SACD certainly bests CD for me.

Timhu,

Google Sony to get their email address for service, then send them an email. They will send you an authorization via email along with shipping details.

My 9000ES has functioned flawlessly since being reurned from Sony. I've read warnings about not Sony not retuning original cartons, so I'd avoid sending it in that, but I have no actual experience, given that I had a parcel service pack the unit.

db

Nodaker, Your on the path I want-a CD player that sounds as good as or better than a good SACD played on the NS 9100ES-very adaquate sound. Mind saying what CD player you updated to. After listening to CD through the NS9100ES I notice it's quite veiled through my Spectral/MIT system; such that an HDCD, "Reference Recordings 30th Anniversary Album", played through my modest Toshiba SD 9200 simply "blows it away" musically with clarity, dynamics and timbre that are leagues beyond the newer Sony. I'm surprised that the Sony is so inferior since the Toshiba is 6 years older-but, knowing Sony somewhat, is it possible they just don't put their best effort into 'plain old CD'.

Timrhu, here's the link:

http://eservice.sony.com/webrma/web/index.do?ref=http%253A//www.sony.com/index.php

Dbphd is right -- Sony does not return the original carton, so, if you want to keep yours, send it in a generic box. Unfortunately, I lost mine to Sony. BUT - the player is working fine. It wasn't reading the SACD layer when I sent it in.

Ncarv, that's very interesting about the artists wanting more money for a dual layer disc. I think they shd have been happy to get paid for each disc sold, regardless the format(s).

Jim swanko. I find the Esoteric a bit much for my CD player budget-not saying that its not worth every penny;I think we in the high end listening corp are lucky to have such huge reputable,reliable companies creating masterpieces for our enjoyment. It moves all reproduction forward with business competition. However, I'd like to spend $1500 or less for(fleeting?) CD playback.