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Help with decision on selling Sony SCD-1

I've owned the SCD-1 for a couple of years (purchased it used) and have been very happy with how it sounds. However, I don't own but around 20 SACDs, and it's hard to imagine buying many more. Thus, my primary concern is redbook sound.

On the other hand, I've been buying more and more vinyl of late and am thinking about upgrading my turntable rig (NAD-33 and Ortofon OM 20).

It strikes me that if I sold the SCD-1, I could buy a less expensive CD player and have a decent amount of cash left over to invest in my vinyl rig.

The question is whether or not I really can improve upon the redbook sound of the SCD-1 for considerably less money?

I have been told by some the that even the Oppo 971 sounds better than the SCD-1 on redbook, whereas others have said the SCD-1 can't be beat without spending considerably more money.

I'd be interested to hear from folks who have owned the SCD-1 and sold it for something less expensive, as well as others who may some knowledge on this issue. Thanks.
jonathan1257
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
You will not do better for the money. I hope there gets to be a glut on the market so I can buy another one cheap. I will also keep mine until the bitter end. My scd-1 is a fully modified unit and it is simply stunning in its presentation. It easily competes and betters players costing several thousands more than I paid for it including the mods.

Chuck
jonathan1257 OP
82 posts
 
Thanks for the replies so far, folks. I agree with Elizabeth that this sled motor issue seems to be much ado over nothing. I have read the "sky is falling" thread over at AA, but I've not gleaned that an epidemic of failing sled motors exists amongst SCD-1 owners.

My gut instinct has been to hold onto the unit, and I'm still feeling that way. Even so, I'm certainly open to hearing from former owners who were blown away by something considerably less expensive.

Thanks.
dgarretson
2,597 posts
 
The SCD-1/777ES moving platter transport is a different animal than other Sonys. Based on dialogue with several modders plus my own experience modding & maintaining the SCD-1: (1) The transport needs cleaning & lubrication every few years, lest excessive drag cause the sled motor to fail and spindle bearings to wear out prematurely; (2) most faulty sled motors can be restored to normal operation by spraying deoxit into the (removed) sled motor housing; (3) the lasers do occasionally fail; and (4) with modifications these players deliver both RBCD & SACD close to SOTA. In unmodified form this CDP is just an average RBCD performer by current high-end standards. After modification its RBCD performance surpasses the stock player's SACD by a large margin.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Speaking of sled drive motors does anyone know if Sony is working on a replacement? It would be nice to have a spare.

Chuck
jonathan1257 OP
82 posts
 
To Dgarretson:

First, thanks for the additional information regarding the sled motor. Second, you commented:

"In unmodified form this CDP is just an average RBCD performer by current high-end standards"

When you say "high-end standards" I'm curious to get some clarification or qualification. The opinions as to what is high-end are all over the map. Some have said their $39 Toshiba 3990 qualifies; yet others might say one has to spend thousands of dollars to achieve this.

Do you believe that I can spend $1000 (or less) to equal or improve upon the RBCD performance of the Sony SCD-1? Would you be willing to share suggestions in this regard?

Thanks for the interesting discussion.
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