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Sony SCD-XA5400ES-Best SACD for under $10,000

This Sony player supplanted my Ayre C5-XE 3, which I still have, months ago. I paid $6000 for the Ayre after determining that it was the best-sounding unit for under $10,000. The Sony blows it away!!!
A unit costing $1500 besting all others under $10,000? That is exactly what it does!
For reference, I am using Audio Research electronics and Vandersteen speakers and subwoofers (about $30,000); a similar system has repeatedly been lauded as "best of show" at CES, so we are NOT talking second-rate stuff here.
This Sony is the only SACD/Cd player I have EVER heard that puts a classical piano live in my living room; nothing I ever had before even comes close.
This unit is a small miracle. I would have gladly paid $8000 for it, but if they want to give the thing away for $1500, who am I to argue?
This unit is going to send the engineers at Audio Research, Luxman, Esoteric, and Ayre back to the drawing board; their current units at 4 to 5 times the price are not even close. Some engineer at Sony is a freaking genius!!!
wa6itd
podeschi
303 posts
 
Dfk0

I am using the HT Magic Link 2 cable(s) between 5400es and preamp. I have both the xlr and rca versions connected to compare. The xlr sound better -- quiter and a little more open...obviously more gain as well. I think the Harmonic Technology cables are awesome.

I did a power cord comparison and ended up with the Audience e powercords. Keeps things dynamic and lively.
airfla
28 posts
 
My ModWright XA-5400ES replaced a ModWright 9100ES. The 5400 is, IMO, a significant upgrade - much wider soundstage, better resolution and clarity, more open highs without a trace of etch.

FWIW, I am using a pair of Audience e version Power Chords for both the ModWright 5400 player and the PS 9.0 power supply. Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II XLR connect SACD player and preamp while Harmonic Technology Magic 2 XLR join preamp and power amp. I am very happy with the above combination. I also opted for Dan's new umbilical.
podeschi
303 posts
 
A few months later and I am still amazed at how incredible the Modwright 5400 sounds. Especially on redbook CDs and xrcds. I can listen to this and enjoy it next to my vinyl rig that costs many multiples more. A liitle more tonal roundness in vinyl but not much. And modwright is sure easier and more dynamic with a quieter noise floor.
rfogel8's avatar
rfogel8
192 posts
 
Podeschi, I agree with you completely. I too own an analog rig "that costs many multiples more" but since my MW arrived several months ago, most of my time has been spent rediscovering cd's I haven't listened to in ages.

Seriously, the best digital I've heard!
podeschi
303 posts
 
Hey rfogel8 I see you own and appreciate the triplanar arm. I am just now in receipt of an atma sphere 208 (modded empire table) that comes with a triplanar vii uii arm. Glad to hear it is a dynamic lively arm!
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