RcPrince is correct. Another alternative: try 9000ES it has different sound and some like it more then 777 (It also has DVD w/progressive scan if its of interest). BEWARE, 9000ES souns terribe out of the box, you need about 300 hours for burn-in. I wanted first, to return it. I am glad I kept it. Small correction: Stan Warren (541/344 - 3696) in not involved with 777, however, he works, now, on 9000ES. Stan will, hopefully, completely re-design analog stage, as he usually does with interesting audio gear. Check with him. Jerry Ozment from AudioLogic, regretably, stopped to do upgrades for 777. Steve, from Great Norhern audio is still working on upgrade of 777. He is saying that in 3 months he may (or may not)be ready. Again, try "broken-in" 9000ES - you could be surprised - Simon
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?