Sony scd xa5400es or dvp ns9100es?

I have both too. I have a large selection of SACD's so the XA5400ES gets a lot of use. For pure stereo listening like the 5400 better. In my system I get more detail. The 9100 sits in my theater room and is fed into my receiver's DAC. Excellent unit in all regards, but for music the 5400 is better for me.

My schedule was crazy-busy this weekend, so my listening notes are based on a very late Sunday evening listening session. I played the following tracks, all on red book CDs:

Miles Davis - Blue in Green
Jacintha - Here's To Life
Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms

My present system consists of a pair of Vandersteen 3A's powered by two Audio Research M100 monoblocks and fronted by an ARC SP-11 mki. Cardas Golden Reference ICs and speaker cables. My living room is approximately 20'L x 15'W with an 18'H ceiling.

Generally speaking, the XA5400es provided for a more expansive sound stage than the 9100es; approximately 20% to 30% greater. Percussion subtleties (Jimmy Cobb's fluttering brush strokes at the end of "Blue in Green", the cymbals in "Brothers in Arms") were easier to discern whereas in the NS9100es, these details were not as apparent; they were more a part of the background. Jacintha's vocals in her track were more spatially expansive; more "breathy" (palpable?) coming from the 5400es.

Prior to obtaining the 5400es, I enjoyed the 9100es in conjunction with the Theta Gen Va DAC. I presently run both setups side by side and I've only had the 5400es since early July and the previous owner put minimal hours on it, so I imagine there's still some break-in left to go through. Eventually, I hope to save enough pennies to get the Modwright upgrades.

On the other hand, the 9100es through the DAC has provided me with many hours of listening pleasure. Seems like well maintained units can be had for a very reasonable amount and can be used either as a great transport or for direct playback. I suppose if the opportunity had not presented itself to purchase the 5400es at a good price, I'd still be perfectly content today with the 9100es-Theta DAC combo.

I'm still working on expanding my SACD library, but I will pull out a few to compare and see if there is anything worth adding to these notes.

Anyway, that's my two cents; YMMV. Happy Listening!

I recently bought the 5400. I am using a Marantz receiver for now. Should I use digital out or RCA? If I plan on Modwright upgrade later, should I look for pre or DAC to pair with it? (haven't received unit yet)

No, I've never experienced any popping noises.

Closdesducs, does your 9100ES out to the DAC make a loud audible pop when you open and close the disc tray?

I happen to presently have both units, but in my current setup I use the 9100es as a transport with a digital cable to a Theta Gen Va DAC. I'll bypass the DAC and run it directly to my preamp this weekend and A/B it against the 5400 and report my impressions.