Are New Sony SCD XA5400es Players Still Available?

I am selling a 5400ES. I bought two, and I am having one modified (VSE). I have decided to keep another player, that also does Blue Ray, so I am selling one. The Manager of The Sony store told me it was out of production. About six weeks ago he was able to locate only three players in inventory in the US. It is possible that dealers and distributers have stockpiled these players, as they are highly rated, and we will be seeing them for sale for some time. Anyone who has a collection of SACD's will want to be certain that they have a good player for future use.

Very interesting as a always found the Esoteric CD sound to be very thin, digital sounding and not my cup of tea.

it looks like there is a difference of opinion regarding the relative performance of the sony and esoteric players. this is another example of the adage: "spend more and you may not get more". you don't always get sonic improvements by spending more money.

You can get the Esoteric DV-50 on Audiogon around $1500, use. That is how much I paid for my on Audiogon.

"You don't always get sonic improvements by spending more money". I agree with Mrtennis in this statement. Each company price their products differently whatever the reason is, may be their brand is more popular or well known..etc. Company A is aproximately 5-10K different does not mean it will sound better than Company B. For instant the Sonus Faber Stradivari speakers sound less details than Revel Salon 2. The love of music and the quest for that perfect sound never end. It's an expensive hobby.
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