Gmorris:
If I could state my opinion about the new SCD-XA777ES?? I didn't think much of its looks either. To me, the original SCD-777ES looks a whole lot better, even if it loads like a dinosaur by comparison. And to think that they're going to charge $3,000.00 for that thing?? But then again, there might people who own the original SCD-777ES who might like the newer SCD-XA777ES a lot better. So much better that they might want to unload their "older and slower" SCD-777ES players off to the used market. Do you imagine that we might see those SCD-777ES players flood the used market anytime soon?? If so, then I may want one. Otherwise, if I want an SACD Player, then I might take a look at the SCD-XE670 ($300.00) model when it comes out in September, just so I could get my feet wet with the format. But being for the type of music I listen to, I don't believe that I am going to see a whole lot of titles (if any) in my chosen genere to warrant the purchase of a more expensive player. Then again, if I see a platoria of titles being released in my chosen genere, then I'll already have a player in which to play them on, though, it may not be as good as higher end "ES" player. If the format does take off and so forth, I'll go ahead and get a more expensive ES player then. But until then, I think I'll be better off getting a very good CD Player. I guess that's my $.02 worth, if you could choose to call it that.
--Charles--