Sony ES vs Rotel

Has anyone compared Sony's new HAP-Z1ES network audio player to any of the latest Rotel CD players (RCD-1072, RCD-1570)?

I'm curious to see how they stack up in a direct comparison.

I'm with TonyKay and his point of view on this issue. I have owned both. I currently use a copper clad Sony S9000ES as a transport in my tertiary system (office). Bought somewhere around 2000-2001. Still going strong. Best, Rob

"07-23-15: Mkash3
Has anyone compared Sony's new HAP-Z1ES network audio player to any of the latest Rotel CD players (RCD-1072, RCD-1570)?

I'm curious to see how they stack up in a direct comparison."

I would say don't sell a 1072 until you have a different player place and you know that you like it better. I haven't heard a 1570, so I can't say the same. The only Sony I've directly compared the 1072 to is my Sony 9000ES. For CD's, the Rotel is a much better player. Not only that, I had a problem where my system didn't sound right with the 9000 in it. I couldn't figure out what the problem was, the system just sounded bad for some reason. After some experimenting, I found that when I unplugged the Sony, my system sounded normal again. The fix ended up being a JPS Labs Digital AC+ power cord. It has a filter on it that keeps the noise generated by the Sony's power supply from effecting the other components. If anyone is still using one of these players, the JPS cable is a very nice upgrade. I haven't heard one, but I suspect the 5400 would compare much more favorably with the 1072.

Sony's HAP-Z1ES is extraordinary.

I have experience with the two brands. I know you asked specifically about each company’s CD players but I’ll also give my experience on their amplification as well.

In terms of source components, Sony walks all over the Rotel. My old Sony CE595 SACD 5-disc changer is much smoother and natural sounding than the RCD-1072 which is a bit too forward and bloated in the bass. The Rotel sound is much more digital and analytical. I’ve also heard some of the other ES CD players at local dealers over the years. While I don’t remember the specific model numbers, I recall them as being slanted towards the warm side of neutral.

I had an old DA-50ES receiver from the 90s handed over to me by my father. Never really cared for the sound of that one TBH. So I quite like Sony’s source components. I think the Rotel amplification (RA-1062) is quite good while their CD players are lackluster.

Just my .02 cents.