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Choosing a SACD player...please help

I am going to give SACD a second try. Two players I am considering are the Sony XA777ES and the Philips SACD 1000. I have also heard good things about the Marantz SA-14, and I've seen a new generation of Marantz SACD players out for below $1200. My budget is 2K, and I am wondering whether to spend 2K on a stock machine or get a less expensive machine and get a bunch of mods done (I don't need multichannel).

In the end, I would like this machine to be killer on SACD and eminently enjoyable on redbook. Can you help me?
pardales
guss2
50 posts
 
If you are strictly into 2 channel, I would go with the SCD-1. If you are even remotely considering multi-channel go with the XA777es. Gary.
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ivanj
35 posts
 
Under $2k new the SA14 wins hands down for your requirements. It really doesn't need mods, just clean spike-free power (important), sufficient time to break in and good cables. If you can wait, there is a mark 2 version coming out soon which is a slight tweak. I would advise against buying a used SACD player because the repairs can be expensive and the manufacturers unaccomodating without a good dealer in the middle.
abogaert
8 posts
 

pardales i tried to e-mail you but it was returned. The address is jandr.com i think i got the last xa777 last thursday but they expecting more probably monday. they have the scd-1 in stock :3,000.00 and they selling the display model (not the demo) for 2700.00 or 2800.00. you can call (212) 238-9000. If you call in sunday ask for ext. 2123 and speak to Michael Ruski he is good, tell him that Angel send you. e-mail me when you are done.
pardales OP
652 posts
 
I really appreciate all the opinions, experience, and details. If I could make one more statment that sums up what I am looking for (which hearing from all of you has helped me to clarify) its this: I want superb redbook playback, with SACD as a bonus.

I'm getting closer, and i'll let you all know what happens. I hope this discussion has been useful to more 'goners' that just me. Thanks again,
pardales OP
652 posts
 
I have narrowed it down to two players. I am either going to go with the Phillips 1000 and get some mods done, or, the Sony XA777ES (and maybe do some mods in the future).
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