Sorry, a question about the Sony SCDXA5400ES.


Here it is: I'm looking for a new cd player, only redbook, no sacd needed. My budget is a max of $1500, new or used. So who has heard this thing? Who can say (who actually HEARD it) that it will better most, if not all other players in my price range? Is the hype so? Does it currently make boutique brands obsolete(in the lower price range)?
jtnicolosi
Joeyboynj, it's the basic mod from Dan @ Modwright Instruments ($950). Check his website for more details. Based on very positive prior experience, I would have gone with Paul Weitzel @ TRL; but he stopped doing Oppo mods for some reason.

FYI, if you're considering RAM, compare Kyle's detailed mod list to Doug Jesse @ ASI Tek ... pretty much dead on. That is, ASI Tek appears to do basically the same thing as RAM, for less money. I believe Doug and Kyle worked together under RAM before going separate ways. I have the ASI Tek modded Oppo 980H ... overall an excellent machine, but not quite the top performer in my system.
Does the Sony SCDXA5400ES have a variable output with volume control so that you could go directly into a power amp and bypass a preamp altogether?

I see that it has a volume control for the headphone jack, but do not know if it controls a variable output?

If it does, how many volts out is it capable of?

Thank you.
Sony is out of the 5400ES. I just got mine on Monday from a internet source and have left it on to burn in.I plan on doing a A to B test in a few days with the Sony vs. my Theta Miles. So far it sounds pretty good. Will report back.