would the Sony SCD 5400 Ex make a good transport?

Thanks, JWM. I specifically picked the 300.1 so i could pick up a second in a year or two.

Thanks, JWM. I specifically picked the 300.1 so i could pick up a second in a year or two.

I have the 5400 modified by Dan Wright at ModWright. I never heard the stock 5400, but can tell you my ModWright 5400 competes with my 20k vinyl rig and does not sound edgy or bright in the least. He has a new mod coming up that will allow you to run the 5400 as a DAC with a digital input. I can't imagine getting a better cd/sacd player for under 10k.

Am playing the Sony through (XRCDs, CDs and SACDs...prefer sonics in that order) my new VAC gear. I have to believe the Modwright Sony is the most value for the buck I've ever received from a piece of audio gear. Amazing how good this sounds -- non-digital, on par with vinyl for the most part (better dynamics, not quite the full smooth organic warmth tho that my Benz/Graham/Clearaudio/Herron give me).
Darrin

Jwm, thanks for the sound counsel. Do you recommend any place in particular to buy the tubes for the Sony? I auditioned power cords on the sony transport and power supply and went with audience e powerchords. I am pretty happy with harmonic technology magic link 2 xlr on sony to pre but will look for a siltech to compare. I just took delivery of the vac 300.1 amp and renaissance mk 3 preamp so pls let me know more specifics on tube upgrades there (type and where to buy) if you dont mind. I will find a way to repay the favor. Many thanks in advance. I just bought silkworm+ to connect vac amp and pre.

I finally got to hear the difference of NOS 6sn7 tube rolling in the VAC. Just inserting one pair of Sylvania Chrome Tops in the outside slots on the 300.1 gave more punch and weight. Now I'm weighing if I should do the NOS hunt (RCA vt231, KenRad vt231, RCA grey glass 6sn7, etc) mixing and matching, or simplify and just buy a couple of pairs of Sophia 6sn7s for Modwright and VAC gear??? Any advice?