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


This Sony player supplanted my Ayre C5-XE 3, which I still have, months ago. I paid $6000 for the Ayre after determining that it was the best-sounding unit for under $10,000. The Sony blows it away!!!
A unit costing $1500 besting all others under $10,000? That is exactly what it does!
For reference, I am using Audio Research electronics and Vandersteen speakers and subwoofers (about $30,000); a similar system has repeatedly been lauded as "best of show" at CES, so we are NOT talking second-rate stuff here.
This Sony is the only SACD/Cd player I have EVER heard that puts a classical piano live in my living room; nothing I ever had before even comes close.
This unit is a small miracle. I would have gladly paid $8000 for it, but if they want to give the thing away for $1500, who am I to argue?
This unit is going to send the engineers at Audio Research, Luxman, Esoteric, and Ayre back to the drawing board; their current units at 4 to 5 times the price are not even close. Some engineer at Sony is a freaking genius!!!
wa6itd
I haven't heard anyone talking about specific flaws about XA5400ES, other than general "I like another player better than Sony". The only complaint seems to be coming from mrtennis who don't own Sony and never even heard of it, yet seems to be full of opinions about this player.
Dave_b done an in depth review on the Sony 5400 here on AG.
Due to the comment he made above about the NAD C 565BEE I bought one. All I can say is THANK YOU DAVE!
Man o man,I am very impressed. It sounds as if it already has a tube upgrade.
I picked one of the refurbished units up here on AG for $569 shipped. Saved a ton of money compared to the Sony 5400 and I don't regret it at all.
Thank you Dave,for all your help in my decision.
Dave b states

"Just a sidebar here, I owned the 5400 and then Modwrighted it...just great! Recently I picked up an NAD C565BEE for my sitting room system...I'm blown away! Very fleshed out and sexy sounding with weight and authority..sweet highs. If SACD is not a priority then this could warm your soul for redbook!"

Hi Dave I recently commented on your review of the SCD-X5400ES. You stated last July that you were sending it out for the Modwright mod. No further comments on the results. After your quite enthusiastic comments of the stock unit I was anticipating your assessment of the mods. It seems that this NAD C 565BEE has maybe supplanted it? If not stated it seems implied as you haven't commented on your impressions of the modded Sony on this thread ("just great") or your review thread. The suspense is killing me, what gives?