I listened to a friend's system while travelling, and could not believe how terrific his CD player was. I think it was a Resolution Audio. He really knew his stuff on room setup, also. My own Sony ES 777 definitely did not measure up when playing the CD's that I had with me then, but I still like being able to play SACD's at home. I'm not sure I like the fact that everyone is embracing another Sony owned format, though.