Click title to read one, or click date to read all below it.
02-13-09
Interesting, would you rate it significantly better tha ... Steelhead
02-13-09
Interested in knowing why you only compared it's cd sec ... Schipo
02-13-09
Steelhead, the sony scd-xa5400es was just another exper ... Dave_b
02-13-09
Details, details, details. are you using hdmi outputs ... Buconero117
02-13-09
Rca sounds best, compared to the balanced outputs...don ... Dave_b
02-17-09
As the player has broken in it has really blossomed; s ... Dave_b
02-23-09
The xa5400es is superior to the oppo 980h for multi-cha ... Disbeliever
02-23-09
Disbeliever, i agree the sony takes a long time to sett ... Dave_b
02-27-09
Dave, i have been using a sony scd-xa777es for sever ... Bobup1998
02-27-09
Cleaner sounding with more acoustic and spatial informa ... Dave_b
02-27-09
Stop the presses....i just hooked up a pair of mit magn ... Dave_b
02-27-09
Has anyone heard the 5400 pitted against the cambridge ... Twoleftears
02-27-09
My brother had one from audio advisor and returned it.. ... Dave_b
02-28-09
Update on xa5400es! breakin is quite extensive with th ... Dave_b
03-09-09
The xa5400es is excellent with both stereo & multi-chan ... Disbeliever
03-09-09
It's tough giving up on an old friend:o) Dave_b
03-09-09
Dave, please try to gracefully accept that others may p ... Tvad
03-10-09
Sorry, the old friend comment was meant sincerely. i l ... Dave_b
03-10-09
Hi dave, have you compared the sony to the oppo ... Wavetrader
03-10-09
The xa5400 is world class good, as in you can't get muc ... Dave_b
03-10-09
Sorry, dave. i misinterpreted your comment as a dig. Tvad
03-11-09
No problem, i have alot of gear i loved and let go over ... Dave_b
03-20-09
Hey dave, my krell sacd standard version 3 has been 10 ... Joeyboynj
03-20-09
That's great news joeyboynj...enjot it in good health:o ... Dave_b
03-23-09
I've had one of these since november and i agree it is ... Rwetmore
03-23-09
Whilst i agree the xa5400es is very good its real fort ... Disbeliever
03-23-09
You must keep in mind that i am using the xa5400es in a ... Dave_b
03-30-09
This player is on my short list, along with the arcam c ... Prepress
03-30-09
The player is very rewarding and i purchased on faith d ... Dave_b
04-12-09
I have had the sony and a marantz sa-11s2 in my system ... Billmcd
04-14-09
It may not be perfect, but it is a stone cold high end ... Dave_b
04-14-09
Humm....i had a sony xa-777es a few years back, and i l ... Sogood51
04-16-09
Kal rubinson, in the new issue of stereophile, kicks th ... Dave_b
04-19-09
The sony xa5400es is an excellent player for both rb cd ... Disbeliever
04-24-09
I just bought one on the 'gone at a great price; $300-$ ... Eddaytona
04-24-09
The sony needs as good a power cord and ic as you can a ... Dave_b
04-24-09
tube output devices can euphonize th ... Tvad
04-25-09
Tvad makes good points and i can only speak from my own ... Dave_b
04-25-09
The power cord supplied with the uk xa5400es is a total ... Disbeliever
04-27-09
Compared to some of my $15k products the sony cord 'ain ... Dave_b
04-27-09
Thanks for your review. you indicated that you have co ... Abind
04-28-09
The sony has absolutely zero digital nasties and presen ... Dave_b
04-28-09
I was going to buy the xa5400es, then i saw the negativ ... Aarif
04-28-09
Not sure what aarif is smokin, but good luck with the n ... Dave_b
04-28-09
Is your comment meant to be amusing aarif? if it is, i ... Roxy54
04-30-09
Now using a transparent powerlink mm and mit v1.2 proli ... Dave_b
04-30-09
Roxy54 writes: is your comment me ... Metralla
04-30-09
Ah, the ongoing evolution of the species made evident b ... Dave_b
04-30-09
There's nothing more to say, you just said it dave. tha ... Roxy54
04-30-09
At least you know people are reading your review. i am ... Metralla
05-01-09
Metralla rising...and with candor! good to know there ... Dave_b
05-03-09
Aarif's comment was mildly funny. what really put me o ... Plinko
05-03-09
Anyone compare this player to separates or sota one box ... Sgr
05-03-09
No meridian player will play sacd. fwiw. kal Kr4
05-03-09
Well how does fare against other top redbook cd players ... Sgr
05-03-09
May stereophile 'music in the round' kal rubinson's par ... Disbeliever
05-03-09
This player is not discontinued as far as i know...it j ... Dave_b
05-03-09
Apparently, it is nearly impossible to find in europe a ... Kr4
05-03-09
Kal is correct...i didn't say it would be easy to find ... Dave_b
05-03-09
Oh yeah, almost forgot to mention, i owned a meridian g ... Dave_b
07-01-09
Possible to find in germany from hifiberlinshop.de for ... Cyrilmartin
07-01-09
Hi cyrilmartin! after a few months (depending on your ... Dave_b
07-02-09
Thank you- i have another source and the problem isn't ... Cyrilmartin
07-04-09
How long have you had the player? breakin time is cruc ... Dave_b
07-07-09
Dave, this only happens on cd- sacd is clean... digital ... Cyrilmartin
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I saw a 5400 on the workbench at Allen Wright's (Vacuum State Electronics) studio in Schaffhausen the other Saturday. It had the Terra Firma bit clock fitted, and Allen or his technician were going to fit the Level 7 VSE modification board the next week.
As you know, the 5400 is a totally different chip architecture to what Allen's mods worked with previously. Interested to know what changes were necessary to make it work.
I hear that it's done now and I hope to get a chance to hear the VSE modified 5400 before it returns to its owner in the US.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating, but it will be great if this well-priced unit turns out to be a nice platform for modifications.
Regards,
Metralla 07-07-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Cyrilmartin, I have Maggie 3.6R's now so I think 40khz + is enough extension to hear what's going on up top on the Sony! I am Mr. Mom...no company affiliation. Attack would be wrong, I am just very impressed with the 5400 and like to correct any misunderstandings regarding it's performance characteristics. As for breakin? Well, if you don't think digital needs a long time to burn in and settle down then you are sadly mistaken:O(
Dave_b 07-07-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Alright, I did some digging and have a bit of information to offer to the general public!
The DAC used in this unit is a DSD1796 (Burr Brown / TI) - The "Triple SADAC" topology used in the 9000es is gone, likely because it isn't very cost effective, and unless properly time-shifted "à la Accuphase", offers limited benefits; it does reduce the noise floor somewhat, but getting lower than -115dB FS seems ludicrous. The DAC is followed by a OPA2132 FET input dual opamp per channel as I/V converter, followed by one JRC2114/channel for buffering the balanced outputs, and again an OPA2132 for the unbalanced one. This selection of opamps clearly highlight the midrange ambition of this player as there are many well regarding (and much highly priced) opamps to choose from. Good news for us: there will be a lot of possible mods available in the form of opamp replacement and power supply improvements! The headphone output is driven through a JRC2043 dual opamp- but, and this to my surprise, the volume control is inserted in series between the output of the opamp and the headphones- this doesn't guarantee performance at all output levels as the impedance (and by association the damping factor) of the headphone output will change with the level. Apparently the quality of that section was considered "secondary" and not worth spending money on...
The decoder IC is a CXD9927R from Sony- there isn't much available regarding this particular chipset, but my guess is that it is Sony's newer integrated DVD/SACD chipset (there is even a CVBS composite video output onboard). It is clocked by at 27MHz, another clue that this IC is dedicated to video as well. RAM and Flash are attached to it for system software storage and operations. This chipset supports the HDMI output natively, but also the S/Pdiff output, and the laser head. There is also an (unbranded) microcontroler, with a cute little connector that goes to the back of the device, likely for reprogramming. It is accessible through a small hole on the back panel, on top of the right balanced audio outputs. Both SACD and PCM signals are going to the DAC as expected, seemingly indicating that SACD is supported natively without downsampling.
The power supply is composed of 3 transformers, a small laminated unit for the control circuit, and two 0 core ones for the analog and digital sections respectively.0 cores have the primary and secondary windings located "side by side", reducing high frequency coupling, at the cost of a lower efficiency. They seem however oversized and do not get too hot during operation. The supply is classically built on 78xx/79xx series regulators with relatively large heat sinks. No frills there! They are located on a separate board on the right side of the transport.
The control panel located behind the bezel is completely passive except for the display control. The jog button is a cost down version inherited from their low-end DVD players, and isn't very practical because 1) the steps are a tad too smooth and 2) the system software response is a tad slow. However, most of us will use the remote, making the point moot... The transport is a classic DVD drive similar to the ones that can be found in Sony DVD players. The chassis has a couple of beams to support the transport and make the player more rigid. There is also a small "shelve" to support both analog and digital boards. Manufacturing techniques are pretty standard for an audio product, although careful (through hole resistors in the audio section, sealed film caps for decoupling, surface mount film from Panasonic...).
All in all, this is a well designed unit where money was spent in the right places, leading to an accessible price tag. I must admit that it sounds much better than the sum of its parts- my compliments to the Sony engineers!
Cyrilmartin 07-08-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Update 2: I obtained the design white paper from Sony regarding the XA5400ES... As a side note, this paper should have been peer-reviewed as it contains many contradictory statements, and hints to the player having multichannel analog outputs, which it doesn't. However, it clearly states that CD upsampling is performed by the DAC IC, the DSD1796 from Burr Brown. The datasheet for this IC is available here.
As one can see in the datasheet page 8, the CD upsampling filter is a "regular" half band FIR filter; recent developments in digital filtering points to the pre-echo of that type of filter to being detrimental to sound quality, in particular sibilance (countless papers available on the AES). There are several alternative approaches to fix this issue: one of them is to use IIR filters instead of FIR, at the cost of a lot of phase distortion. Another approach is to use a "minimum phase" transform FIR filter, which translates the traditional symmetrical impulse response to asymmetrical at the cost of some phase distortion. This enables the designer to trade off pre-echos and phase to the optimal blend. The results are quite evocative, with better high-frequency extension and integration, especially when vocals are recorded with a large amount of high-frequency content. This filtering technique is in use in the Wolfson WM8741 DAC, but also in some outboard DACs such as the Cambridge Audio MagicDAC II (in conjuction with Anagram Technology Q5 upsampler), where the user can select his favorite upsampling method.
The SACD section of the player does also use a symmetrical FIR filter, but the very smooth LPF response required for SACD filtering enables the use of a very short sequence with limited pre-echo duration (see p. 39 and 40). This would explain why the 5400ES is so good at playing back SACD, but CD playback shows a slight hint of high frequency grunge. It is small though, and will be noticeable only compared to the best players out there.
All in all, it is a very good player. You would have to spend much more to get to this level of quality, and this is true for both CD and SACD playback. But it is possible to find a better CD player out there- it'll cost you though!
Cyrilmartin 07-09-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Wow, good stuff Cyrilmartin...thanks:O)
Dave_b 07-09-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Cyrilmartin Which is a better CD player than the XA5400ES ? .I find it sounds excellent with both RB CD & SACD especially via HDMI.I will be very suprised if Modwright can make it sound any better.
Disbeliever 07-13-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Disbeliever writes:
I will be very suprised if Modwright can make it sound any better. I wonder if you were referring to my post about Allen Wright (Vacuum State Electronics). I hope to hear this unit on Saturday.
Modwright is Dan Wright and his website indicates that he is almost ready with his modified 5400.
http://www.modwright.com/modifications/15
Different fellow to Allen Wright.
I would be very surprised if the Modwright 5400 does not sound a lot better than the stock model via the analogue outputs. But since you listen via HDMI, the $2000 modification is probably not for you.
Regards,
Metralla 07-13-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Well Metralla...how does the Mod sound on the XA5400ES?
Dave_b 07-22-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Dear Cyrilmartin, thank you very much for your research on this player. More than 1 months ago, I have added my technical comments in my audio web page:
digilander.libero.it/agostino....
Now, after about two months of break-in (during which the player improved its sound) I can confirm that I hear some problems in the high frequencies. This problem is subtable and not easy to describe. I can hear it in particular with female voices, which appear "veiled", but also with well recorded classical music, where the highs are not so shining and lively as they should be. I thought that it can be due to the OPamps output stage and I'm waiting the Wrights (Dan Modwright or Allen VSE) mods to see if they can improve the overall performances, but now you draw my attention to the digital filter in the Sony decoder. That could be really the origin of the highs problem and it should be a very difficult one to solve.
Have you tried to compare the digital output of the Sony via the Cambridge Magic DAC II with minimum phase?
Best regards, Tino
Tino_miky 07-24-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Tino,
yes, I have compared the Sony with the Magic DAC II using the Sony as a source for both- the Magic DAC in minimum phase mode definitively adds transparency and a sense that "the timing is right" at high frequency. As soon as the DAC Magic is switched back to "half band filter" (Filter #1), the effect at high frequency is back, leading me to believe that what I am hearing on the Sony is the 44.1K brickwall. However, you are describing a "lack" of high frequency that I have not noticed; this could be attributed to many effects, one of them would be a noticeable decrease of distortion compared to your previous player? For most of us, distortion = loudness (at least frank, top-bottom clipping). You *could* borrow a DAC Magic from one of your favorite stores for comparison purposes. I also noticed that you used an Acoustic Zen loudspeaker which sports (if my memory serves me well) a... ribbon tweeter. As much as I like the delicacy of those devices, I also usually think they are lacking slam in the lower part of their spectra (3~6kHz) and will sometimes overemphasize the 10K region, especially since the midrange of the Zen is quite a large driver.
Now, could Sony update their digital filters? Well, that's a tricky one- I do not know what processing abilities are left in the DSD ASIC, but this is how I would do it:
- Migrate the first two stages of digital filtering to the Sony ASIC; this stage would perform the critical 44.1K -> 176.4K upsampling. I would use minimum phase filtering there (many good papers to chose from in order to design the filter).
- Set the DAC for a 176.4K input, and use the "slow slope" filter as the upper region of the spectra will already be empty (20~80kHz).
There would still be pre-echos in the output stream as some filters are still half-band FIRs, but the longest filters (x2, then x4 have the largest number of taps) would not have pre-echos, thus limiting the duration of this effect in time. Now, does Sony read this column? I am ready for a flash update CD:)
Regarding modding the player- most dual opamps have the same pinout, so you should not have any issue trying some new friends. Keep in mind that opamps used in various locations need a different subset of optimizations, in particular:
- I/V converter needs fast settling time and slew rate, low current noise, and stability when a capacitor is connected from inverting input to output. This means that current feedback opamps are not recommended in this location. Sony selected a FET input device (OPA2132) for this application, also bringing very good DC characteristics and possibly removing the need for AC coupling capacitors between this stage and the LPF/Buffer stage. I would look at high performance, high slew rate opamps from ADI and National here. Please keep in mind that the noise of this circuit will be largely defined by the value of the feedback resistor (the lower the better), so output drive of the opamp also matters.
- Filter / buffer: low voltage noise, high slew rate and high output drive are a must to keep the performance up. I do not know the exact topology of the Sony's output stage, but I would also consider keeping good DC characteristics in order to minimize offset. A new, fully differential audio opamp was just released by National- it may just be the right device for this player, as nothing indicates that they are using an "auto-balancing" ciruit on the XLRs... This however would require the addition of a small PCB as it has a non-conventional pinout.
A side note regarding the NE5532 / 5534: they definitively bring a signature to the signal- signature that we have been hearing for over 25 years. Aren't we ready for something a bit more transparent? :)
Another side note regarding Tube output stages: properly designed SRPP stages will likely be the only topology that will keep the inherent noise floor and low distortion of this player, while adding the "glow" so many people seem to love. I would shy away from SET circuits as there is almost no voltage gain needed (the I/V brings the signal to the proper amplitude, not the output filter/buffer). The supply for a SRPP stage will likely be high (250 ~ 300V) and will make the integration in the player difficult. Another valid approach would be to use a discrete transistor based output stage, which would not require a very high supply...
Cyrilmartin 07-24-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I have to say guys, that this is a case of a little understanding can be a dangerous thing. I have owned Levinsons N0. 39, 390S and 37/360S, Wadia 850SE, BAT VKD5SE, ARC CD3, Sony SCD-1,777ES,9000ES and others. I use some of the best cables and power cords available. My Maggie 3.6R's definately let you know what's going on up top. Bottom line is that the Sony has the most natural and extended high frequencies I've ever heard...pure, clear, complex and tonaly accurate. If you guys are hearing something different, then somethings wrong with your setup or ears. This is not an opinion, it is a fact! Tell me your setups and maybe I can help identify the problem for you:O)
Dave_b 07-24-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
...the Sony has the most natural and extended high frequencies I've ever heard...If you guys are hearing something different, then somethings wrong with your setup or ears. This is not an opinion, it is a fact!
Dave_b (Threads | Answers)
No, this is not a fact. It is a textbook definition of an opinion.
Tvad 07-24-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I forgot to mention that I am around acoustic instruments in my house everyday (my children play piano, baritone, cello, drums, flute). I have recordings of concerts I have attended (jazz, classical and rock). I have owned many 50K plus rigs. I have no dog in this race. My opinion has merit based on the above facts. Oh, and I have no hearing loss...yet! Keep in mind I use true reference recordings with realistic high frequency content. Examining the brush strokes of a Monet painting may be interesting to an art major, but it kind of misses the whole point doesn't it? Please do list your equipment, cabling and music for reference however.
Dave_b 07-24-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
So much for the case of "little understanding"... http://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrilmartin
Now Dave B., when it comes to your extensive ownership of expensive digital gear, all of them with no exception were using symmetrical FIR designs. Sad, very sad... Your offer to debug a system "a distance" is presumptuous at best- a bit like phone psychics.. And the statement about "not having hearing loss" is always incorrect- everybody does, that process is called "aging"... unless of course you also have a potion to reverse Corti organ damage (and did it ship with the Sony player?).
As many will notice, that "discussion" is going nowhere. I will summarize as best as I can: if you have $1K laying around and you want a very good all around player, the Sony is for you. If you also have a soldering iron and are not afraid of playing wizard with SMT packages, you may even have the pleasure of doing some experimentation with opamps and see where you get; you will notice that Sony is pretty much in bed with TI (Burr Brown was acquired by TI in 2001) so you have all the ADI and National offering at hand, likely unexplored by the Sony design team.
Now, if you want the best redbook CD player available today (and you are independently wealthy!) go check our the Meridian 808.2 CD player- You will not regret it... And, if you also want to check how devilishly good your SACDs can sound, check out the DCS stuff (N.B: look at the pro gear- it is precisely the same as the audiophile offering in a more rugged packaging, and at more realistic prices... *realistic* still means a wad of cash though!).
And this was only naming a few :)... Contrary to some, I tend to avoid definitive statements as the future would too often prove me wrong!
Peace.
Cyrilmartin 07-25-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Wow, I am amazed again! I owned a meridian G08...sucked; Sterile, whitish and flat sounding. Knowledge is a terrible burden for some..it dictates their perception despite any evidence to the contrary. Ironic that you would pick my least favorite examples of digital for a rebuke. Obviously you have never been to Boston Symphony Hall...now that's a reference standard:O)
Dave_b 07-25-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
New cable find for the frugal and acousticaly astute. A comprehensive evaluation between my MIT Oracle V1.2 Proline XLR IC's ($6500) and a pair of Monster Cable Proline SP1000 XLR cables ($99.98/pair) has floored me!!
The SP1000's are every bit their equal in every audiophile category one can imagine plus just a scrim more warmth added. These Monster Proline cables are a Godsend to anyone who want's to have world class sound on an extreme budget:O) Sweetwater.com has them and even has a no hassle return policy..I dare you to try them.
Dave_b 08-02-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I dare you to try them.
Dave_b (System | Threads | Answers)
If I try them and return them, and report here that I did so, will I be subject to endless debate about why I can't hear, or that my system isn't up to snuff?
Tvad 08-02-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I looked at the Monster SP1000, but decided not to purchase any as the 5 foot length is to long for my installation.
It doesn't surprise me that you like the pro mic cable. Mogami Neglex mic cable is used in pro studios worldwide, and it's very close in quality, if not equal, to cables I have owned costing significantly more. Pro audio is a good resource for low cost, high quality gear.
Tvad 08-02-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
No not at all Tvad. In fact I am getting quite fed up with the idol worship of gear and technology at the expense of good common sense and a love of music. I've been guilty of it and I must say I regret it deeply. These days I'm looking to maximize what I own and seek out real bargains for the modest budgeted audiophile. 5ft is hardly that much longer than 1Meter, unless you read the ad wrong...they sometimes read 5M but the length is actually 5 feet for $49 each:O)
Dave_b 08-02-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
5 feet is too long for my installation, believe it or not.
I suspect one can't go wrong with either the Monster or Mogami mic cable.
Have you listened to the Mogami Neglex mic cable? It's also available with a return policy from several retailers (eg, Guitar Center), although Sweetwater doesn't carry it (or it didn't come up in my search).
Tvad 08-02-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I'll check it out...the SP1000 comes with pro velcro straps for securing and rolling extra lengths neatly behind the gear.
Dave_b 08-02-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
pro velcro...
now there's something...
:)
Tvad 08-02-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Proline Velcro...says so right on the strap so it must be true. Right? Ohmy God, I've been duped...crap, I hate that:O( HeeHee! Anyway, the reason I love it is because it just smokes the best I've heard. Crushing dynamics, warmth and a huge open soundstaging.
Dave_b 08-02-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Hi Dave!
Do you think the RCA version of the Monster Cable SP1000 have the same great characteristics you described for the XLR's version?
Regards,
Tube_guy 08-06-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I'm not sure an RCA version exists for the SP1000 cable. I did have an RCA version of the Monster Audiophile Cable Z200i which I was told by Monster was the same cable as the SP1000, just priced higher for us audiofools:O) The Z200i has been discontinued due to lack of sales and product confusion for Monster, even though it was their best sounding cable ever. So, that said, the RCA version of the SP1000 clone (Z200i) was very much in the same camp as far as performance. The XLR version has a slightly lower noise floor and more of a sense of ultimate power and slam, but almost identical otherwise.
Dave_b 08-06-09
VSE modified Sony SCD-XA5400ES Review on AA
I was recently at Vacuum State Electronics in Switzerland and listened to the VSE modified 5400 with the Terra Firma Lite clock. Included in the listening session was a comparison between the 5400 and the VSE Level 7 SCD-777ES with the Terra Firma Uber clock. I was very impressed.
If you don't mind following a link, I posted a review on Audio Asylum.
http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/hirez/messages/26/260611.html
Regards,
Metralla 08-09-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
The setup at VSE looks a little disturbing to me:O<> Talk about narrow rooms and the speakers looked close to the front wall. Power cords can address alot of issues that maybe Allen's trying to compensate for in his mods...not to ention his use of silver IC's! Don't think I'd chance the mod myselfO:)
Dave_b 08-10-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Dave_b,
The speakers are very close to the side walls - is that what you meant to write? In fact, they are right on them. I thought when I first saw them that they would not work well. But they do. The room is not that narrow - perhaps the picture is slightly misleading.
Regards,
Metralla 08-11-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
hi everyone. this sony seems a very capable player. my question is: concerning only the RB performance, in what "leage" would you put this player among the only RB players? can it compete with MF A1CD pro or esposure 3010 or primare c30 or Quad cdp-2 or naim cd5x or rega saturn? (just to give you an idea...)
Crimhead 11-14-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Crimhead, yes, yes, yes, yes and most definately yes! In some aspects it is competitive with several over $5k players. Deep controlled textured bass, full warm mids and extended grain free natural sounding highs. Transparency is exceptional and dynamic contrast is superb. Tonality (pitch) is dead on accurate.
Dave_b 11-14-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
is there any review available on this cdp? i've not found any. moreover i'd be very much interested in some measurement results like the ones in stereophile reviews. some say that the sound of sony is a lttle 'technological': do those of you who listened to this cdp think so?
Crimhead 11-16-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
techradar.com has a full review and Kal Rubinson mentioned it as the best RB/SACD player he has heard to date in Stereophile. With great PC and IC it is definately not "technological" sounding.
Dave_b 11-16-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
techradar realy praises this cdp, but comparison is made with xa9000 only, which it bettered for much less money, this is promising. however they mentioned the yamaha s2000 as a competitor for sony xa5400, and they wonder what would be result in a competition... this realy implies no high leage presence, since they would say mcintosh, accuphase, nagra,wadia or whatever otherwise... i would be interested in any direct comparison of this cdp... on the otherhand stereophile reviewers use quite a few times sony xa9000 (or other sony, if i remember well) as a reference (which surprised me at first, because i thought sony had small reputation among audiophiles), which again means xa5400 could be in reference leage...
Crimhead 11-16-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Crimhead, I owned Levinson No. 39, 390s, 360s&37combo, Wadia 861se, MFA5, ARC CD3, Sony SCD-1, Meridian G8 and a few others. I love the XA5400ES...maybe that helps a little:O)
Dave_b 11-16-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
NO DIGITAL INPUT? I reviewed the official specs and did not see a digital input. This would mean that one cannot access the DAC to stream digital from computer. Seems an odd and severe limitation these days. Am I reading this correctly?
Artmaltman 11-21-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
It has a digital output but not for SACD, of course.
Kal
Kr4 11-21-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Kal, what do you think of the Sony after having spent some time with it? I still love mine!
Dave_b 11-24-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
how would you feel about audio (german mag) rated this sony xa5400-es in (lower) high end class this cdp? (sony xa5400pes rbcd 100 sacd 105; whereas e.g. in reference class: marantz sa15s1 rbcd 105 sacd 115; marantz sa11s1 115/125; mark levinson no.390s rbcd 125)
Crimhead 11-25-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
They are all great players. The Sony is certainly the value leader for sure. More important is the system they are placed into and how they are used. I like the Sony for it's overall take on things...everything balanced with enough detail and warmth to keep me listening:O)
Dave_b 11-25-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I just ordered one of these to hold me over till I get either an emmlabs or berkeley.Hey, at 1200 bucks it isn't much of a risk. If anyone is interested I can post my observations of the player after a few weeks.
Budt 12-15-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Hey Budt, I'd be interested in your impressions after you break her in...if it's the music your interested in then I think the Sony will make you happy:O)
Dave_b 12-16-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Budt,
Please post your impressions. I am on the fence on purchasing the 5400. It would largely replace a Denon 3910. I would keep the 3910 in the system because I have a few DVD-A discs.
Michael
Michael10 12-19-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
XA5400ES is an excellent player best value on the market it sounds best via HDMI into Sony DA6400ES/5400ES receivers via HDMI with HATS enabled for lowest published jitter and bi-amp the receiver for sound equal to High End separates.Thers is no sibilance or problem with HF response as some posters have said .
Disbeliever 12-23-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Disbeliever is right...no problems with sibilance or high frequencies whatsoever. In fact, the high frequency reproduction of the XA5400ES is one of it's outstanding features...pure, grain free and harmonicaly full of life with zero glare or digititus:O)
Dave_b 12-23-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Well, just a quick note.I connected this player in my system consisting of B&W 802D,bryston 4b sst and bryston BP26. I only tried it connected via balanced outs..My most recent players have been MF A5, Simaudio moon eclipse, bryston bcd-1 and esoteric XO-3se. I've only had this player a few day so it is not burned in yet. WHat I can tell you is that at a msrp of $1500 this thing is sick.The rendition of harmonics and their layering is better than any player I have heard to date but I haven't heard that many. It is very holographic but doesn't possess the pinpoint imaging of some others.However the imaging is more believable( people who hear live music know what I am talking about).
Anyways I can't believe it was possible to have this kind of sound for $1500.This thing is an absolute steal.
Budt 12-23-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Budt, several hundred hours of play time will bring a fuller, more palpable and layered sound.
Dave_b 12-23-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I was thinking of upgrading to a Raysonic to serve as the most recent last cdp I will ever buy but after reading this, I will give this a try.
How long a delay is there between inserting the disc and hearing music?
Mst 12-24-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Like 5 seconds unless switching from RB to SACD which is a few more seconds, but nothing remotely like the SCD-1 was.
Dave_b 12-26-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
What about the headphone output on this thing? How good is it? I have Sennheiser 800 and am looking for a cd player with a great headphone abilities...
Branislav 12-29-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I don't have great phones but it sounds sweet to me!
Dave_b 12-30-09
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Dave_b! very interesting post about the 5400 Sony,you make me very courious.Please tell me if you heare/compare the sound of 5400 with a Accuphase player made after 2000,(year),and what you can say.And ..you try Pc cable from Nordost on this 5400?
Puiutu62 01-01-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
No and no, but the Accuphase stuff is known for musicality. Nordost is my least favorite cable company based on past experience.
Dave_b 01-01-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Thanks Dave_b for your answer! I use now a cd player from Accuphase,(and I am very happy with them),and in the near future I will buy also a Sony 5400,(when I have monney)!
Puiutu62 01-02-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Just recieved a pair of MIT M1.3 Prolines from Joe Abrams at Equus Audio. They are terrific...better than the old Oracle V2.2's I owned last year. Music simply sounds more authentic and accurately voiced.
Dave_b 01-06-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I bought one through crutchfield and I am on the fence. I give it an 8/10. It's a good deal for the price, but there is plenty of room for improvement. Compared to my recently deceased Audio Research CD-2, the bass is less extended, has a hollow characteristic, and doesn't image as well, the upper bass frequencies are bit exaggerated/punchy, the upper mids/highs have a bit of grain, and the sound stage isn't as wide or deep. The CD-2 is much more extended, refined, detailed, linear, and musical.
The deal breaker for me is that using the sony remote turns the volume down and/or mutes my preamp. What a pain in the arse! I'm constantly readjusting the volume every time I switch tracks via the sony remote.
My system:
-ARC LS22R
-ARC 100.2
-ProAc Response 1.5
-Audio Magic Clairvoyant XLR interconnects
-Harmonic Tech Truth Link ICs
-Audio Magic Sorcerer speaker cables
-Harmonic Tech AC10 PC
Clayx 01-15-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Clayx, have you put 400+hrs on the unit yet? The Sony is very revealing of cabling and power issues as well. I use a Transparent PLMM into an MIT Super 20 Duplex with MIT M1.3 Prolines feeding my Krell. AC noise into the Sony and backwash from the Sony back into the mains is addressed by my PC and Duplex conditioner. The Sony itself has no inherent distortion, grundge nor does it reduce soundstaging or limit bass extension. It does take a long time to burn in however.
Dave_b 01-16-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Dave, thanks for your input. I do not have 400 hours on yet, so there could be continued change in sonics. From a physics perspective, I have a hard time believing in a significant change in sound over time. However, I will keep an open mind.
I am using balanced Audio Magic Clairvoyant ICs between my sony and Audio Research pre-amp. They are smooth, extended, with deep bass and excellent 3-dimensionality. My PC into the sony is Harmonic Tech AC10 that is plugged into a PS Audio UPC-200. I will play around with different cords and ICs.
Any ideas for fixes for the sony remote turning down the volume on my ARC preamp?
Clayx 01-16-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Dave great review,I'm searching for a cdp, and saw this one on yahoo(in Taiwan), as u mentioned that u had krell known for excellent bass performance, how do you rate sony 5400's bass?
I have owned two weak bass cdp so far, now i'm looking at Bryston bcd-1(with strong bass), it's not that i want bass emphasis, my spendor are very musical sounding speakers, but bass shy with rock and pop music, i need an all rounder(highly dynamic)to balance the rest of my system. I have never owned sony apart from their walkman, so please educate me on this aspect.
cheers
Karmatogdral 02-09-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
The Sony has excellent bass response and dynamic contrast, which will ultimately be determined by what power cord and IC's you use. The Krell was a tad more forcefull, but didn't have quite the dynamic shadings.
Dave_b 02-09-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Hi,
I also bought this Sony, which was my first purchase of any audio component in the last 15 years or so.
Prior to the Sony, which I bought without listening, I heard a lot of other players, mostly in unfamiliar dealer systems.
Although some of them were quite good, including Audio Research cd8, with an excellent staging, lovely dynamics and good tonality, albeit a little dark-sounding, more of the mega-dollar players, up to 25k, were not that convincing at all, particular for the amount of money, so I was very pleased to read the laudatory revieuw of Dave_B (thank you Dave) and others of a player in the 1500 dollar area, which beats or is equal to other players costing 6 or more times than the Sony 5400, according to some of the revieuwers.
And yes, just cold out of the box, the Sony was already very good, although too harsh in the heights, without too much focus and lacking openness. After 200 hours or so burning in, the sound is already clearly improving on all parameters, specially neutrality, openness, timbre and focus, in a way, that I barely can't stop listening to my familiar cd's (mostly Redbook at this moment). Just passing the 316 hour mark the improvement is still going on and I expect to reach the 400 hour mark in a few days.
Better than this player is unanswerable possible, but at a cost!
Next upgrade will be the stock powercord. Some candidates for replacement are Lessloss dfpc Signature, Shunyata Python CX or King Cobra CX or Acoustic Zen Absolute.
And yes, I read about Dave_B's Transparent powerlink MM.
Any thoughts about these in combination with Sony 5400 are welcome.
Thanks in advance,
Sequence56
Sequence56 02-15-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I am using the Sony with XLO Signature 3 Interconnects, and XLO ref power cord. Also burned in with the XLO CD. The player has about 500 hours of play. What a great player! I have previously used Meridian G98, Krell 25SC, and other less expensive players, but I find the Sony the most coherent of the players I have heard. It doesn't have as much detail and slam as the Krell (which was then Krell's top player and much much pricier), but I prefer it to the Krell because of the coherence and musicality. In my view, it beats the Meridian G98 as a CD player hands down.
Peterng123 03-02-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
...I was wondering if the tray design and mechanism like the one found on the scd 1 and x777 makes these old cd players sound better in any way or now is more about the d/a and processors?
Thank you
Mamifero76 03-10-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I haven't heard this particular Sony, but I have two thoughts to add: ONE, ModWright really loves this player and calls it the best SACD player he has modded yet. Unlike the Sony 9100ES, which is DVD / SACD, the circuitry in the 5400 is relatively simple (being audio only) and consequently lends itself to better sound quality. (I own the ModWright / Sony 9100ES Platinum Signature Truth mod and will use it until it's dead. By the way, the chassis for the two players is virtually identical, and is one Sony has been "re-stuffing" for some time now.) ModWright is the way to go for ultimate upgrades, IMO.
My SECOND thought is this: As good as Sony's best SACD machines are (modded or not), they all possess one annoying feature: VERY SLOW disc read times...sometimes a minute or more on certain discs! There are other fine players out there which use an entirely different transport--the Philips CD Pro 12 series, which is VERY FAST. Musical fidelity, Jolida, and Shanling are a few names that come to mind, if memory serves. And don't forget the Oppo SE, which plays EVERYTHING and is nearly in the same league as the new Sony for considerably less money...and its operation is LIGHTNING QUICK, from what I understand. (ModWright upgrades this player as well.) When I put a disc in the drawer of my Sony, I think about things like the preparation time for a good meal, which helps tame my frustration considerably... ;)
Dbdeeb 03-12-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
The 5400 reads CDs and SACDs very quickly. I have not measure it, but I estimate 5-10 seconds. No complaints at all.
Regards,
Metralla 03-12-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Has any one compared the RB portion to well reviewed DACs such as the Benchmark DAC1 Pre, or Bel Canto Dac3?
Twinda1 03-13-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
one way to make the very good Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
even better is the Very extensive mod Modwright has just completed Dan says it is his best sounding mod to date for cd and for under $3500 total investment competes with units up to $10k that is a statement.
Audioman58 04-16-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I have compared the Sony 5400 forget the Benchmark it is not as musical -natural sounding , the Belcanto dac-3 may be a little better but remember for the same money plus a transport and cable for $2k Modwright will be modding
my unit soon and from what the beta testers have said and Dan it goes way out Vaccum tube ,Lundahl transformers
Burson master clock and a bunch of other stuff
apples to apples The Sony will compete with the big names
for for less moneys .
Audioman58 04-16-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Check out the new Mapleshade clearview excalibur plus XLR IC's...pure analog sound coming out of my Sony XA5400ES. It's not likely I'll be doing any upgrades or Mod's to the Sony now...the excaliburs have transformed my system!! Talked with Allen Wright about my findings and he confirmed that what I was hearing was the result of what he considers to be the best approach to cabling...thin ribbons:O) Helps with DDR or Downward Dynamic Range, that being the ease with which one can discern subtle sonic events in the midst of acoustic Tsunami's. 30 days no hassle return!!
Dave_b 04-23-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
04-16-10: Audioman58 writes:Dan says it is his best sounding mod to date for cd I'm sure he says that.
and for under $3500 total investment competes with units up to $10k that is a statement. Are you saying that? What units have you compared?
Dave_b - Allen's been saying that for years. It's in his "Super Cables Cookbook" - they can be a bit fragile at the connector. Happy you have found something you like, but there must be more potential in your system.
Regards,
Metralla 04-23-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
The Sony is such a great platform to build on the worlds best commercial bit clocks and power regulation is beong done .
The clocks are the Terrafirma Lite clock. and the external version Terrafirma Uber clock .This by far has made much more of a difference than all the cap and cheap word clocks mods combined and was developed specifically for the Sony 5400.
My technician did a fantastic job and even offers over $200
off to help with the economic times for the top model ,no other tech was willing to help me out and this unit is Very close to
Analog and in some respects betters it .I am still in disbelief Finally I can listen in peace sacd or red book digital.
Audioman58 04-23-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I have also upgraded the XA5400ES and you can find details here:
http://digilander.libero.it/agostino.manzato/audio/DIY/sony_xa5400_mod/sony_xa5400_mod.html
Now highs are much more open and natural than before.
Tino
Tino_miky 04-26-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
How to make the Sony 5400 Much better ,
Start with taking out the garbade steel fuses the electrical resistance is 10x more than Silver the Hifi tuning fuses although expensive make a improvement across the board buy the 1a slow blow fuses x2, also Music direct sells a large sorbathane sheet to damp the transport ,also they carry 3m damping sheets for the chasis buy 2-3 1 under the hood ,and a piece for each side , then 2 pieces for the sides of the transport and anywhere metal is exposed ,also think about some good feet .I have the audio prisms that support the unit
at least a 5% improvement for $200 and change well worth it just for the inner detail alone , then when bucks are right have it modded the Terra firma clocks are the Best bar none , and Dan Modwright also has a vacuum tube mod to complement that then you have a $10+ player !!
Audioman58 05-01-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Thank you Tino_miky. Fascinating.
Regards,
Metralla 05-01-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
How can adding distortion (tubes) improve the sound ?
Disbeliever 05-09-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Many websites mention Sony's STR-DA5500ES as the ideal matching equipment to go with the SCD-XA5400ES. Is this a good idea at all for an audiophile? Would there be a significant loss by not using this player with an equipment that has H.A.T.S. technology?
Thanks
Cypriot 05-10-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
YES the SONY XA5400ES must be used with a matching receiver incorporating H.A.T.S. technology & HDMI for absolute best results,for both RB CD & SACD
DA6400ES in US & UK & 5400ES in UK . This gives the lowest tested published jitter.
Disbeliever 05-11-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Disbeliever, thanks for the input. Any other opinions about this? Dave_b said a while ago that "Evaluations done using recievers and conventional connections will not hint at what it is capable of doing". Does that include the Sony STR-DA5500ES?
BTW I was told by my local Sony dealer that the STR-DA5500ES is discontinued, and that the STR-DA5300ES is available instead. Any ideas about the difference between these two?
Cypriot 05-16-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Dave B is not correct especially if you are into MCH SACD furthermore the Sony DA6400ES/5400ES have a D.L.L program that improves the sound of early RB CD's, the Sony's have an excellent phono stage stage & FM tuner used bi-amped IMO the sound is as good as it gets with speakers that are not too difficult to drive.
Disbeliever 05-17-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
To Disbeliever Vaccum tubes are not just about distortion that is not correct ,for example the most sensitive medical equipment in the world and medically use Vacuum tubes uncluding your CAT scan machines why is this ?
Vacuum tubes are very stable at Voltage regulation ,
where solid state is good at currect since a cd player is very low voltage a seperate power supply is an idea filter buffer an my being totally seperate it isolates the diferent stages from any noise interaction ,and for the input stage the vacuum, tubes also help to filter the filter capacitors as well as providing a much more dimentional presentation .This is why some of the very best preamplifiers in the world are Vacuum tube .
Audioman58 06-06-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Vacuum Tubes have far more distortion than transistors and are prone to deterioation I am referring to Audio use not medical equipment .
Disbeliever 06-08-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
He's not Disbeliever for nothing.
Tvad 06-08-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Regardless of the fact Vaccum tubes wear out what they do for Audio is what makes them so good .It was proven many years ago that you can make a solidstate amplifier
look almost perfect from a signwave standpoint when testing -in theory,in reality with no dimentional aspects to it's sonics. Why do you think Conrad Johnson, Audio Research, Rogue Audio amd Lamm Audio have done so well ? Because it sounds more realistic and the best gear by many experts in the field believe that vaccum tubes rule ,myself included ,until you have bought a quality vaccumtube amplifier or preamplifier and have use it in a system than you have not had the experience of the magic
of how well Vaccum tubes can add to the realism of the musical event .Try reading Stereophile ,or the Absolute sounds magazine, I have over 30 years as a Audiiophile and have heard very good solidstate as well as Vacuum tube having the combination in the system brings the best of
both worlds ,also Dan Modwrights mods with the Sony 5400
are by the best out there by Far ! Dont knockit untill have have tried it .
Audioman58 06-10-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
After hearding the Terra firma Mod of the Sony xa5400 I Thought it was the best I am glad I waited, while on business I heard Dan Modwrights latest and very extensive transformation of this unit Now with a Vacuum tube OTL analog section as well as a Vacuumtube rectified Seperate power supply Just go to Modwrights webpage and check it out for $2k you now have a player that Nothing and I mean nothing that is in the class A section at $10k that will touch it ,he had a Esoteric 03-se there it was very good ,but the Sony was that much more realistic .I have spent more than a house on audio over the past 25 years and know when something is special sacd may be a little better but now even redbook cds can compete with a Very good turntable and that is saying a lot! My unit has just come back and I am giving it some run in time before giving a formal review ,so far even not runin yet I am not getting much work done for I am hearing nuances in the recording that I did not know that was there and the air around the instruments is much better than I expected I will get back here in a couple of weeks to update on the breakin.
Audioman58 06-29-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I sent my player to Dan Wright today. For $2000 dollars it is nothing short of a gift what Dan's modification entails. You also get an external power supply!! can;t wait.
Dave_b 07-06-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Dave----Your review of Sony xa5400es convinced me to buy it to replace a dying Marantz. Your opinion and a $1039 plus shipping price. What a revelation this piece is. Extraordinary detail and spot on resolution but, more than anything else, musicality. It never sounds colored in any way. It simply never sounds digital. At about 3-400 hrs in I notice very little if any change. This was stellar out of the box. Please let us know what the modded unit sounds like. I needent encourage you to specificity as we can always expect and get that from you. I gently remind all who have parsed specs that one of the most if not THE most respected reviewers in Stereophile, Kalman Rubinson, called it the best CD player he's yet heard with price not a consideration. My equipment: Vincent SV236MkII integrated, all signal cable cabling, Legacy Classic HDs and, of course, the Sony. Can't wait to hear about the Modwright mods.
Gregfey 07-20-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Nice system Gregfey! I'll be sure to post my review after a thorough listen with all genre of music.
Dave_b 07-29-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Tube designs have their followers, nostalgia and a belief by many that the tube sound is in some way better because it gives a warmer presentation; at the end of the day personal preferences will always apply, but for those of us who over many years followed technology and its advances feel that the many disadvantages of tube technology, no longer represents a level playing field against solid state. Here are some of the major reasons; To produce a first class tube amplifier capable of driving many of the modern multiway speakers, you are looking at an almost prohibitive cost of decent transformers, which include heavy chokes, expensive coupling capacitors and high voltage resistors, then this amplifier from the first day of switch on will be changing its characteristics as the tubes settle then age, so that in order to maintain its distortion levels a regular balance check will be required of the output devices. If you are a regular listener then of course tube replacement will become mandatory fairly regularly and then there is the heat issue. The distortion from tubes is mainly second harmonic which is less irritating to the listener but still suffers a level some fifty to one hundred times that of solid state, some tube designs do not even meet the IEC Hi-Fi standard for distortion at 0.25% or more, which will get worse as tubes age, some designs have now down away with feedback altogether, resulting in very low damping factors, again failing the IEC standard. Most tube designs are still largely the same as those early efforts from Mullard and Brimar so there is a limit to what can realistically be achieved in future design; By contrast solid state has hundreds of variations and technically are regarded as blameless, and for an equivalent cost to the tube would produce an amplifier of superb performance, distortion down to 0.002% damping factor up to 100+ compact size, powerful and trouble free, no competition whatever from tubes... Thats your choice!!!!
Disbeliever 08-30-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Who are you talking too disbeliever? This post is in regards to the Sony XA5400ES/Modwright CDP. Some of what you say is true, however, having an intelligently designed tube circuit utilized on the front end of a system can provide for a far more realistic and organic listening experience. I've sat 2 ft from an alto sax/piano/bass trio and I can tell you that an entirely SS system will not reproduce that melt you into your chair feeling. The sax was so sonorous and burnished that it simply made love to my ears....the Modwright XA5400ES get's me real close to that sound.
Dave_b 09-02-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Good for you
Disbeliever 09-05-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I go to live classical concerts and jazz clubs, and guess what tubes sound more like the real thing. Go listen to live music and be awakened.
Jwm 09-05-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I just put my new Shunyata Python CX pc out of the box on the Sony SCD-XA5400ES.
Although this cord costs me more than the player, it takes it to a entirely new level.
The cable is not at all broken in yet, the soundstage is now beyond and far behind the speakers.
Although the stock powercord gives a lot of detail, with the Python CX the performance improves dramatically, both in the heights, the midrange but especially in the bass-region. Far more details are easily apparent.
The openness and the increased neutrality of the music is astounding.
So I wonder if the modwright should give me the upgrade over the stock-player is in the same league as what the Python CX does over the stock powercord.
Thanks,
Sequence56
Sequence56 09-17-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
So I wonder if the modwright should give me the upgrade over the stock-player is in the same league as what the Python CX does over the stock powercord.
Thanks,
Sequence56
Sequence56 (Answers | This Thread)
I have owned a Modwright Sony 999ES player with tubed power supply. There is no question your Sony player will be improved by the Modwright mod, and that the improvement will be larger than what you hear with the addition of the power cord. That said, the Modwright players benefit greatly from good power cords...both on the player and on the power supply. So, take this into consideration when you're deciding about the Modwright mod. You will likely find yourself spending additional money on another power cord for the power supply.
Tvad 09-17-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Tvad, thanks again, that's exactly what I want to hear!
Sequence56
Sequence56 09-18-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Sequence56, you're welcome. Good luck.
Tvad 09-18-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Disbeliever--as Dan Wright of ModWright accurately states on his website, tubes are best for amplifying voltage and SS devices work best for amplifying current, hence why he uses both in his mods for this player.
Timo 09-29-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Absolutely Timo...Dan uses each technology to it's best application:O)
Dave_b 10-02-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Pitch Noise !!!!!
I was enjoying the 5400ES this afternoon at a moderate listening level and all of the sudden I jumped on my feet when I heard this loud Pitch noise coming from the speakers and music just stopped. I immediately thought it was a electric failure (blackout) and that the noise was caused by the alarm on my computer UPS, but it was not! Every component was on (powered) and the display on the 5400ES was showing "Please Wait" during that period of annoying Pitch noise sound. It only lasted 10 - 15 seconds and after the noise was gone the display showed "reading" and afterwards the CD tracks were displayed. I hit play on the remote and it started playing track 1, music OK. Three (3) hours has passed since the reported incident and everything still normal.
The player is almost 150 hrs and being in brake-in constantly 24-7.
Here is a link, check it out just to have an idea of the type of sound that came from the speakers.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BX7Ar3...
Have anyone else experienced this?
Tube_guy 11-24-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
No, I have not.
Dave_b 12-01-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Its impossible to find this player in the UK - I'm getting a great deal on the player in the US though. Do you think I could buy it in the US and then get it modded to 240V ? Is that an easy enough option ? thanks
Mohit25 12-12-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Contact Dan at Modwright..shouldn't be a problem:O)
Dave_b 12-12-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Thanks, Dave. I fear that USD 1995 for modifications may be a tad too much for me ! I was looking to spend a hundred bucks or so ! Any other suggestions, folks ?
Mohit25 12-12-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
These days, for a hundred bucks you might get some good used footers if your lucky. Other than that, maybe a second job.
Roxy54 12-12-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Thanks for the snide remark - I hope it made you feel better about yourself. Best regards
Mohit25 12-12-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I understand completely...I meant to imply that Dan could point you in the right direction:O) Get the player and convert it...enjoy it and then save up for the mod!! It's worth waiting for.
Dave_b 12-13-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Thanks, Dave. Thats a great idea !
Mohit25 12-13-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Mohit25. I have the 5400 with Modwright mods - absolutely fantastic. I asked if they could modify it to 240v (for Australia) but they said no. I had the tube power supply built to 240v and for now I am just using a 110-240v transformer. I am sure my local technician can change the Sony internal power to 240v but he would have to claw the unit out of my hands - I have not been able to take it out of my system to show him yet !
I agree with the comment - buy it now - it is a world class player. Then save up for the mods.
However it is easier to buy it and have it sent straight to Modwright and then they will send it to you. Some US sellers will not send out of the US. Postage back and forth will be a waste - the modded player is sensational - worth many times the total cost. Same freight - just do it !
Peteferg 12-16-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Thanks, Peter for taking the time to respond. It sounds like a fab piece that I may grow to love as much as my trusty Slimdevices Transporter ! Just one question - are you using a standard transformer or something elaborate like a powerplant or a richard gray device. Is it absolutely quiet ?
Mohit25 12-20-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I have an integrated, Simaudio i7 and speakers Dynaudio Focus 220 mk2.
I am planning to buy a cd player mostly for RB CDs. The budget I have is 5-6K. For these money I can go with either ARC CD5 or Esoteric X-05.
The question is how good the SCD XA-5400 is on RB CDs or if there is something better for 2-3K.
I am wondering if I can save on CD player so I can use the rest of the budget to upgrade my speakers to Focal JMLab 1028 BE or something equivalent.
Thanks for reply.
Mld1905 12-20-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Mohit25,
I just saw your response to my post. I was not attempting to make a snide remark at all, I was serious. As a member of this forum, you can't seriously believe that you could get a worthwhile modification for around $100.00. You can, however get some worthwhile improvement by experimenting with cones and footers for that price; although many spend a great deal of money even on that.
Roxy54 12-21-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Thank you for that clarification, Roxy. I was not looking for a $ 100 audio mod, just a voltage fix. I do appreciate your note though.
Mohit25 12-26-10
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Hello All!
First time posting here. I just bought my 5400 last night and it replaced my SCD-C5555es, which was my love for almost a decade. I decided that after a decade of service, it was time to move on to something, so I went out and got it's youger, and lither sibling, the 5400. My friend actually liked the sound of the 555 better. I told him it had 15 minutes on the clock, and that it needed some time. The 555 had 10 years on the clock! Anyhow, I have been burning it in for the last 24 hours, and I can say that this machine sounds more like music. The timbre is much better, but I do see how this macine will need some time to open up. The soundstage is congested, with little depth, but it is very wide. The unit has an upper midrange hump (to my ears) and is less bright than my 555. The 555 overall sounds like a great piece of hi fi gear, the 5400 sounds like the real thing. Still, there are some attributes that until the 5400 is broken in, the 555 is still preferred. We took the stock power cord and threw it across the room. I had no other cords layeing around, so I made a temp one with some rat shack 14 gauge mega cable fitted to iec connections and it sounds much better than that garbage that came with it. The cord indeed limits the player to such a degree, that I can understand someone who is not keen on wiring, would return it. The power cord is THAT bad. I am waiting on something a friend of mine is brewing up in the meantime. I am very happy with my purchase so far and once the sound blossoms, I think I will be very happy. For now, it has it's pros over the 555, as well as cons, but after break in, I have a feeling it will wipe the floor with my 555.
Audiolover718 01-14-11
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
The XA5400ES sounds best via HDMI into the Sony DA6400ES receiver with H.A.T.S. enabled for lowest jitter. Some with more money than commonsense are spending more than the cost of this player to fit it with antique tubes, & external power supply, there is one born every minute the XA5400ES does take a long time to burn in. I agree that the supplied power cord is a disgrace but a so-called audiophile cable is not necessary, just use the heaviest duty cable you can find that will fit the connector.
Disbeliever 02-01-11
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I have the modright modded cd player that you are knocking and I can tell you it sounds fabulous and worth every penny of the upgrade.
Jwm 02-01-11
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Good for you,
Disbeliever 02-02-11
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Hi Dave
Anticipating your impressions of the modwright mods since you sent it out last July. Could you update us on this? Have you received it?
Thanks.
Tubegroover 03-18-11
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I wrote a lengthy response Tubegroover, but it wasn't posted? Anyway, the Sony was great but I have downsized and moved on. I would say it competed in the best under $10K category...very organic, dynamic and textured.
Dave_b 03-20-11
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
After all that, you dumped it Dave? You can really turn on a dime.
Roxy54 03-20-11
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I moved out of my previous environment too much smaller quarters and cashed in the big rig to pay some bills:O(
Dave_b 03-21-11
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Thanks Dave for your clarification. I am really interested in this unit considering the general consensus but at the same time without the benefit of auditioning in my system I am ALWAYS wary, it often times does not pan out the way you might anticipate.
Tubegroover 03-21-11
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Hi,
Thanks you for all the informative discussion. XA5400ES is also not available in Singapore. Am thinking to buy from US. But this needs a stepdown transformer as Singaore's electricity is supplied at 230V 50Hz. Will there be impacts on the playback quality? Can anyone help to comment in this? I am planning to place order in this few days.
Sacdlee 05-18-11
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
FYI, I put together a very musicaly satisfying system with an NAD C565BEE front end using a Yoquin Tube Buffer. It may not quite equal the 5400 Modwright player, but it sure delivers the same gestalt. Total price ran around $1K.
Dave_b 06-04-11
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Hi Dave,
What PC's are you now using with each piece of your new setting?
Tube_guy 06-04-11
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I have an MIT Magnum AC2 on my NAD C375BEE, an Audioquest NRG3 wt EMF filters on the C565BEE, an MIT Magnum AC1 on my Totem Dreamcatcher sub and an old ARC Ref 3 preamp PC I had laying around for my Yaqin buffer. The more i listen the more enthralled I am. At this point I'm finding myself more connected with my music than I have been for a very long time. The Yaqin is absolutely flawless, dead quiet, dynamic as hell and clear as a bell with some of the best tone I have ever experienced! It's awesomely adddictive and a great alternative to the modwright upgrade.
Dave_b 06-04-11
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Dave,
Thanks for the description of your new setup.
What do you miss from the Sony with the Modwright upgrade?
Tube_guy 06-07-11
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
I'm not sure really, as my time with the NAD and the Yaoin tube buffer have only been with the new setup. All I can say is that I have never been more addicted to listening as I am now. So, in my current system, I would have to say that I do not miss the Sony at all...weird!
Dave_b 06-07-11
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES vs. Meridian G08
I'm very happy with the Meridian G08, but would like one CDP to play both Redbook and SACD discs. What would I give up, if anything, by trading the G08 for the Sony?
Thanks,
Jim
Jim_wojno 08-18-11
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
If you can afford the Meridian you can afford the Sony and have it modded by modright, only 3000.00.
Jwm 08-23-11
Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player
Perhaps one or two of you Sony XA5400ES users can help me. I've seen no review of the Sony that answers my concerns, and I can't find a unit to test. I now have an OPPO BDP95 that is a fine blu-ray and CD player but is frustrating to use, especially with SACDs. I also own a BDP83, which is a far easier unit to operate. Before I plunk down $1,500 for the Sony, I want to know it doesn't have the same issues.
I use HDMI exclusively connected to a Meridian HD621 interface.
1. When first selecting a track on the BDP95, the music starts a second or two into the track, and I have to re-start to hear the beginning of the music. Does the Sony do this?
2. When playing an SACD (not CD or DVD), if I change the TV input or switch to another input on the HD621, both the 83 and 95 go silent because the handshake was interrupted. Both regain the handshake and start playing again, but the 95 re-starts the track while the 83 picks up where it left off, behavior that OPPO says is normal in both cases. How does the Sony deal with this on SACDs?
3. I have to point the remote at the 95 virtually straight on, and I can't be more than 12 feet away. (With the 83, you only have to be somewhere in the room and pointing the remote in the 83's general direction.) How about the Sony? (OPPO has admitted this issue and corrected it on the 105, but that does me no good.)
4. To start with any other track than 1, the 95 requires that you leave the drawer open, select the track, and the press PLAY. (The 83 can't do random start at all.) How does the Sony do this?
Tbng 03-09-13
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