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would the Sony SCD 5400 Ex make a good transport?

I recently acquired a Sony SCD 5400 hoping it would be an upgrade from my Rega Apollo. While there is much to admire in terms of resolution and PRAT I find the sound has a lot of the digital glare/hardness; strings are quite steely which is tiring. Was wondering if this could be corrected with a (better?)DAC using the Sony as a transport. Or is it better to look for another player. The Sony costs as much as I want to pay for a CD player
rrm
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Well, plenty of accolades for the Sony. So i do not know if a DAC woould be an answer.
Sonys are usually decent transports, annd i own four Sonys i use three five disc players as transports, a 333, 555 and 9 ES, plus a SCD777ES which i use stand-alone.
You problem could be solved some other way. I do not think your going to find a DAC as a real solution.
tom6897's avatar
tom6897
1,029 posts
 
Give it a chance to "settle-in" in your system. I have not found the Sony to be Bright or edgy. You may consider a power cable or IC swap.
zmanastronomy's avatar
zmanastronomy
738 posts
 
What amp are you using?
rrm OP
31 posts
 
Amp is a Plinius 8200-not the least bit bright.BTW the Rega apollo is quite different in sound,not the least bit hard/edgy.But it is no match for the Sony in speed, resolution and bass clarity.
zmanastronomy's avatar
zmanastronomy
738 posts
 
I've heard the sony in my system and a freinds. The speed and dynamic's of the 5400 can give the illusion of being edgy. There is a long break in on the sony so let it play 24/7 for a week or so. If it still doesn't smooth out for you, Then it's not ever going to be right for your listening taste.
It is a great cd player, but I went with the NAD C-565BEE and it sounds like there is a tube upgrade already in it. But it still has plenty of detail.
Hope this helps your journey.
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