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SACD players. Owner progress report

I have had my SCD-777ES one week now and am playing it ,non stop. As posted elsewhere both cd and sacd modes need individual burn in time.A maximum of up to 400 hours has been posted as required time for optimum sound improvement. At 55#,this is one serious component, and the SCD-1 weighs in at 58#.The biggest differences between the two are, that the SCD-1 also has balanced outputs,and a 5th support at the base of unit.There is a couple of other minor differences but the internal components appear to be all the same and all specs are identical,as well as the sacd playback sound.All things being equal,the cd playback should be basically the same.At this early stage,the cd playback has an edge of smoothness and detail over my Cal Alpha/Delta combo.The sound of sacd at this early stage is incredible and finally the digital format is dead on ,less all of its short comings.This has one serious newly innovative transport, and with the digital output for cd this could allow for great flexibility,teamed up with better, great bang for the bucks upsampling dac.The best of both worlds.While no specific dealers have been mentioned,the SCD-1 has been bought for $3800.(list$5000.) and the SCD-777ES for $2500.(list$3500.)There are at least 46 SACDs available and at least 3 discs will be released each month. Any other owner feedback is greatly welcomed.
lihifiguy

Showing 3 responses by mikeg

mikeg's avatar
mikeg
173 posts
 
I just purchased the SCD-777ES. Who is a good source for the 46 released SACDs? Will post follow-up after break-in. Unit is replacing CAL CL-15.
mikeg's avatar
mikeg
173 posts
 
Lihifiguy, thanks for the info. What are the "minor differences" between the SCD-1 and SCD-777ES? All things being equal (RCA output used, breakin), how do the two units differ in sound? I have heard the SCD-777ES is dark sounding as compared to the SCD-1, more forgiving, clearly not as good, and not worth the cost savings. My thought was to use the $1100 cost savings to feed the SCD-777ES with pure AC from the PSAudio P300. Any input from someone who has AB the two units please suubmit a follow-up. I am planning on going direclty into a McCormack DNA2 using EVS nude attenuators, Harmonic Tech cables, Thiel CS2.3 spk.
mikeg's avatar
mikeg
173 posts
 
My reference for comparison is the Cal CL-15. I purchased the SCD-777ES late January. My system now consists of Thiel CS2.3s, McCormack DNA2 LAE, EVS Attenuator, Harmonic Tech cables and cords, Shaki stone and onlines, PS Audio P300, Room Lenses, Rosinante Dark Matter Shelves for 777, and a Polycrystal UHD amp stand. The 777 is better in regular CD play back in every way as compared to the Cal Cl-15. It took the described 400 hours breakin everyone reports. SACD payback the the next best thing to live music. The dynamics, imaging, frequency extension and soundstage is superior to standard CD. I use the 777 in the custom mode. I have 20 SACD disks; the DMP disks are the best. I found positiion of the Room Lenses very sensitive to optimize system sound but is worth the investment. The application of the Auric Illuminator CD treatment further enhances the resolution of the highs and midrange. The use of the Rosinante Dark Matter Shelf enhances the resolution also. If any only plays CDs, sell your preamp and use the EVS attenuator for volume control. For $225 you can't beat it. In general I am extremely happy with the SCD-777ES. I do admit that I never heard a $10K turntable set-up but after hearing SACD who cares...
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