would the Sony SCD 5400 Ex make a good transport?

Podeschi you are in for a treat with the VAC gear. Sound improves as you put hours on them. I guarantee you will be buying a second Phi 300.1 for monoblocks in the future. I bought my tubes from a local guy that turned out to be a jerk. I have a few great people to buy from. Andy at Vintage Tube Services in Grand Rapids, MI.

Podeschi I owned the Playback Designs 7 cd player that retails for 15,000.00. The Sony Modright 5400 easily beat the PD and is 5 times less costly.

Sorry called the PD 5 player.

Darrin you need to change tubes in the Sony and power supply to get its full potential. If you are looking for a more organic sound I would recommend the Sylvania 5692 made in the 50's, also RCA 6SN7 GTB. I would change the rectifier tube to a Mullard 5AR4. I would also buy 6SN7 Tungsol Black Plate just to have a very nuetral tube, expect to pay 500 a pair. I would also get the Tungsol made in the 60's these are cheaper and also sound good. You need to replace both power cords and I recommend the Coincident power cords which are great on the Sony. I would also fool around with interconnects on the Sony the Siltech sound is nice and full for example. I compared the modright Sony to the Playback Design model 5 (15,0000) and the Sony beat it. You will also want to change the 6SN7 in the VAC amp and if you have their preamp you will want to change those as well.

No, but I doubt any new tube made today will compare with a new old stock tube from the 50-60's.