Aural memory is unreliable. Also, first impressions (your experience with the Sony) can leave strong memories sometimes exagerating how good they were. Finally, the fact that redbook is better on the SA-14 may make the SACD sound worse (than the Sony) in comparison, meaning the difference between redbook and SACD on the SA-14 makes the SACD sound not that much better than the redbook. (That last sentance sounds really confusing to me, I hope it makes sense to you.) I also just ordered the SA-14 from Cambridge Soundworks at 40%. You can buy them new for this price or used for the same price. It pays to do your research! I've heard too that the balanced outputs invert phase, so be aware of that. I've heard many great things about the SA-14 and not one negative comment.
SA-14 vs XA777es
I have just purchased an SA-14 for $1,599 from cambridge soundworks.I had listened to an XA777es and was blown away by sacd, prompting my decision to get an sacd player as
well as to upgrade my current 67se. Reviewing the posts here at audiogon I felt the SA-14 would be the equal of the sony on sacd as well as better onredbook. Multi-channel is of no importance to me, sacd sound is of primary importance. I have had the unit for about a week
and my observations(from memory-unable to have direct comparision) are that the SA-14 is definately the better
redbook player, however it seems to pale in comparison
to the XA777 on sacd. My question is have others had similar findings or am I missing something? Given the price, balanced connections, and redbook play I would
prefer to keep the SA-14 but as I stated sacd play is
the most important to me. I have had it running over 100
hours and not much change. Other parts are Bryston B-60
and Dunlavy SC III's. Is the digital filter setting critical? Last thought from what we heard- the sony on sacd was breathtaking-the SA-14 on sacd is not that different from it's excellent redbook play. Please note that Cambridge soundworks does have a 45 day return policy.
Thank you for any feedback
Attila
well as to upgrade my current 67se. Reviewing the posts here at audiogon I felt the SA-14 would be the equal of the sony on sacd as well as better onredbook. Multi-channel is of no importance to me, sacd sound is of primary importance. I have had the unit for about a week
and my observations(from memory-unable to have direct comparision) are that the SA-14 is definately the better
redbook player, however it seems to pale in comparison
to the XA777 on sacd. My question is have others had similar findings or am I missing something? Given the price, balanced connections, and redbook play I would
prefer to keep the SA-14 but as I stated sacd play is
the most important to me. I have had it running over 100
hours and not much change. Other parts are Bryston B-60
and Dunlavy SC III's. Is the digital filter setting critical? Last thought from what we heard- the sony on sacd was breathtaking-the SA-14 on sacd is not that different from it's excellent redbook play. Please note that Cambridge soundworks does have a 45 day return policy.
Thank you for any feedback
Attila
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