Benchmark DAC-1 on a Sony DVP S9000ES??

i did not like the sound of redbook cd playback on any sony player i auditioned a few years ago (9000es, scd1, and 777es). i thought they were built like a tank and the sacd playback was excellent. i have been using different external dac units with my 9000es ever since it was purchased. huge difference in redbook sound with an external dac.

I owned the Sony SCD-777ES player for a few years. My old Meridian 508.24 was slightly better at redbook play back. I also tried a bunch of DACs with the Sony, Electrocompaniet, Audio Logic, Benchmark, Musical Fidelity, Chord 64 and Birdland. For $1000 the Electrocompaniet was real nice. I thought the Audio Logic was better and the Chord 64 better then the stock tubed Audio Logic. Each of these DACs was an improvement over the stock Sony. You will also need a good digital cable like the AZ MC-2 or Audience for starters and then you'll have to move up from there. Another option is to have the Sony modified.

Happy Listening.

Bigkidz can you direct me to some info on the Chord 64. I've never heard of it? I googled it and didn't see anything about a DAC

Chord DAC Info

Chord Website

Don't forget the Audio Logic DAC as it is a tube unit so a few good NOS tubes could be the ticket.

Also I think tubed technologies uses the same 64 bit DAC as the chord but it also is a tubed unit.

I found the stock 9000ES to be a bit harsh on the highs. The DAC-1 would likely improve upon this. However, the stock 9000ES does not make a great Transport.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Manufacturer/modder