2. member-reviews
  3. 1234500400

Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player

Category: Digital

I love natural recordings that capture the full acoustic envelope of the performances. The Shostakovich Sonatas performed by Ax and YYMa comes to mind...the Sony portrays the entire event in such an unforced and natural manner that it triggers ones acoustic memory into believing it is real. A player that offers no tone color or openness would be my worst nightmare. I replaced my BAT VK D5 24 bit CDP and was amazed at how much resolution and color was lost on the older design. The Sony re-creates the space, music and acoustic tones with overtones so completely that you start to smile and realize that you have been given a great gift...a peak into the performance as it occured at the recording session. My opinion of the Sony applies as much for the redbook section as it does for the SACD section. This player will become a classic product for digital playback....much better it does not get! It's a keeper at any price,,,for $1500 USD it is a freakin steal. This is Sony's best effort to date and manages to break new ground in the digital domain:)

Associated gear
Wilson Sophia speakers
Krell 400xi amp
Harmonic Tech Cables
MIT Oracle AC 2 power cord

Similar products
Sony SCD-1
Sony SCD-XA9000ES
Sony SCD-XA777ES
Levinson 39, 390S, 360S
Wadia 851
Krell SACD Standard
MF A5
BAT VK D524bit
ARC CD 3
128x128dave_b
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
Hi Dave

Anticipating your impressions of the modwright mods since you sent it out last July. Could you update us on this? Have you received it?

Thanks.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b OP
3,159 posts
 
I wrote a lengthy response Tubegroover, but it wasn't posted? Anyway, the Sony was great but I have downsized and moved on. I would say it competed in the best under $10K category...very organic, dynamic and textured.
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,056 posts
 
After all that, you dumped it Dave? You can really turn on a dime.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b OP
3,159 posts
 
I moved out of my previous environment too much smaller quarters and cashed in the big rig to pay some bills:O(
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
Thanks Dave for your clarification. I am really interested in this unit considering the general consensus but at the same time without the benefit of auditioning in my system I am ALWAYS wary, it often times does not pan out the way you might anticipate.
More to discover