Scotty: Three features separate the SCD-1 from the SCD-777ES. SCD-1 has balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs. SCD-777ES only has unbalanced output. SCD-1's power transformers are "encapsulated". SCD-1 has five carbon steel isolation feet whereas SCD-777ES has four feet of an unspecified material. Otherwise, they are electronically and mechanically identical. (Of course, they are different in color.) I own the SCD-777ES and use it primarily as a transport into a Levinson 360S. Both the SCD-1 and SCD-777ES are very good CD players in their own right. You definitely can hear the difference between SACD and 16/44.1 if you play a disk that allows you to switch between the formats. The problem with SACD presently is the lack of sufficient softwares. I am a classical music fan. There aren't many classical selections on SACD now. Furthermore, almost all the classical SACDs currently available are formatted from mediocre masters. My limited experience points toward better-recorded 16/44.1 thru' an excellent DAC until more SACD selections are available. To sum it up, SACD is the better format but we have not been fully benefited from its current application. Thanks.
