Sony CDP-XA7ES vs CEC TL-1 transport

Alex,
I n terms of musical sound quality, involvement and natural presentation I'd  rank in this order. Based on my listening encounters with them.
1. PS Audio PWT this is a superb sounding  transport, and if  bought used it is a terrific value.
2 CEC TL-1  very good sound but my friend's unit had the same CD reading issue as you mentioned.
3 Esoteric well built and universally praised for detailed sound character.
In my opinion less musically/emotionally engaging. More hifi sound character.
Charles,

I recently heard the ps audio transport and then we replaced it with an old Cec 5100 transport.  The Cec was much more musical and natural sounding. The ps audio sounded one dimensional by comparison so make sure your try something in your system first.  Happy listening.

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.