Sony SCD-XA5400ES-Best SACD for under $10,000


This Sony player supplanted my Ayre C5-XE 3, which I still have, months ago. I paid $6000 for the Ayre after determining that it was the best-sounding unit for under $10,000. The Sony blows it away!!!
A unit costing $1500 besting all others under $10,000? That is exactly what it does!
For reference, I am using Audio Research electronics and Vandersteen speakers and subwoofers (about $30,000); a similar system has repeatedly been lauded as "best of show" at CES, so we are NOT talking second-rate stuff here.
This Sony is the only SACD/Cd player I have EVER heard that puts a classical piano live in my living room; nothing I ever had before even comes close.
This unit is a small miracle. I would have gladly paid $8000 for it, but if they want to give the thing away for $1500, who am I to argue?
This unit is going to send the engineers at Audio Research, Luxman, Esoteric, and Ayre back to the drawing board; their current units at 4 to 5 times the price are not even close. Some engineer at Sony is a freaking genius!!!
wa6itd

Showing 5 responses by metralla

03-13-10: Bjpd57a1 writes:
The new Taiwan made 5400ES as a SACD player is only slightly better IMHO
I hope your ears are better than your eyes. Mine says "Made in Malaysia" on the back.

Our views on the performance of this unit clearly differ.

Regards,
I would certainly consider the VSE mods to your 5400 with the Terra Firma Lite clock. I heard this in Allen Wright's system in Schaffhausen and he uses Acoustats so any glare in the delivery system would be exposed. You need precision in the treble region with the Tablettes. No valves in the VSE board.

Are those amps balanced or single-ended?

Regards,
I understand completely. I'm still working so there is still a little cash coming in.

Anyway, it can't hurt to talk to Bill. Best of luck to you.

Regards,