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

Similar products
Sony SCD-1
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Sony SCD-XA777ES
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ARC CD 3
128x128dave_b
Its impossible to find this player in the UK - I'm getting a great deal on the player in the US though. Do you think I could buy it in the US and then get it modded to 240V ? Is that an easy enough option ? thanks
Thanks, Dave. I fear that USD 1995 for modifications may be a tad too much for me ! I was looking to spend a hundred bucks or so ! Any other suggestions, folks ?
These days, for a hundred bucks you might get some good used footers if your lucky. Other than that, maybe a second job.
Thanks for the snide remark - I hope it made you feel better about yourself. Best regards