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SONY XA5400ES - Preliminary Observations

As I previously mentioned, I bought this from American TV on Audiogon (they are an authorized dealer for this product; I registered unit and store name came up on Sony list)almost on a lark, skeptical of the maniacal rave reviews but wondering whether just this once . . . .

I will be moving back to NYC later this year and am thinking about how I can reduce number of components to save space. I compared the SONY (on RBCD only) to my CEC TL-1X transport (modded by RAM), with balanced Stealth Sextet digicable to balanced input on my trusty Dodson 218 DAC. EPS 2S PC on transport; Valhalla PC on Dodson, both run through an Audience AR6 conditioner. The transport-cable-DAC combo-PC combos totals some $20K, when new. I am running Valhalla IC's from Sony to my Wyetech Opal Pre (the Sony sounds awful with Stealth Indras; have no idea why)and amusing a LessLoss Sig PC (which I like a lot).

The ravers raved about 500 hrs of burn-in for Sony to sound its best. I don't know if that's true, but it has improved considerably over the 150 hrs or so I have burned it in. It started off way too dark, vague and murky -- almost unlistenable -- but has loosened up, detail has improved, vocals have become clearer and more natural and bass has tightened somewhat, but still is a bit loose and muddy. The preliminary verdict (pending another 100-150 hrs of burn-in: this is an outstanding CDP that fights way way above its weight and which I enjoy listening to and could be very happy with -- and it does not suffer terribly in comparo with my usual setup. My usual combo sounds more natural and realistic, with better detail and clarity, and tighter if not deeper bass than the Sony. Highs are airier and cleaner. The improvement, however, is not jarring; it is, however, definitely noticeable. The Sony is darker, with vocals a bit huskier and strings much warmer, perhaps too warm at this point. But as I said, if I did not switch to my usual combo, I would enjoy the Sony immensely on its own merits. It dors have a smooth, organic presentation and if it sins it is on the side of warmth rather than clinical digital detail. For what the Sony costs, anyone who was considering spending up to $5K or so on a CDP should listen to this first. I only have one SACD and will try that soon, but really cannot comment on its merits as an SACD player.

Will check in again in about a week or so to tell if there is anything to add. I would have no qualms about admitting it's as good as my combo, but remain skeptical it will ever reach those rarefied heights.

Sorry for being so long-winded, but this has been a fascinating exercise for a long-time audiophile and anyway, I am a lawyer, so what would you expect?

Neal
nglazer
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
my statement as to what an opinion is is a reminder to some of its stochastic nature.

i don't think a lesson in metaphysics is necessary.

a big risk for me may be a small risk for you in my opinion the absence of an audition before purchasing is like flipping a coin, regardless of the existence of positive regard for a product.

the variables of one's personal stereo system, differ from theose of other stereo systems.

perhaps the only exception is the recommendation of doctors.

for example, i would place value on a doctpor who said " i would want dr. x to perform a particular operation on me. ". yet, such a statement is no guarantee of a successful outcome, if dr x performs the operation.

however, the point is a medical opinion may have more weight on a medical decision than an audiophile's opinion upon a personal purchase decision.
almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
9,670 posts
 
Metaphysical tautologies may or may not be stochastic.

Or, as a wise man once said, eschew obfuscation.

Or something like that :-)

Best regards,
-- Al
jylee
306 posts
 
Everyone is entitled to their opinions. However posting the same opinions in multiple threads without adding any other value is a bad forum manner, especially by digging up a really old thread to do so. XA5400ES is unambiguously warm sounding CDP, and it was a bargain at $1500. One person's opposing opinion against dozens of favorable review does not make this purchase a big risk. IMHO, YMMV.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
hi jylee:

buying on the basis of any number of opinions is risky, because opinions are not facts, nor knowledge
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
The main problem with the Sony 5400 is that it is no longer made, and soon, repair parts such as the laser block will no longer be available. Also Sony repair service is poor (the repair people are idiots).

It is possible, but rare, to find an new 5400.

I have owned the 5400 for about a year, and IMO it can not be beat for under $6000.

Perhaps you could find a used one.
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