Sony UPB-X1000ES as a two channel stereo SACD player

Not being able to tell the difference amongst a group of similarly priced CD players is not a problem, within the mid priced grouping they do sound fairly similar.  Just like with most components, to hear a substantial difference you need to move up several levels.  

How important is CD playback to you?  If not that much and if you must have SACD playback, this Yamaha 1060 could do the trick.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HY4W0OS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Not the best, certainly not the worst.  

Rich   

I’m not sure whether the Yamaha player would be noticeably better than Sony DVP-NS999ES on CD or SACD.
If Sony 5400ES (the flagship player a while ago) or Oppo 150 (something that everybody regards high) would not sound noticeably better than any of players that I mentioned, how high would I need to look at?
Thanks again.

I am currently listening to the Pioneer BDP-LX50, which arrived 2 days ago.  First impressions are very positive.

The Yamaha is most likely not better than the Sony DVP - NS999ES and that is because both players are DVD players at heart.  I never liked the Oppo and never got all the fuss (sorry).  The Sony 5400ES was around for a very small period of time and I never auditioned one as my Sony SCD555ES was going strong (could use with a new laser).  It is unfortunate that Sony had only one center that would service the original SACD players (Laredo) and that facility did not do a consistent job. 

I have been looking for the CD & SACD player that will be the last major CD player purchase of my lifetime (stuff you think about in your 60s).  I have been looking at the new Technics.  I can afford the $3K, I just need to be ok with it.  

https://www.technics.com/us/products/grand-class/network-super-audio-cd-player-sl-g700.html

I also ask why even continue to chase SACDs?  I only have a handful of non hybrid SACDs, so the best CD only player would make the most sense.  In my experience, the more expensive the player, the better the sound.    

Rich

ihcho
you have certainly owned a few good players. If you liked the Arcam FMJ, seek out, the FMJ CD36.
Back to SACD. This format is still relevant in 2019 moving into 2020.There are a few Sony ES players, as well as, Pioneer Elite DV-79AVi or the newer LX-500.  Keep me posted on your purchase decision.
Happy Listening!