SACD player for CD

Get the Sony SCD-777ES and then go for a mod. It will improve both the SACD and redbook CD play back and compete with higher priced CDPs for less.

How does the SCD-1 compare with the Sony XA777es?..I've
borrowed the XA777es and listened to it for about 2 weeks
and I wasn't impressed with the way Redbook CD sound.

I haven't ever heard the XA777ES, but I can third the SCD-1. I think most would agree it is in the upper echelon and competes well with other top redbook players.

I used a SCD 1 for several months and sold it. Compared to my Meridian 508-24, it just wasn't as good-period. SACD sounded ok but I was not going to rush out with a new format. It messed with female voices a little and just didn't sound as liquid (a slight edge existed). I have gone back to the Meridian and want be parting with it anytime soon.
I compared the SCD 1 with the 777ES before I bought the thing. I honestly felt the SCD 1 was a little better. Most people consider them equals other than the balanced outputs that the 777 doesn't have. Also, there is some difference between the 777 2 channel and the 777 multi - channel. I felt a slight degradation exists with the multi channel. I'm sure there will be some conflicting opinions as usual but it's not for me!

Give the Marantz SA-14 a listen. You can get a new one for around $2,000 and used about $1,200 to 1,500. I have not listened to any SACDs but assume your real quest is for a good redbook CD player that has SACD capability.