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Sony SCD-XA5400ES-Best SACD for under $10,000

This Sony player supplanted my Ayre C5-XE 3, which I still have, months ago. I paid $6000 for the Ayre after determining that it was the best-sounding unit for under $10,000. The Sony blows it away!!!
A unit costing $1500 besting all others under $10,000? That is exactly what it does!
For reference, I am using Audio Research electronics and Vandersteen speakers and subwoofers (about $30,000); a similar system has repeatedly been lauded as "best of show" at CES, so we are NOT talking second-rate stuff here.
This Sony is the only SACD/Cd player I have EVER heard that puts a classical piano live in my living room; nothing I ever had before even comes close.
This unit is a small miracle. I would have gladly paid $8000 for it, but if they want to give the thing away for $1500, who am I to argue?
This unit is going to send the engineers at Audio Research, Luxman, Esoteric, and Ayre back to the drawing board; their current units at 4 to 5 times the price are not even close. Some engineer at Sony is a freaking genius!!!
wa6itd

Showing 2 responses by westborn

westborn
158 posts
 
It is time to update my digital (currently using an old faithful-heavily modded Pioneer Elite PD-65) with Michael Wolff carbon source power cord.

I am really considering the Sony unit, but would like to know if there are upgrades/mods available that are not an *additional* $2,000 - like the modwright?

With as much positive ink and as many pleased consumers as there are with the Sony unit, there seems to be very little info on less expensive upgrades. Maybe I'm just not in the [d-i-y community] know or I'm not looking in the [w]right place :-)

Can anyone suggest worthwhile upgrades/mods (and modders) in the $500 range?
westborn
158 posts
 
MrTennis,

Did your tech recommend an op amp to replace the existing op amps in the Sony?

I was told the the existing ones were of good quality.

Thanks
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