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
Old thread but I listened to my Modwright 5400 this weekend. Compared to my Spiral Groove + Goldfinger Statement / AMG v12 + Benz LP-S into ARC Ref 2se....the Modwright held its own. Not as much detail as the Chord Hugo or the Goldfinger Statement, but very musical -- a twin sound sibling to the AMG v12 table with Benz LP-S cartridge. A hint of warmth, and very organic natural harmonics. The Modwright is still my favorite disc spinner.
Talk2me,

How would you describe the differences between the two?

Thanks,
Wig
Anyone who has a xa5400es put in a cd press play then pause straight away ...try this with a few cds... listen to how loud the vibration is of the disc spinning..post your results please
Not an issue with the units I’ve owned, but I did find a replacement spinner that has made me very happy since!  I purchased a Yamaha CD-S2100 and have found it to be exceptional and reliable.  It does have a quite robust transport mechanism which is definitely light years beyond the Sony.  For $2999 it is a heavyweight player with accurate tonality and clean extension with terrific soundstaging.  FWIW