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 11 responses by wig

Yep; the 5400ES is 2 T800 and the power supply is a 1.5/6 mal slow blow as well.
Guys,

Had my MW 5400 modded with Bybee Musicrails and Audio Magic Gen ZX and the sound is "UNBELIEVABLE"! You can litterly walk into the soundstage and touch the performers, you get the musicians are in your room type of feeling. More to follow but if you don't have this upgrade I recommend you consider this. I rate this upgrade over any tweaks or component changes I have ever conducted. You will be blown away!
It is no better than any other player. Just hyped more. I think it's 15 minutes of fame, is about up.

From my experience the MW Sony 5400 spanked every player and dac to include the one listed below and ranked:

5 Rega Apollo
4 Bryston BDA-1 Dac
3 Ayon CD2
2 EE Mini Dac
1 Berkeley Alpha Dac
Not stirred at all, just wanted to give my opinion on the players I have used within the last year.

I am enjoying music too without obsessing ;o)

Wig
I knew I was missing something. No doubt the the Supreme fuse makes a difference. I find that they sound better with the arrows in the player pointing toward the front of the player and the arrow pointing toward the back of the power supply.

They are worth the cost and sound very open, organic with improved extension and mid-bass.
Mcpherson,

That's correct(2)800ma slow blow with arrows pointing toward the front of the unit.
I have stickers labeled on my circuit board showing T800 mal 250v fuses.
Talk2me,

How would you describe the differences between the two?

Thanks,
Wig