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Sony's XA777ES CD: competitive sound or obsolete?

I have seen at least a dozen of the Sony XA777ES CD players for sale on AG over the last year. Build quality is outstanding; but, is the player just another outdated piece of technology from the last decade???. (It was originally issued in 2001 at a retail of $3000)

I am sure somebody somewhere has got a few mods for this tank, but is/was the standard player worth the money, let alone upgrades, or is it a ticking time bomb of service problems?? Supposedly, this model has exceptional sound quality on both red book CD's and SACD ( which can't be many available)

Personally, I don't give a shit about its title or track identification feature or other boutique accessory features Will appreciate any feedback about the current value of the player. Thanks, Jim
sunnyjim
arh
366 posts
 
I would stay away from these old players because of failures of the sled mechanism. At some point Sony will not be able to repair these machines. I had a 777es and it was good but then got a Sony 5400es and it was much better. I finally stopped buying SACD's and just listen to redbook on my Audio Note equipment
Alan
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
I have a 777 and it has worked well, still providing great sound. I have needed no repairs, but when it does I will sell it off for parts and buy a current Oppo machine. I also have Sony 595's which I use in another system. I purchased a few from Sony direct as refub's. Sound quality is about equal to the 777 and it does play SACD, of which I think are still the best sound media, aside from Blu-Ray. I have been tempted to make 'mods' to the 595 but for the cost, an Oppo is a better value and sound. Sony has always made the best 'sleds', often OEM of other brands. Sony chips are also great and that is clearly so from their Blu-Ray players success. Sony's best chip years are behind them, especially since they are a drain on Sony's profitability. Unless Sony makes progress on their download high resolution machines I think they will leave the audio field altogether. Sad/
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 
Thank you guys, you probably saved me from making another mistake in thinking some of the older players are worth the money, modded or otherwise,

As Buconero 117 notes, it is sad that Sony has not kept up with CD technology. I personally never considered Sony a high-end product.

However, even with heavy competition, they still make tons of money with their TV and video products, and also a few of their digital cameras get high marks compared to lower level digital cameras offered by Canon, and especially Nikon.
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