I'd go for modding the CDP (though I'd carefully check out the various options, as modding SACD players is a growth industry in itself). This would improve both Redbook and SACD performance. The money you spend on a decent outboard DAC would exceed what the CDP cost, plus it wouldn't help with SACDs.
The other option is of course to sell the 555ES and buy a better quality player, whether one from Sony (SCD-777ES, SCD-XA777ES, DVD-S9000ES, etc.) or from another manufacturer (Philips, Denon, etc.). I recently bought an almost new Denon DVD-2900 and am quite pleased with the performance for the money, plus extensive mods are available (new opamps, Black Gate caps, Riken resistors, etc.). FYI, my references are my other two disc players: SCD-777ES with Allen Wright analogue output stage and stock DVP-S9000ES.
You might also want to check out a turntable to play LPs from the 60s and 70s. :-)
Happy listening!
Cheers,
Joel.
The other option is of course to sell the 555ES and buy a better quality player, whether one from Sony (SCD-777ES, SCD-XA777ES, DVD-S9000ES, etc.) or from another manufacturer (Philips, Denon, etc.). I recently bought an almost new Denon DVD-2900 and am quite pleased with the performance for the money, plus extensive mods are available (new opamps, Black Gate caps, Riken resistors, etc.). FYI, my references are my other two disc players: SCD-777ES with Allen Wright analogue output stage and stock DVP-S9000ES.
You might also want to check out a turntable to play LPs from the 60s and 70s. :-)
Happy listening!
Cheers,
Joel.