I am using a XA-9000ES as a transport (and for SACD) and I am happy with its results. Are the SCD-1 and its lesser brother the 777 better - probably but they are getting long in the tooth. I haven't compared mine to many others but in my system have run it against my stock DVP-S7000, known to be an excellent transport (althought touted as stellar once modded) and I prefer the new 9000 (timing/flow just seems better IMO). I think its a good choice - very good to excellent transport (assumes there are better out there), 5 year warranty, excellent (to my ears) SACD playback, built very well (no not as well as the SCD-1 but substantial none the less) and can be bought for under $2K new. All in all a very good business case to own one given you have already decided to use your new DAC for redbook cds...
SACD player as transport or dedicated transport?
I have finally found a DAC I really like. It is the Audio Aero Prima MK II SE I use it as a preamp and a DAC). I use it in conjunction with my computer based music system. I am thinking of either getting a dedicated transport (like the new CEC TL51X) or maybe a SACD player to use for the 50 or so hybrid's I have and as a transport for my Prima DAC. Any thoughts,