As a one box solution I liked it enough to keep it for almost 3 years... and one sled change out... $300.
I found it to be quicker and more dynamically true than it's older sibling, the SCD 777es... in fact i should have done the transport swap out sooner.
If I hadn't gone the PC as source route, I'd defiitely have done a clock and power sup upgrade, along with the analog out mod... and I did think about it. A lot.
As I said, a power cord, conditioner, and really good ICs & footers completely change the presentation, though not as much it's voice. it reamins strong, quick, and impactful. Revealing, but well mannered... eg., 3 DACs, when in stereo red Book.
Adding a very good DAc will further deliniate the sound stage to a more intuitive one. Noticeably.
true enough, with a newish 'drive/sled' it's a keeper. When that begins to go the Stage will morph, and slide a bit to one side or ther other, now and then.... and close to the end it will not read store bought dics occasionally, and skip on others... sometimes it'll be quite slow to load &/or change tracks. (FYI)
Otherwise I'd say you need to spend about double or more on the used mkt to marginally improve upon it.
Enjoy.