There are a number of threads on upgrades and mods for the Sony players, you should look for them. The Sony output stage on the 777ES is nothing special, to my ears, and that may be the source of some of your disappointment, particularly given your associated components. I had it bypassed for an Audio Logic tubed analog stage, which I feel was a large improvement in overall resolution, timbre, musicality, the works (but hey, I'm a big fan of their DAC, so I'm prejudiced). Stan Warren also does mods for the 777, I think, as did/does Great Northern Sound (they may still do them, but the Wadia fiasco might have loaded them down with Wadia warranty repairs; you should check with them). The analog stage of your unit is ripe for improvement; just make sure you've fully broken it in before you decide you want to improve it, as many people appear to be happy with it after the break-in.
SACD player is not that great.
Getting disapponted with this hobby. Bought a Sony 777 to replace my Pioneer/MSB DAC player. Thought it would be a huge improvement. For three times the price I got a monster player that just sounds different, not better; doesn't play movies and has no decent software available. OK- I am in it for the sound so forget about movies and hopefully the software selection will grow. The problem is mainly with the soundstage. Image is SMASHED!-no doubt about it. Sounds are now rarely heard from beyond the physical speakers, height,width, and into the room. Depth seems good, probably better. (sound is overall more recessed). Low end is also better. Also the case with SACD's-although they have more detail than CD recordings. The 96khz CD's I had (have) sounded better than my SACDs. It sounds as though SACD recordings are much better- but player sucks. Sounds like there is "more" between the much improved recording and the listener. Like my sytem got much better and someone covered my speakers with towels at the same time!! Yes it's burned in and yes it is on custom setting. Big deal. Maybe it's all those filters in the line or output stage or something. System is CJ11amp, Aud Ill 1 preamp, Spica, and MIT shotguns. You guys got caught up in the excitement and really over-rated this player. Anyone have a similar experience? Anybody modify this thing?