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Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player

Category: Digital

I love natural recordings that capture the full acoustic envelope of the performances. The Shostakovich Sonatas performed by Ax and YYMa comes to mind...the Sony portrays the entire event in such an unforced and natural manner that it triggers ones acoustic memory into believing it is real. A player that offers no tone color or openness would be my worst nightmare. I replaced my BAT VK D5 24 bit CDP and was amazed at how much resolution and color was lost on the older design. The Sony re-creates the space, music and acoustic tones with overtones so completely that you start to smile and realize that you have been given a great gift...a peak into the performance as it occured at the recording session. My opinion of the Sony applies as much for the redbook section as it does for the SACD section. This player will become a classic product for digital playback....much better it does not get! It's a keeper at any price,,,for $1500 USD it is a freakin steal. This is Sony's best effort to date and manages to break new ground in the digital domain:)

Associated gear
Wilson Sophia speakers
Krell 400xi amp
Harmonic Tech Cables
MIT Oracle AC 2 power cord

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128x128dave_b
peteferg
11 posts
 
Mohit25. I have the 5400 with Modwright mods - absolutely fantastic. I asked if they could modify it to 240v (for Australia) but they said no. I had the tube power supply built to 240v and for now I am just using a 110-240v transformer. I am sure my local technician can change the Sony internal power to 240v but he would have to claw the unit out of my hands - I have not been able to take it out of my system to show him yet !
I agree with the comment - buy it now - it is a world class player. Then save up for the mods.
However it is easier to buy it and have it sent straight to Modwright and then they will send it to you. Some US sellers will not send out of the US. Postage back and forth will be a waste - the modded player is sensational - worth many times the total cost. Same freight - just do it !
mohit25
14 posts
 
Thanks, Peter for taking the time to respond. It sounds like a fab piece that I may grow to love as much as my trusty Slimdevices Transporter ! Just one question - are you using a standard transformer or something elaborate like a powerplant or a richard gray device. Is it absolutely quiet ?
mld1905
2 posts
 
I have an integrated, Simaudio i7 and speakers Dynaudio Focus 220 mk2.
I am planning to buy a cd player mostly for RB CDs. The budget I have is 5-6K. For these money I can go with either ARC CD5 or Esoteric X-05.
The question is how good the SCD XA-5400 is on RB CDs or if there is something better for 2-3K.
I am wondering if I can save on CD player so I can use the rest of the budget to upgrade my speakers to Focal JMLab 1028 BE or something equivalent.
Thanks for reply.

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,942 posts
 
Mohit25,
I just saw your response to my post. I was not attempting to make a snide remark at all, I was serious. As a member of this forum, you can't seriously believe that you could get a worthwhile modification for around $100.00. You can, however get some worthwhile improvement by experimenting with cones and footers for that price; although many spend a great deal of money even on that.
mohit25
14 posts
 
Thank you for that clarification, Roxy. I was not looking for a $ 100 audio mod, just a voltage fix. I do appreciate your note though.
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