I currently have the sony 9000es player and have listened to the scd-1 and the 777es models. IMO, Compared to quality stand alone cd players, the sony's can't compete in playing redbook cd's. In sacd playback, in video playback, they are very good. I also heard the 9000es modified by dan modwright and the redbook cd playback sounded excellent. I am in the process of auditioning a DAC with my 9000es for cd playback.
SONY SCD-1 vs the New Generation of Competition
I have an Arcam FMJ CD23T, and must admit I am very disappointed in its sterile playback and lack of tone/bass. I primarily play Redbook CDs, and have read a lot of dated material about the full sound of the Sony SCD-1 in that mode, and am curious to know (1) if the newer generation offerings, IE MF Nuvista or Trivista, as well as any other manufacturer’s models, will deliver the full range (albeit artificial) sound of my Denon 1650AR, but in greater quality (2) also, are the new SCD-1s which are currently for sale improved at all from the original model. Thanks in advance for your opinions.