Rega Saturn or Sony XA5400: Sound or features?


The original Rega Saturn is discontinued, but continues to get positive customer reviews on this site and others. It came to market in 2006. I am curious what might be the better value, Sony's XA5400ES or the Rega Saturn. The Sony has more features including the ability to play HDCD, SACD's. I am more interested in the best sound. For the record, the Sony 5400 represents later technology than the Rega

I am downsizing my system to two components besides the speakers: an integrated amp and CD player. So I want to get the best sound possible without spending $3000 for a new or even used player.
sunnyjim
Dear SJ - what you seem to forget is that when you choose to post to a public forum, you open yourself up to criticism by other members. I once posted a thread asking about the Land Rover and got flamed to death, despite the fact that one of the largest threads on this forum concerned automobiles. It's just something you have to live with when you choose to go public. That aside, I said nothing negative to you in this thread. In fact, I even apologized. I merely directed your attention to a previous thread for the purpose of helping you make a purchase decision. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like, but be aware that others will also feel free to post what they like. Peace.
Hey Jim...

I definitely was not implying you were crazy with my Prozac remark. I was actually joking and referring to fact that this hobby can drive a person crazy--it certainly has driven me nuts at times.

Sorry if you missed the humor or if I hit a sore spot. In any case, as I said, good luck with your endeavors.
Just for the record, Chayro and Jonathan, you didn't say, or do anything wrong. Sunnyjim, you really need to lighten up a bit. Nobody's poking at you. I've spoken to you about this too. (dealer disclaimer) I was honest and truthful. I didn't try to "sell" you on the Sony. As I recall, I told you it was a good player, and people really like them, not my favorite though. I also said something along the lines of "everybody's different, and only you could be the judge" its unfortunate shipping to you comes into play for buying and reselling, it does, and that's a fact. In the end, no amount of praise, or endorsements by us will answer your questions. The Sony is a good player, it may, or may not be the right one for you. I think a better post would be to try to find someone near you that has one you could listen to. It won't tell you how it sounds in your room, or with your gear, but its a start. Maybe you meet a like minded person and become friends. Maybe even a home demo and some fun after that. Just a thought. Please don't blast me, I really am trying to be helpful.
No serious offense taken by Chayro or Jon's comments

However, I think I will go into hibernation for awhile because I can't find what I want in a CD player or can't afford what I want.

Nevertheless, I have to downsize the system anyway because I will be moving back to the mainland in August. Los Angeles does have plenty of audio stores to visit and audition products, if I decide to configure a smaller system
I had a 5400 and sold it this year. Cant program tracks and wasn't much better at all than my 10 year old player