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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
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
what makes the sony such a great player ?

frequency responses, timbre, depth, clarity, does it have tube like characteristics ? i understand the redbook section is no big deal.

i am auditioning and will review the oppo 83 se. perhaps that will give the sony a run for its money--certainly on redbook.
fishing716
316 posts
 
The sampling frequency is the same as SACD's
Sony Engineers are Guru's
I have yet to put on a cd & not finish it straight through.
The sound is heavenly
mcroth
79 posts
 
I'm with Fishing716. This player draws you in and does not let go until the cd is over. Thank you Sony for keeping some cash it my wallet.
winoguy17
1,083 posts
 
Mrtennis: if you " understand the redbook section is no big deal" I think you've been mis-led. As previous posters noted, it does "draw you in". I find myself listening to entire discs from start to finish rather than constantly jumping up to switch discs. To me, that means something.
clayx
9 posts
 
I bought one and think it is OK. A good deal for the price. I like my ARC CD-2 better, but it died. My main gripe is that when using the sony remote, it turns down the volume and/or mutes my Audio Research premap. Annoying!!!
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