Is there an SACD that can play cds well?

I related my experience in a different thread( SACD dominates rec. list), so cliff notes version is: I A/B'd the 777 redbook against Theta Jade transport/ dCS Delius/Purcell. I thought the Sony sounded at least as good, maybe better. Sold the dCS pieces. There are few CD players out there that are clearly better than the Sony on redbook. They're out there, but clearly better is a key phrase. And they're typically boatloads more$$ than the$1500-1600 you could possibly pick-up a 777 for. Slightly more for the SCD-1, less for the 9000es. Not a bad deal in this day and age of inflated audio prices.

With no experience, with your gear i would say the new accuphase sacd player wood work,but cost mucho bucks.Have you tried the top sonys?

I recently had a two piece Levinson ( transport + D/A converter ) here for one of our listening sessions. My Sony 9000 ES had barely one hundred and fifty hours on it, and with a selection of redbook CD's, the Sony won so overwhelmingly that the owner sold his gear the next week. I suspect that money was a consideration, but I also have no doubt that in this particular test, ( no SACD involved ), the Sony did a far superior job. The $1075. for the Sony makes it a great choice, even if only stopgap to avoid sitting on a high end piece that is diminishing in value. For all I know, one of the new Sony's that sell for even less than mine may do as good a job, that would make it an unbeatable value.

No not yet. Frankly, I was living in audio nirvana(my myopic view) when I awakened to realize that SACD with SACD's was likely the way to go now if I could get equal results with my cd's. I am not prepared to spend $20+K for a unit though. Generally, I'm cheap, but flush. So, my way is to buy used in the $2K to $5K range.

I am trying to learn on everyone else's tab if the media and units other than the $20+k bunch really can produce the depth, detail and lushness of $3K-$8K cd units in cd. If so, then it's only which unit to buy decision. If not, then it's an add on not a replacement and that changes which unit to consider.

I appreciate the help. Thanks all.

Bill E.

Albert, that is quite a statement about the 9000ES. I must have missed your feedback on it before. I have only listened to the 777 model which was not run in at the time, and did not sound very good to me. I cannot use a top loader anyway, even with the new setup that I am putting together. The problem is that I also need a unit that plays CDR's (I am purchasing a burner to transfer our many tapes to CD and would like to be able to play them on the main system). Has anyone heard if any of the upcoming models will play CDR's?