Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player


Category: Digital

I love natural recordings that capture the full acoustic envelope of the performances. The Shostakovich Sonatas performed by Ax and YYMa comes to mind...the Sony portrays the entire event in such an unforced and natural manner that it triggers ones acoustic memory into believing it is real. A player that offers no tone color or openness would be my worst nightmare. I replaced my BAT VK D5 24 bit CDP and was amazed at how much resolution and color was lost on the older design. The Sony re-creates the space, music and acoustic tones with overtones so completely that you start to smile and realize that you have been given a great gift...a peak into the performance as it occured at the recording session. My opinion of the Sony applies as much for the redbook section as it does for the SACD section. This player will become a classic product for digital playback....much better it does not get! It's a keeper at any price,,,for $1500 USD it is a freakin steal. This is Sony's best effort to date and manages to break new ground in the digital domain:)

Associated gear
Wilson Sophia speakers
Krell 400xi amp
Harmonic Tech Cables
MIT Oracle AC 2 power cord

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128x128dave_b
What about the headphone output on this thing? How good is it? I have Sennheiser 800 and am looking for a cd player with a great headphone abilities...
Dave_b! very interesting post about the 5400 Sony,you make me very courious.Please tell me if you heare/compare the sound of 5400 with a Accuphase player made after 2000,(year),and what you can say.And ..you try Pc cable from Nordost on this 5400?
No and no, but the Accuphase stuff is known for musicality. Nordost is my least favorite cable company based on past experience.
Thanks Dave_b for your answer! I use now a cd player from Accuphase,(and I am very happy with them),and in the near future I will buy also a Sony 5400,(when I have monney)!