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Sony SCD-XA5400ES-Best SACD for under $10,000

This Sony player supplanted my Ayre C5-XE 3, which I still have, months ago. I paid $6000 for the Ayre after determining that it was the best-sounding unit for under $10,000. The Sony blows it away!!!
A unit costing $1500 besting all others under $10,000? That is exactly what it does!
For reference, I am using Audio Research electronics and Vandersteen speakers and subwoofers (about $30,000); a similar system has repeatedly been lauded as "best of show" at CES, so we are NOT talking second-rate stuff here.
This Sony is the only SACD/Cd player I have EVER heard that puts a classical piano live in my living room; nothing I ever had before even comes close.
This unit is a small miracle. I would have gladly paid $8000 for it, but if they want to give the thing away for $1500, who am I to argue?
This unit is going to send the engineers at Audio Research, Luxman, Esoteric, and Ayre back to the drawing board; their current units at 4 to 5 times the price are not even close. Some engineer at Sony is a freaking genius!!!
wa6itd
prsmccarty
23 posts
 
At just over 300 hours, I'm very pleased with what I'm hearing. If there's a better cd player out there, I'm certain I can't afford it.
coxhaus
231 posts
 
I agree with the power cord upgrade. I was using a Harmonic Tech Pro-AC11 PC which was better than the standard power cord but when I added an Elrod EPS-2 power cord holy cow the sounds were so much richer and fuller. I can't believe the change. I highly recommend the Elrod PC cords. This is my first but not my last.
budt
157 posts
 
I just use a heavy duty generic power cord and it sounds very good.I tried some very expensive power cords and I personally could not hear any difference with my Bryston gear or this( not saying there isn't a difference but rather I simply am not able to hear it).I guess I am lucky as it saves me a whole lot of money.
rgs92
958 posts
 
My main player is an EMM CDSD-SE/DCC2-SE. I got the 5400 for a 2nd system. All of my impressions are from mostly Redbook listening with Harbeth SHL5s and a variety of high-end modern headphones. (I find the Sony really benefits from good ICs: my Stealth Indras[RCA] were much better, especially in the bass quality and integration, than Cardas Golden Cross.) Yes, the EMM pair has wonderful control, palpability, and solid bass and sweet highs. But the Sony, which has a different presentation, gives it a run for the money. It has a delicacy that is stunning, and also preserves each musical element's character. Vocals are rounded and airy and do not shout. In fact there is no dreaded digital shout. Everything takes its place in an overall stable fabric that is non-fatiguing. There is nice combination of velvety smoothness along with just the right amount of texture and bite. The bass is not as well defined as the EMM, but it is a pleasant bass that is soothing and has good impact, but not an impact that sounds boom-boxy.
I would say the Sony walks the line to avoid offending but still hints strongly at reality. The EMM has a you-are-there feeling that the Sony does not. However, I can almost sense that the Sony was carefully tuned by ear by someone who knows what good old vinyl sounds like. Someone took a real Goldilocks approach to this player.
It is more open and well defined and less constricted and just plain better than (by memory) my old Accuphase DP75V. It's a keeper for me.
chayro
1,801 posts
 
"The EMM has a you-are-there feeling that the Sony does not."

Well, that's sort of what it's all about, isn't it? Once you've experienced that in your hifi, it's very hard to go back. Of course, if you've never experienced a player that brings the performance into your room (to the extent possible) you won't miss it.
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