I have the xa7es and I'm pretty happy with it. I think my friends levinson 36 is better, but not by much. One thing I really like about the xa7 is that it has balanced, fixed rca AND variable rca. When used in a preampless system, you are seeing enormous value for money. It also drives a passive preamp nicely (no big surprise). Another nice feature is the high quality headphone output. I love the ergonomics with the way-fast one-touch track selection, audible in-track fast-forward & reverse, & build quality from hell. Some day I will probably buy a 777 or an SCD-1. I might still hang onto this player though. It's just so useful.....
Sony ES CD Player Cult--which sound best
There seems to be a cult for the big Sony machines, especially the 77ES, 777ES, 779ES, X707ES, & XA7. The SACD models start after these. Some say the 77 & 779, for example, sound better than the XA7. Others say that's absolute nonsense. Since the X707 is an improved 779, I would think it would be the best for those who think the older ones were better. The XA7 & the SACD players that follow it have the stationery laser mechanism. Is it problematic? It sounds kind of weird to me & I wonder if it will prove to be problem prone or wear out early. Sony Groupies, answer & be counted!!!