Had the same Sony with not one but two Richard Kern mods.
Not sure what, if anything is better as a player.
Sony SCD-777ES, Oppo UPD-205 or Marantz SA-KI Ruby
I have a Sony SCD-777ES with Kern modes and a super clock. Run it these days only for CD with an External Oppo Sonica DAC. Also have the Oppo UDP-205. I am interested to get something better. Will spend up to $ 5,000. Could be new or used. Could also be an upgrade. The Marantz SA-KI Ruby seems a nice choice. But I am open to something else. What is my reference to match - Oracle Delphi with ET-2 tone arm and a Cello Miyabi cartridge. I want a SACD/CD rig that sounds as good as my vinyl rig. Neither Sony nor Oppo can do that. Thank you.