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EMC-1UP/Modwright Sony 999ES Dilemma

I'd like some feedback from you astute and reasonable Audiogoners. I'm presently using two CD players - an Electrocompaniet EMC-1UP (CD), and a Modwright Sony NS999ES (SACD/CD/DVD) with tube stage. I have to give up one of them and I'm torn betweeen the two. The EMC-1UP is a marginally better redbook player, but better nonetheless. It's able to more acurately distinguish instruments in complex passages, and it is just slightly sweeter than the Sony on redbook. Surprisingly to me, the EMC-1UP is quieter in the "blacks". When I say the EMC-1UP is marginally better, I mean only 5% better. The Modwright Sony is an amazing machine. It reaches deeper into the bass and comes very close to the Electrocompaniet in all regards (and here's the kicker...for a third of the price). The Sony does have the advantage of playing SACD. When comparing redbook DSOM vs. SACD DSOM, to my ears the SACD version is silkier with a softening of otherwise strident redbook highs (all without losing detail. So, guys and gals, which would you keep? Most of my clooection is redbook, but the sound difference between the two players on redbook is very small. I could take the dollars saved in keepinng the Sony and reinvest it to improve other areas of my system, e.g. replacing my Bryston BP-25 with something better. Input please...
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swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
I've never heard the Sony SACD, but the EMC-1UP with the SE power supply mod sure sounds great in my system. With very little software, I'd certainly hang onto the one that sounds better with redbook.
tvad OP
9,467 posts
 
Swampwalker, the EMC 1UP I purchased was advertised as the SE model, and I have no reason to doubt the seller, but how does one identify the unit as such? As a side note, I notice what seems to be a transformer hum from the player. Is this normal?
cyounkman
28 posts
 
I would always go with the better, even if it seems to be a small difference now. A number of players were seemingly 'almost as good' as the GamuT that I kept, but in digital, differences are always fairly small; and listening for differences rarely quantifies the pleasure you derive from a component during normal listening. Keep the player that makes you happier when listening to music.

And as pointed out above, making improvements later in the change will in fact have less impact when you have compromised the source, even to a small degree.
tvad OP
9,467 posts
 
By the way, I forgot to mention that I kept the Electrocompaniet and sold the Sony 999ES to a very satisfied buyer...a flavor for every palate!
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