Sony scd-1 vs Ayre C5xe

It depends on what your goal is. A modded scd-1 if done properly can sound quite fantastic. However like the poster above states you will not get your money back out of the mods should you decide to sell the unit.

I have a modded scd-1 that I plan on keeping for a long time. I have heard the ayre and it is a very good player but it is not up to the performance capabilities of my sony.

Chuck

I have about 2K in mods on my scd-1 and the player is simply stunning. The soundstage is deep and wide and the texture and timbre of the instruments in the soundstage are much improved over stock.

The Ayre C5xe while a very good player can not compete with my sony (not even close).

Chuck

I have to agree with the quality of sound coming out of these modded sonys. And I don't want to keep beating a dead horse here. But my goodness I just can not believe the soundsatge this player throws and the micro dynamics are just stunning.

Associated electronics are cj premier 350 amp , cj premier 16lsII pre-amp and HGA cabling (DNA interconnects and X-32 Speaker cables). And I almost forgot Thiel 3.6 speakers and the sony scd-1. Thats it very simple sytem but the sound is very pleasing.

Chuck

Didn't mean to push you away from the Ayre it is very good if not the best at its' price point. The emm will be better IMO. The sonys (scd-1/777es) are great players when modded properly but getting parts may become an issue as they have been discontinued for awhile.

Chuck