Looking for SACD player............

I like the Sony SA-5400 ES SACD player a bit better than my Marantz SA-8001.  It seems to have a bit better detailed resolution and clarity.  The Marantz has a more rich, tube-like sound at the expense of a bit of detail and clarity.  

The reviews of the SA-5400 were outstanding - Google them.  You would be very pleased with the improvement in sound - unless, you like / prefer the warm sound of the Marantz equipment.  

If it were me... I'd get a NOS / lightly used Sony SA-5400 ES and an extra laser sled / laser assembly for it - off eBay / Amazon.   I would not get it without the backup laser sled / laser assembly - which is the most likely part to need replacement after a bit of use.  Sony does not support their products after about 7 years - so, be fore-warned.  

Well... I would send my Sony to Modwright... only if... I intended to have him modify my Sony - which is well worthwhile.

I would not send it to him only to replace the laser sled unit.  You can buy one for about $50 on Amazon / eBay.  I bought 2 NOS units from a supplier in Greece - so, I would have plenty of back-ups.  The Sony player is that good.  

As I recall the units on Amazon are cheap clones made in China... and... there is poor customer support (from reading the reviews).  

Sony no longer provides service for that unit in Laredo, TX - that's their "game" to motivate fans to buy new equipment, much as many mfrs do.  

Do some searches on Amazon, eBay, Google to find some replacement units.  

Also - regarding the failure of the laser unit of the Sony - search on YouTube for repairs and maintenance of the laser sled.  It may just need to be cleaned and lubed (with some electrical lube).  Otherwise, try and find a NOS unit on eBay or Amazon, or whatever.  They are simple to repair, maintain, replace.

I would be interested in what "repairs and mods" you ultimately decide upon and why. Because, I may do the same.

Though, I agree, I'm not sure I would want to do anything to diminish the detail resolution, and clarity of the Sony... if... the tube mod does that.  That's the reason I prefer the Sony to the Marantz - so, I wouldn't want a mod to make it sound more like a Marantz (though the Marantz does sound good).  

RE: the Oppo 105... the reviews are superb, and everyone who comments about it seems very pleased. And it would be tempting - the ESS Sabre DAC is one of the best, if not the best.

But... the sound of the Sony is just... so incredible... so... if you have it... and you can keep it operating properly... you’d have a difficult time giving up on it. The known vs the unknown... I guess.

And... the Modwright mod is costly for such an old player. And... I’m not sure I want the Sony to sound more... "analog" - if that means it could lose any of the clarity and detail resolution of the stock unit. I’d want to be sure that will not happen before I spring for an expensive mod.