Sony xa777 player question

You set a default and it will use that format, if available. The options are CD, SACD stereo, SACD multichannel.

It has analog outputs. ;-)

I listen to classical music, too.

Kal

Kal is correct. Mine works just like that, even though it's been heavily modified by Ric Schultz of EVS. Actually that's why it sounds very analogue indeed on both media.

I don't listen to as much classical music as you. ;-)

Regards,

"I heard this player doesn't detect sacd or cd players automatically, you have to select it?"

Yeah, you have to tell "it" what it is.

"Also, does this have an analogue sound on redbook cds?"

Neither, SACD or CD

"How does this compare to say a dvd player transport and $1000 dac? I listen to classical music?"

Benchmark DAC with decent transport will do.

Regards,
Alex