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Sony XA7ES is this still a top notch player?

Im looking for the best bang for the buck.
Correct me if Im wrong,but wasnt the design from the XA7EC incorporated into the Sony SCD-1's redbook mode?
If this is true,it would appear the XA7EC can still hold its own.
My budget is ~$700 used.
I am also considering the Marantz 8260 but I have mostly given up on SACD as the titles being released are very far form what I listen to.
I feel I should just settle on a very good 2 channel CD player and let the big companies continue to churn out multi-channel,multiformat units..this 'aint for me.
Thanks for any info.
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rock_fool
ed_sawyer
588 posts
 
XA7ES is a great player, no doubt. The SCD1 is better (I have both) but it's a lot more $ too. IMHO, forget all the silly tweaks above (incl. power cord), and if you want to adjust the sound, just get an outboard DAC. Something like the KandKaudio.com RAKK DAC would be my recommendation. Still, the internal DAC is very nice in XA7ES. Note the XA7ES has a true differential balanced output, none of the current sony players do that (incl. SCD-1 - it derives the balanced out from some chips at the end of the signal chain).

-Ed
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phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
CHeck out the new rotel 1072....
sean
6,231 posts
 
The upper model Sony units provide an excellent platform to build upon in terms of modifications. As mentioned though, these units are getting up in age and you may want to secure some of the basic parts should you choose to invest in such a unit. Sean
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rock_fool OP
3 posts
 
Thanks all.
You have a good point Elizabeth.I hadnt thought of the age issue.
With so many vintage amps,preamps,speakers and 10 years and older CD players still going strong is this something to be OVERLY concerned about??
I guess this issue could have a thread all its own concerning the life span of a digital player.
Anyone else have a different point of view?
Thanks Phase,I'll look into the Rotel.
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