Sony SCD-1 vs Marantz SA-1 choose 1

I would buy the SCD-1, and save $1300. The SCD-1 is more solidly built in my estimation. Contrary to what Tommart states, the consensus seems to indicate that the two players are virtually indistinguishable (in both modes) in the same setup.

I thank you all for the great advice.

Topkat .does your sa1 heat up afair bit more than normal

I would go with the SCD-1. For less than the $1300 difference you can get the Super clock II and transport mods from Richard Kern and you will be thrilled. I did and just sold my ARC CD-2 because it couldn't compare as a CD player.
Happy listening,
Jeff

Research on Audioasylum, there are dozens of reviews between the two, and as far as I can remember the Marantz is the huge favorite from folks actually hearing the two. To my ears, Marantz players always sound better then the Sony counterpart, and are much better built, without a piss poor reliability record that Sony and Philips bosts for their SACD players.