Sony S7700, S7000, or ??? best low cost transport?

A dissenting opinion:
For the used prices the 7000 & 7700 are going for they're hard to beat as transports.

Sure, an expensive transport like a CEC or SCD-1 will better it, but when modded (total<$1K) the cheaper Sonys will generally provide more detail in a musically satisfying way than the most of the cheaper CD players and transports, IMHO.

My 7000 is stock and my 7700 is Modwright modified w/ bybees. I've used several other <$2,000 transports over the years, and still run a Micromega in one system (which is smoother, but more opaque, and which, BTW, replaced a Delta).

None of them, however, were overall better than the modded 7700.

I agree that the Thetas and EADs provide good competition though.

Reubent - you just didn't select the right modder. The Sonys make superb transports: 7000, 7700 and 9000es. I prefer the simplicity, low power usage and size of the 7700. Mods focused on the digital output electronics by an experienced digital design engineer make a world of difference. See these posts:

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/viewtopic.php?t=1998
http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/viewtopic.php?t=3602

Can the S7700 play CDRs?

Audioengr,

My 7700 was mod'd by one of the mod'rs mentioned in your post. It did not have bybees as far as I know. I bought it used, verified the mods with the original mod'r, but I did not pop the top on the unit to look around. Also, that was more than 2-3 years ago. Maybe mods have improved since then.

I'm sure there are good DVD based units out there, I just haven't heard one yet!

I have since moved to a Quad 99 CDP and use it CD direct using its excellent built-in volume control. This unit sounds very good, has volume control and has inputs to allow use of its internal 24/192khz DAC with other digital sources like DVD players. For $1499 new (I bought mine used), I think it is an excellent value based on its redbook performance and its versitility. And, it's small and doesn't take up much shelf space.

Enjoy,

TIC