I don't know about players announced at CES 2001, however, I listen to SCD-1, owned 777ES and now own 9000ES Sony SACD/CD/DVD Player (you can get it for about $1.1k "www.oade.com"). 9000ES, per my personal opinion, is by far the best sounding Sony CD/SACD and 24/96 Player. It has much improved transport and D/A chip is possibly of 2nd SACD generation. The most important sonic characteristic is its midrange sounding similar to the best tube amps i.e. not syropy or euphonic but full harnonic texture, timbral accuracy and sence of naturalness. Its bass is also the best among these Players. Highs are good but can be better if 50kHz low pass junky filter can be removed (SCD-1 and 777ES has extrenal switch to disconnect this filter, in 9000ES its internal). SACD sound is breathtaking: much, much better then vinil (its dynamic range is noticably greater) and DVD-A (whatever DVD-A I auditioned none sounded so natural as SACD, and by far). My opinion is biased, however. I love SACD sond of 9000ES. Rest of my system as you asked: CAT SL-1 MkIII Preamp, Two Bel Canto digital amps EVo in mono mode and speakers are Diapason by Dick Shahinian. Al wilre by Electraglide. This system was geared to listen to "big sound": symphonic music, choruses, opers etc. SACD is increadibly realistic here, second only to live concerts. I am not professional reviewer (however, by education I have diploma of classic piano) therefore my experience is highly biased (as, I bekieve, it should be here). Good Luck - Simon
