Sony SCD-C555ES good for redbook?


I have read a lot about the Sony 333ES and of course the 777es but not much on AG about the 555. I recently saw that Stereophile gave it an A rating as a recommended component. I am interested in getting some feedback from someone who actually has heard or owns the unit. Thanks for your time! Tony
treyhoss
I have a Sony SCD-C333ES which I am very pleased with. However the redbook performance [imo] is only average. I have it hooked up to an Adcom GDA-600 and this improves the sound substantially. The definition and bass response are much improved. I am going to upgrade the Adcom as soon as I can sell it to improve it even further. I do consider the Sony a good buy however as the SACD sound is quite remarkable and I love the convenience of the 5 disc carousel and the Sony build Quality.
Steve.
update: I continued to be impressed by the Sony SCD-C555ES. However, I returned it before my 30 day trial was up because it had a slight rumble/vibration/buzz in the transport while playing SACDs. It didn't always vibrate but, when it did, it was audible from my listening position.

The other reason I returned it was because the warranty card in this player was from Sony Canada and it was only for 3 years. Also, it said that you had to return it to Canada for service. Sony ES products are supposed to have a 5 year warranty in America. This makes me wonder if all of Tweeter's Sony equipment is from "Sony Canada."
Bufus - sorry to hear about the rumble. As for the warranty card being Canadian you could arrange service in the US - it doesn't have to travel to Canada for service. The ES warranty period in Canada is 3 years and in the US its 5 years (we Canucks again take it up the old wazoo once again). When I received my 333ES from Oade bros. it had both the US 5 yr card and the Canadian 3 yr card. I remitted the 3 yr card to Sony Canada.

It is very possible that the unit you auditioned was originally from Canada as due to the prohibitively high list prices here in Canada for SACD players I wouldn't doubt that Sony Canada has shipped units south of the border to reduce stock levels.
Bufus, Thanks for the update. Are you going to get another 555es? Or do you think it was a design flaw? Thanks. Tony
Now that I'm back to the Rega Planet, I can tell that the Sony had a more open soundstage, more musical presentation. The only other one they had was a display model. I may get another one from someone else. I emailed the ebay seller who had some for $549. I asked if Sony would honor the warranty if I purchased one from them. I never got a response. I don't think that was a good sign. I know some manufacturers are starting to refuse to honor warranties if you buy from unauthorized e-commerce dealers. To me, two wrongs don't make a right. They should honor the warranty if you buy the player new. It is their job to keep their stock directed to authorized dealers. After all, Sony is making the same money wether I buy it from a high end shop for full retail or on the internet for $549.