit while I'm away. I actually contacted Allen in Europe via e-mail last night, he said that in modified form level 6 or the new 7 the SCD 777ES is pretty much the best sounding player out there. I'm very excited to do the mods. I'll keep you posted.

Regards,

Nocaster

Hi,
One other thing: be sure to ask Allen about the "Breath of Life" mod developed by Jim Ellis---I'm not sure if this is counted as the Level 6 mod or just an extra mod, I've lost track of the numbers and the differences. But this is the redesign of the grounding layout of the unit, and is most definitely worthwhile to have done have the unit is in the shop. It, indeed, breathes life into the music.

While I have not heard the latest and greatest and newest, etc. sacd players, my ears and gut tell me that the modded unit sounds like music, so I have to agree with Allen's assessment. As an old vinyl guy who didn't even own a cd player for about 15 yrs (it took me that long to finally breakdown and buy one), this player has really amazed me. BTW: just to give you some perspective when I say "old vinyl guy"---my record collection has about 3-4K albums and my sacd collection is only 3-400 and rbcd is about 1500, but I really don't listen to vinyl anymore. In fact, my TT is not set up at present (I moved 2 yrs ago and have yet gone through the set up for the table.).

Keep me posted.

Regards,

rlxl

Hi again,

I figure I'll send the 777 in for the mods while I'm vacation in June. That way it will be waiting for me when I get back. The other agonizing decision I'm facing is regarding my amp (Mcintosh 2102). Mcintosh has a promo on right now where as long as you trade up they will give you 75% of the retail price you paid back toward your new Mcintosh unit. I'm looking at the new MC2301 Monoblocs, 300 watts per side and tubes! Not sure though has traditionally I have always believed in upgrading source equipment first, such as cartridges, tables, CD players etc...My system is very musical, especially with the Sonus Faber Guarneri. However I wouldn't mind a little more punch, your thoughts are welcome.

Regards,

Nocaster

Hi,
75% is very tempting. Very. But I agree with you---first priority is the source (and I would include the AC source here---clean pwr gives you clean music). I think you would hear more music given a better source. Another amp will amplify the same sound---perhaps with a little punch like you say, perhaps a little more dynamics, perhaps a little better sound stage, perhaps a little better foundation, but more music??? No, I don't think so. I think you would hear significantly more music and enjoy the results much more so from investing in the source vs the amp.

I'm not saying that a better amp will not make a difference. But a better source will give you significantly more for the money spent. If you could do both, that would be great. But if you have to make a choice, then I would go with the source. Upgrade the amp later. It could be that the sonic benefits of the mods to the 777 would be such that you no longer feel the need to upgrade the amp.

But, again, 75% is tempting---but if it were me, I'd go with the 777 level 6 mod. Your system is very musical now, but think about how it would improve with a better source.

Regards,

rlxl

Hello

Thank you for the very good advise. I have to wait for June to carry out the level 7 performance mods for the Sony. The parts are not in yet but when I spoke to Warren Gregoire he said he should have the parts by June. In the meantime I have been doing some research and asking questions. Some people have said when the time comes go with 2 501's, others have said to add another 2102and bridge them. I'm a little leary of having a SS Amp and a tube preamp. Of course there are the MC2301's , but I cannot immagine needing more than 2 2102's would offer. Especially when you consider the price difference. I know what you mean about musical, my 2102 is very musical as is the whole system at this point. Sometimes adding big watts makes the system more dynamic but also a bit lazy to respond to delicate passages and tones. Decisions desicions, in the end I'll probably have another 2102 as well as the modded 777. Your thoughts welcome as always. Hope all is well with you.

Regards,
Nocaster