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I am interested in purchasing the unit. It has a balanced XLR connection, so it will work with my Luxman L505U. Does anyone know if they offer this in a silver color?
Thanks,
Renjy651 |
Hello,
Is anyone going down the modification path with the player? I know VSE has one out there and reviewed in Positive Feedback. Also Dan Wright is getting ready for his mod. |
Has anyone compared the Marantz SA-11S2 to the Sony? In future I was thinking about replacing my existing Marantz with the SA-11S2, as it would benefit my passive preamp more than the Sony. The Marantz outputs twice the voltage thru XLRs compared to the Sony. |
Yes I bought one too, about my 10th disc spinner in my life. It's an incredible value, the equal or better of 5k + SACD/CD players. And I've auditioned the Krell and the Cary. Break in takes forever.
Now if only the matching Sony amplifier was as good on two channel (has anyone tried it ????? It does have a phono input) for $2500, then one could save 15k or so... |
That's correct,it seems to be there for show not sound.
There is no Program feature on the remote either.. |
Clayx, the player was all of the over the place the for 0-100 hours. It was bright, forward, not much bass, kind of grainy in the highs, imaging was not solid, didn't seem to be very powerful or have a lot of control. But I still found myself wantng to listen to music (could be the new toy factor). After the 100 hour mark it started to sound so much more relaxed and under control. The ease of presentation was starting to develop, highs were getting a lot smoother and more extended, image and air improved dramatically. Then it started to show me its true power when I noticed I was listening at lower levels and still hearing all the details shine through. I'm really enjoying the PRAT with this player. I find my toes tapping so much more with the 5400 as opposed to my CEC transport(RIP).
Hope this helps. |
Fishing716, I assume you've tried the headphone output and wasn't as impressed as with the rest of it, right? |
Mcroth, I probably have less than 80 hours on each stage. What changes have you noticed??? |
Clayx, YES this player has a long break in period. I'm at about 200 hours for each section and it is still improving. Others have reported 400-600 hours. How many hours do you have on yours? |
The Headphone output is an afterthought |
Branislav, I don't have a nice set of headphones, so I can't comment. However, if you are seriously considering this player, you can order it from Crutchfield and return it for a full refund if you don't like it. I think you have 60 days to return it. |
All these responses and no word about the headphone output, if it's just an afterthought or is it as good as the player itself? I need a cd player for my Senheisser 800 will low sensitivity. Thanks |
Did you guys experience a long break-in period with this player? |
Glad I could brighten up your day. |
I find it humorous to describe XA as OK |
ARC can no longer attain the parts necessary to fix it. |
Clayx
Since you like AR CD2 better , why don't you spend the 1,500 on repairing it?
Jason |
I bought one and think it is OK. A good deal for the price. I like my ARC CD-2 better, but it died. My main gripe is that when using the sony remote, it turns down the volume and/or mutes my Audio Research premap. Annoying!!! |
Mrtennis: if you " understand the redbook section is no big deal" I think you've been mis-led. As previous posters noted, it does "draw you in". I find myself listening to entire discs from start to finish rather than constantly jumping up to switch discs. To me, that means something. |
I'm with Fishing716. This player draws you in and does not let go until the cd is over. Thank you Sony for keeping some cash it my wallet. |
The sampling frequency is the same as SACD's
Sony Engineers are Guru's
I have yet to put on a cd & not finish it straight through.
The sound is heavenly |
what makes the sony such a great player ?
frequency responses, timbre, depth, clarity, does it have tube like characteristics ? i understand the redbook section is no big deal.
i am auditioning and will review the oppo 83 se. perhaps that will give the sony a run for its money--certainly on redbook. |
XA5400es sounds best with the display off |
Out of curiosity, I decided to spend $1100 street price to see how this stacks up against my modded CEC TL-1X/Dodson 218 combo. Delivery tonight; will burn in over weekend and will then report to the equally curious. Will try various PC's (Valhalla, LessLoss Sig, EPS 2s, Kimber Palladium) and various IC's (Valhalla, AQ Sky, AntiCables, Stealth Indra) to see what effect. I am deeply skeptical of so-called worldbeaters but will give it a fair shot. If it is even somewhat close it will be an accomplishment for Sony and will be installed in my BR system.
Neal |
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!
I am very impressed & satisafied with the XA5400 but find the above statement useless.
I neither belive this is a $10,000 player nor does it "blow away" the Ayre,etc.
My advise is to disregard the above as exaggeration.
Try to spend $1100 street & come to your own conclusions.
You will lkely agree the Sony is a gift for the investment, but it's stll a CD/SACD Player not a magic machine. |
How would the sony compare to the Krell standard SACD or the new Oppo SE? |
As for the CD sound quality of the XA5400ES, consider that its op amps (2132) are not the best available. I understand that, in general, replacing op amps is one of the more easily done and cost effective modifications. Point being that CD quality might be improved relatively inexpensively. |
Thanks for the reply, Kal
"I would never use that term because, in comparing among high quality components, it is totally inappropriate."
I agree. The OP stated "The Sony blows it away!!!" in reference to the Ayre. That seems not to be a credible report, so I thought maybe you could provide a second opinion. |
[quote]" Rufipennis asked: Kal, Does it "blow away" the Ayre?"[/quote]
First, I would never use that term because, in comparing among high quality components, it is totally inappropriate.
Second, I have only heard the Ayre player/DAC at show demos and cannot make a direct comparison with the Sony.
Kal |
what's the bass performance like on this sony? I read someone said the bass is lacking, so can someone describe its sound compared to let's say Byston bcd or Ayre cx7e? i know someone asked these questions b4 but they have not been asnwered yet. I'm still learning and auditioning cdp at the moment hoping to improve my CEC tl51xr(yes i want better bass and more realistic soundstage).
many thanks |
Kal, Does it "blow away" the Ayre? |
Let's just say that, for the moment, I have yet to hear a better SACD/CD player.
http://www.stereophile.com/musicintheround/music_in_the_round_36/ |
I don't see the point,obviously from all indications the XA is best |
Yes.
http://www.stereophile.com/musicintheround/music_in_the_round_36/ |
Has any compared this player to its predecesor, the SCD XA9000ES? That is my current CD/SACD player.
Cheers. |
I bought the EMM CDSA-SE with no concern or hope that SACD would survive, the Redbook play was better to my ears than my previous tranport/DAC combo. But now that I have had a chance to hear some good SACD versions of my favourite jazz music through Analogue Productions, it sure would be nice if the music companies come to their senses and rejuveante the whole SACD venture, especially with recordings that start with DSD from the recording forward. It is exciting to think that SONY has come out iwth a first rate player, with SACD for only $1,500 ($1,100 street?). |
Reference Recordings also had the same take on SACD couple of years back, but got into SACD eventually. I guess Creek will find some "reason" to get into SACD someday. |
I think Fishing716 hit the nail on the head IMO. |
Budt,
The thread is about how the Sony blows away the Ayre soundwise, not which one costs less.
If you haven't heard an Ayre with the MP upgrade, which costs $250, you should get the upgrade before you sell your Ayre. As I said, the difference is pretty significant. |
Good Point
When I spoke to Creek in England by email
They said it was dead and would not waste resources on Development & research.
I said your not only making a mistake but have an arrogance I don't appreciate.
You lost a life long customer |
Does the release of this player by SONY suggest that there still a chance that SACD will survive? Thrive? |
On redbook, how does the Sony 5400 compare to the Sony SCD XA777ES? keith |
i will be reviewing the oppo 83 se. perhaps its sacd playback will be a competitor opf the sony. |
Wa6itd: in what regard does the Sony "blow away" the Ayre? |
You may get better parts for a higher price ex.Creek Destiny CD Player or Marantz Pearl SACD Player but the sound may not improve.Sony has the insight & experience that other companies don't |
As usual, the high price of component will tell you nothing about its sound, nor its quality. The Sony is a great unit but I think the oppo 83SE will give it a run for top of the heap. The best part of this is that Sony will now be forced to try to top it. Sony has the R&D muscle to do that. Without deep pocket companies like Sony, real progress would not take place. Here comes DSD. |
The Sony is First rate on Redbook CD's
I don't believe an older player like a phillips could be as good.This is a very modern player |
I found Simaudio Andromada to beat it in both formats. (but its over 10k). Mostly in top to bottom balance, dynamic contrast, nuance, etc. I may try the Audio Research CD8. Thanks.
Bill |
I think its great on both formats. On redbook it is detailed but never fatiguing,with nice extension at both ends. I dont own alot of sacd's,but I am now buying them at quite a clip! The remastered sacd of Dire Straits "Brothers In Arms " even got a "WOW" out of my wife! I'm very happy with this player. |
