Cheap Sony SACD players: best STOCK/MODified

In the new today ads there's an entry from SACDmods.com, about which I know nothing other than it's there and they have a fully modded Sony for $550-585 and seem to offer mods for the cheaper ones. You might want to inquire of them, but there is no current feedback so I don't know how good this guy is. Stan Warren is another, well-respected modifier who would be good for you to talk with concerning the cheaper SACD players and what he can do--his mods are very good and inexpensive, more than worth the money spent from all reports. No Sony warranty, of course.

Rgd, a friend of mine is looking into modding his 777ES, I'd be interested in hearing how your shootout turns out. I'm bringing my 777ES with the Jerry Ozment tubed output stage mod (alas, no longer available) to his house tonight to let him hear if a good mod is worth it, then he'll be checking out the various options.

With respect to Rgd's point on the problem with multi-channel discs, I can report no problems so far with my modded 777ES, which is a two-channel player, knock on wood. By the way, my friend is now looking seriously into mods--I had not been able to hear my modded 777ES vs. a stock one head to head till last night, and it was a revelation both on SACD and redbook--probably some of the best money I ever spent in this hobby. What a difference a better digital clock, a high-quality output stage (tubed, in my case, but not the point) and a separate, no-holds-barred analog power supply can make!

On which model to get, I tend to agree with Nrchy's point, principally because the transports on the more expensive units seem to be much more robust and well-made and have better power supplies on the digital side. However, part of your decision will rest on which modifier you want to use and which models he works on. I know that Stan Warren had a mod for the 9000ES which reportedly was very good, and very cost-effective as well (in the $250 range, I think). Good luck--I think you'll be surprised how good a custom-made piece (that's what these mods essentially are) can sound against any stock unit.