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
"Gotta say I am enjoying music again more than obsessing over the sound". :)

Yes isnt that a great feeling. That's how I feel when listen to that Dac. I guess I will figure it out.
I have been enjoying the Sony 5400 for almost 2yrs now mated to a Sonic Frontiers tubed pre. Recently I have been using the Herbies super Black hole. T o my ears this is a great improvement in soundstage and ease of listening...I still want to try the Modwright upgrades.
It is no better than any other player. Just hyped more. I think it's 15 minutes of fame, is about up.
Did your conclusion come from comparison or are you just tired of hearing about it?
I am asking this because I think you made a similar comment when I was shopping for a cd player last year. I gotta say the 5400 made a sutle difference for me... but my preamp made a HUGE difference.
So based on your strong opinion...if you had a 5400, would you upgrade it or would the $ be spent on a different player?