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Sony 900ES SACD sound vs CD - Help

I now have a little over 120 hours on my 9000ES DVD. Here's the problem: When I use the Sony as a transport (The digital output fed into an MSB Link Dac 2) the sound quality is MUCH better than the Sony supplied SACD music played through the SACD internal decoding circuits and output form the analog outputs on the Sony.

How can this be? I thought the SACD was supposed to be much better than the CD. Is it possible that the SACD circuits need much more time to break in?

The Sony when used as a transport is almost as good as my SimAudio Moon Eclipse cd player (when also used as a transport) which has a floating suspension.

I have the Sony on a magnetic levitation system which I designed that floats it 1/4 to 1/2" off the shelf.
This isolates the transport and circuitry from low frequency vibration. The result is: better bass, more open midrange, and clearer highs.

I just don't understand why the SACD part of this doesn't sound as good as everyone says it does. Maybe the sampler sacd is very good?

Any ideas??
128x128darrell
jadem6's avatar
jadem6
1,074 posts
 
Thank-you Martice. Well stated Ears, you'll be very happy. The funny thing to me is these machines are soooo cheap compared to the simmiliar sound quality cd only machines that you can afford to upgrade interconnects and isolation, thus receiving the double bonus. In my opinion anyone who buys a standard cd player at any price point has missed out on the greatest bargain in audio! And has overpaid for what they get. J.D.
jadem6's avatar
jadem6
1,074 posts
 
Rcprince, very well stated. I have no idea why your Forsell is so scared of the Sony, but that alone justifys the purchase. J.D.
jsbail
368 posts
 
I know someone who works at a discount electronics retailer and he told me the 9000es is their hottest selling item. Sony is moving these things and I bet software will soon follow. I would like to here from more people who own burned in 9000's as to how cd playback compares to a DVD player and upsampling dac.
martice
103 posts
 
Well guys. I guess I debated myself to the point where I will take a chance on a Sony 9000es. I guess with what it offers I can't loose...can I?

See you guys around. Infact I'll let you know when I get it and burn it in and then I'll let you know what I think. Hopefully I'll be singing the same praises and the other owners.
rcprince
3,073 posts
 
Martice, good luck! If nothing else, at the worst you'll have a fine DVD player that also plays CDs, DADs and SACDs. I'm interested in how you like it, so let us know.
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