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Sony SACD Owners: Anyone Use a DAC for Redbook?

I recently purchased an XA-777ES, and although the redbook play is "nice", I feel the unit would be unbelievable with a decent DAC added. I got a bit spoiled with my old Cary 306. The Sony performs well, but the Cary was added "sweet air" to many recordings.
My dealer told me that the addition of a DAC to the Sony SCD-1 and 777 models was a fairly common practice.
I'd be very curious to hear opinions of those DAC-ing the Sonys.

Thanks,
CB
cbucki

Showing 1 response by gofaststang

gofaststang
32 posts
 
I have a Sony 9000ES and a Theta Gen Va DAC. Red book from the Theta, using the Sony as a transport, is definetly better than analog directly from the Sony. I've thought about selling the Theta and upgrading the Sony, but am not sure the end product will beat the current combination.

Although the Sony 9000ES is not as good as the more expensive units, it does play DVD's. I consider this an advantage because I can listen to 94/24 tracks on DAD and DVD-Videos. Even DVD-Audio discs seem to have 96/24 DVD-Video tracks. I don't think any of this will play on the 777 or SCD-1.

Happy Listening.
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