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XA5400ES owners - what are you using now?

I am one of many who bought Sony's best 10 years ago, in no small part due to the huge thread here about this player. Well I am ready for a newer player now and I would like something with external DAC inputs. I am considering Yamaha CDS2100\3000, McIntosh MCD500\550, Marantz SA10 and a few Esoteric units. I want to stay with a mainstream brand for service and parts issues down the road. 

I'd love to hear what you are using now and how it compares to the 5400.
anotherjblnut
mahler123
4,004 posts
 
I am very happy with my Bryston DAC3, which allows me to listen to the DSD layer of my SACDS, and I use the Opp 105 and the Sony as a transport for both.
I don’t know if anyone has recommended the Marantz KI SACD player but it’s in your range of budget and I believe has digital inputs.  I am not a fan of the Marantz house sound, but ymmv.  I really think however that you would best spend the money on a quality DAC or combination DAC-Transport.
jafant's avatar
jafant
21,601 posts
 
Sweet players as above Guys. Keep 'em spinning!
Happy Listening!
goose
783 posts
 
I have had the Modwright Sony 5400 and now have the Modwright Marantz 8005.  It was an upgrade from the Sony in the areas of sound stage, instrument articulation and bass response.  I have heard good things about the Marantz SA-10 but have never heard it, but it seems that Marantz is still dedicated to the CD/Sacd format.
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
Still using the 5400.

Can not be beat for the $$$ still today.

I own three, and have a spare laser assembly.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,717 posts
 
The 2 McIntosh you mentioned are discontinued items, the MCD600 is their latest.  I never felt the XA5400ES was Sony's best player but it was their latest.  I went from the Sony SCD777ES to an Esoteric UX-3.  It will be my last SACD player (I hope).
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