Sony CDP-XA7ES vs CEC TL-1 transport

Good advice from Bigkidz to try before you buy if possible as different ears and systems yield varying results.  The PS Audio PWT was better in overall musicality than the CECT TL-1 directly compared in a friend's system.  Different people will hear different things,  no surprise. The PWT is organic and very 3 dimensional in my system as well as my above mentioned friend. 
Charles, 

Sony CDP-XA7ES. This one brings fond memories. I used to own one about 13 to 14 years ago and you are considering one now.

It is surely a wonderful unit but due to age, I would be wary. The thing is built like a brick and the sliding drawer is solid and slick in its operation. The main concern with very old CD players is reliability. I would pick a top-loader instead of a sliding one if you are going for used units more than 10 years old.

Thank you all for the replies! I've ordered a new laser for my TL-1. Will try to replace it first.

Need to say that with the new laser my CEC has no problems with discs now! Cheap and very easy to replace) Interesting that the new laser mechanism has a metal body while the old one is made of plastic...

Btw what grease should I use for laser's rails and for plastic gears?

That is good news Alex and I hope you have many happy years with your CECT transport. 
Charles,