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
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ARC CD 3
128x128dave_b
The XA5400ES sounds best via HDMI into the Sony DA6400ES receiver with H.A.T.S. enabled for lowest jitter. Some with more money than commonsense are spending more than the cost of this player to fit it with antique tubes, & external power supply, there is one born every minute the XA5400ES does take a long time to burn in. I agree that the supplied power cord is a disgrace but a so-called audiophile cable is not necessary, just use the heaviest duty cable you can find that will fit the connector.
I have the modright modded cd player that you are knocking and I can tell you it sounds fabulous and worth every penny of the upgrade.
Hi Dave

Anticipating your impressions of the modwright mods since you sent it out last July. Could you update us on this? Have you received it?

Thanks.
I wrote a lengthy response Tubegroover, but it wasn't posted? Anyway, the Sony was great but I have downsized and moved on. I would say it competed in the best under $10K category...very organic, dynamic and textured.