Sony SCD-XA5400ES-Best SACD for under $10,000

I just use a heavy duty generic power cord and it sounds very good.I tried some very expensive power cords and I personally could not hear any difference with my Bryston gear or this( not saying there isn't a difference but rather I simply am not able to hear it).I guess I am lucky as it saves me a whole lot of money.

My main player is an EMM CDSD-SE/DCC2-SE. I got the 5400 for a 2nd system. All of my impressions are from mostly Redbook listening with Harbeth SHL5s and a variety of high-end modern headphones. (I find the Sony really benefits from good ICs: my Stealth Indras[RCA] were much better, especially in the bass quality and integration, than Cardas Golden Cross.) Yes, the EMM pair has wonderful control, palpability, and solid bass and sweet highs. But the Sony, which has a different presentation, gives it a run for the money. It has a delicacy that is stunning, and also preserves each musical element's character. Vocals are rounded and airy and do not shout. In fact there is no dreaded digital shout. Everything takes its place in an overall stable fabric that is non-fatiguing. There is nice combination of velvety smoothness along with just the right amount of texture and bite. The bass is not as well defined as the EMM, but it is a pleasant bass that is soothing and has good impact, but not an impact that sounds boom-boxy.
I would say the Sony walks the line to avoid offending but still hints strongly at reality. The EMM has a you-are-there feeling that the Sony does not. However, I can almost sense that the Sony was carefully tuned by ear by someone who knows what good old vinyl sounds like. Someone took a real Goldilocks approach to this player.
It is more open and well defined and less constricted and just plain better than (by memory) my old Accuphase DP75V. It's a keeper for me.

"The EMM has a you-are-there feeling that the Sony does not."

Well, that's sort of what it's all about, isn't it? Once you've experienced that in your hifi, it's very hard to go back. Of course, if you've never experienced a player that brings the performance into your room (to the extent possible) you won't miss it.

@Chayro, yes it is hard to go back. But I've never been a believer in the absolute sound concept. Different perspectives keep things interesting. That's why I have lots of headphones and love to listen to something first on one phone than others. The Sony is more gentle than real live music, but it is, well, gentle on my mind. It is NOT some mid-fi thing that makes me think I would be better off listening to talk radio with my time. The Sony has a golden-glow style, a coloration I guess, but with digital, there are far worse evils. Long ago I had a Sony SCD777ES that was just plain terrible to my ears (with vocals that sounded like a cheap radio) so I guess I am a little shocked at the how much better the 5400 is. FWIW, it sounds really nice through a pair of Grado PS1000 headphones.

The last 3 posts are comparing apples and oranges. The EMM is a $10k set up, while the Sony is 1/10 that cost. Most of us in the real world can't spend the value of a used car on a CDP.