Review: Sony SCD-XA5400ES CD Player

If you can afford the Meridian you can afford the Sony and have it modded by modright, only 3000.00.

Perhaps one or two of you Sony XA5400ES users can help me. I've seen no review of the Sony that answers my concerns, and I can't find a unit to test. I now have an OPPO BDP95 that is a fine blu-ray and CD player but is frustrating to use, especially with SACDs. I also own a BDP83, which is a far easier unit to operate. Before I plunk down $1,500 for the Sony, I want to know it doesn't have the same issues.

I use HDMI exclusively connected to a Meridian HD621 interface.

1. When first selecting a track on the BDP95, the music starts a second or two into the track, and I have to re-start to hear the beginning of the music. Does the Sony do this?

2. When playing an SACD (not CD or DVD), if I change the TV input or switch to another input on the HD621, both the 83 and 95 go silent because the handshake was interrupted. Both regain the handshake and start playing again, but the 95 re-starts the track while the 83 picks up where it left off, behavior that OPPO says is normal in both cases. How does the Sony deal with this on SACDs?

3. I have to point the remote at the 95 virtually straight on, and I can't be more than 12 feet away. (With the 83, you only have to be somewhere in the room and pointing the remote in the 83's general direction.) How about the Sony? (OPPO has admitted this issue and corrected it on the 105, but that does me no good.)

4. To start with any other track than 1, the 95 requires that you leave the drawer open, select the track, and the press PLAY. (The 83 can't do random start at all.) How does the Sony do this?

Anyone wish to update this thread?  Welcome! audiolover718.

Happy Listening!

Switched to a Krell Cipher and found my happy place!  

TY- dave_b

did you sell the Sony ES?  Happy Listening!