Sony SCD-C333ES a good buy?

It seems to me that Sony has a nasty habit of replacing better older units with newer ones that have more features, prettier displays, and worse parts inside and out. Sony's recognizable brand name and market domination makes it possible to release newer units that seem like upgrades but are actually downgrades where it counts... isn't it possible that units like the SCD-777ES and the SCD-1, excellent units in terms of build quality and sound at relatively low prices, were created to make people more interested in SACD technology? I'm worried that newer units may not only cost less to buy, but much less to make as well due to cheaper parts since the arrogant Sony believes it already has a good market and the great reputation of a few discontinued units to lean on.

What about the upcoming Marantz units, the SA-12 and SA-14? I've heard they're supposed to have a relationship to the highly-acclaimed SA-1 analogous to that between the SCD-777ES and the SCD-1. Is this so? Will they be released at reasonable prices so a college student like me can buy one?

Grossdp, on your last question, I believe the SA-14 will be going for half the price of the SA-1, so that's still not affordable; don't know about the SA-12. On your first point, Sony indeed did build its two flagships better than their usual stuff (as did Marantz) to raise interest in the medium and show what it could do, now they're after the mass market, which for the most part could care less about the inner build quality. Given the buzz about the 9000ES on this site, though, it seems that they're still good sounding machines. I for one hope the medium becomes a success, and if Sony bringing out cheaper SACD players does it, great, because if the medium catches on the high end manufacturers will start putting some of their R&D money into SACD playback hardware. And we will all be better off for it, in my view.

Dan, I think the 333es is an outstanding value for $600.00. I paid $775.00 for mine in January and have been using it for about 3 months now. It replaced a Roksan Caspian CDP and easily equals, if not betters, the Roksan. I read a post at Audio Asylum where a Sony rep estimated the 333 had appx 85% of the 777's performance and a large part of the difference was in isolation and vibration control. No, the 333 will never touch the 777 but for the money who would expect it to?

Still, the 333 is no slouch. It's a very musical machine and the least expensive way I'm aware of to enjoy SACD playback. I thought I would wait out the "format wars" and initial shakeout period to subside but found out that too much time was going by while I was waiting on the sidelines. SACD playback is fabulous and deserves every accolade it is given by users on this and other forums. Some people sniff at the idea of having a changer in an audiophile system but I use this SACD player with Plinius amplification and Shahanian speakers and am pleased with the results. Definitely worth a serious consideration. Regards.
-Neil

I replaced my Rotel 5-CD player with the C333ES and am very happy. If you need a multi-CD player you will be happy. It takes quite a few hours to break in though. I'm going to supplement this player with a universal player for DVD/DVD Audio and SACD multichannel later when they come out.
Yes there are better SACD players out there but are single disc players.

The 333ES is very solid player. If you can get one for $600, it's a downright steal. The build quality is not as good as the 777, but it's still built to a very high standard. Sonically, I've not made a direct comparison, but Dreamtime's post sounds credible. Just be sure to let the unit break-in.