Sony SACD Monsters: Already Obsolete?


I am wondering if their massive SACD-1 and 333 players will be discontinued or reduced now that you can buy the well reviewed DVD/SACD combo for only $1500. Does anyone have any experience with either of these machines? I am willing to pay a bit of a premium for build quality, durability etc but could they really sound that much better? Are there any bargains out there yet?
cwlondon

Showing 1 response by tommart

The SCD-1 and 777 were expensive players to build and have outstanding sonics. I bet Sony lost money on each sold.

I suspect the second generation will be like when Sony came out with the DVP-7700 to replace the DVP-7000 DVD player. The 7700 added a couple significant features (like DTS output), but the 7700 was obvioulsly cheaper to build and many concluded was not as good sounding. I hope Sony won't repeat this. BTW, Sony's third generation flagship DVD player, the S9000ES, kills the 7000 and has more features that the 7700. I do not know if it's cheaper to build than the 7000, but has a higher list price.

The second SACD generation will be cheaper to build, cheaper to buy, multichannel, and include bass management. I lood forward to the second generation. I just hope the C555ES scheduled out in April is as good as the 555ES that already has been released in Europe. It's getting rave reviews. I hope the 777 replacement scheduled to be out this summer, equals or surpasses the sonics of the current 777.

The SCD-1 has not officially be discontinued and they're still available for purchase. Several mail order firms sell them under $3K. I've not heard about a SCD-1 replacement.