Sony SACD Player SCD-XA5400ES; YAY or NAY?

I really like how analog the Schiit Gungnir Multibit A2 dac sounds using a Sony DVP-NS999ES as a cd transport.

Sound quality is DIRECTLY comparable to a Thorens TD125 MkII with Shure V15 IV/Jico HE; a Sony PS-X75 with various Audio Technica beryllium styli/carts; a Sony TCK-777 cassette deck, and streaming using HD and Ultra HD files from Amazon Unlimited thru an HP audio-centric I7 laptop over Google Fiber. Every one of these is great on there own and can sound as good or better than any of the others in my system depending on the recorded quality of the media / production ect.

I did quite a bit of research on the XA5400ES, XA9000Es, and some of the older ES players as cd transports, and decided to try the DVP999ES/Gungnir combo for the same price as a used XA5400ES. The Schiit dac takes the already excellent Sony DVP to another level. I hear their Yggdrasil dac is a solid upgrade over this one and competes with 5-10k dacs for just 1000 dollars more than the Gungnir (which I have no desire to change right now).

 I’ve never heard an XA5400ES before, but I can wholeheartedly recommend trying a Schiit Gungnir or Yggdrasil dac when (if) the upgrade bug bites you.

will3

live anywhere near 07062. I've become friends with some nearby members, we might make a small listening group if gatherings are ever comfortable, now it's 2 at a time mostly here.

I think the upgrade bug has been caged. I'm living vicariously thru  research and helping friends with their upgrades, and I'm selling again. SME 3009 II just sold, Fisher 500c brass knobs polished, last step prior to sale. 

My friend brought his beloved DAC, we tried using the xa5400es for transport into his DAC, the Sony clearly beat it, that DAC went home with it's tail between it's legs. He's researching another DAC now.

Oh, I did just buy something didn't I. A NOS AT14sa cartridge body from here, and a NOS shibata stylus for it from there. 

I'm all the way in Mo.so I couldn'nt make the meetings too easily!

One thing I noticed with my 999Es is the improvement in sound I hear. I wonder if it was ever used much as a CD player or even much at all and if it was ever properly burned in. I've put over 100 hours of CD play thru it to date and am sure I hear improvement thru the DAC.

mountainsong

Are you still enjoying Luxman and Sony ES players?

Happy Listening!

Or you could consider an SACD/CD player with streaming capability such as the Marantz SACD 30N so you can have your cake and eat it too!