I bought the XA-777ES even tho I had no plans to go multichannel because I liked the following things about the unit. It plays CDRs and CD-RWs. Its loading time is MUCH faster than the other two. It's a front-loader rather than a top-loader. Its technology is later-generation than the others. The reviews said it was at least as good-sounding with both CDs (it uses six parallel DACs for CD playback) and SACD. It came with a 5-year warranty. And then, since I could, I tried a sort of interim/bastardized multichannel arrangement and got hooked. I think it's a great machine. Good luck, Dave
Which hi-end Sony SACD player to buy?
There are 3 that I have been looking at-the SCD-1, the 777-ES 2 channel and the XA-777ES. I know the XA is multi-channel, so this one may be out because I am dedicated to 2 channel. But for the life of me I cannot tell the differences between the 3 just by reading the availible audio reviews and I need to narrow this choice down soon. Also, who would you trust to do audio modifications on any of these models? Thanks in advance.