Best 2CH SACD Player for $2k Or Less, New or Used?

i spoke to dan wright who modifies both the sony 5400 and oppo 83 se.

he said that the difference between the two modded units, while slight is audible. the modded oppo is somewhat warmer and full bodies, while the sony is more articulate and less forgiving of of poor recordings.

i would call dan wright before committing to the sony 5400.

i took his advice and bought a modded oppo, which has a rectifier tube.

I replaced my Sony 5400 with a Marantz Reference SA-11s2, and am glad I did. The Sony is good, but the Marantz just seems smoother and more transparent on both redbook and SACD. It's a lot more solidly built as well. List on the Marantz is $3K, but I got mine in excellent shape for under $2K here, and there are a couple listed now at similar prices.

I just got a 5400 @ TheNerds online for $806 new what a bargin and at that price I dont think you can go wrong

Marantz SA8004... quite a surprise!

Airegin: Could you comment on the differences between the VSEI and the Modwright mods of the xa5400es?

Thanks,

Alan