Is there an SACD that can play cds well?

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?

Hi Albert, Whew! thats quite a testimonial. Wish I could have put my Pioneer DV-37 up for evaluation along with the Levinson and the Sony for redbook CD playback.

I have a sony SCD777ES. At first, Redbook playback was good, but nothing special. Trick with these is they need a solid 400+ hours of break-in. Now I feel the Redbook side is near equal with my BAT VKD5. Still have more break-in to go however. You may want to check out AudioAsylum, the whole enchilada with the Sony SACD players has been covered in their "hi-rez" forum.

Second option, and one that many have taken, is use a high quality outboard DAC with the Sony, and enjoy. It would appear from my reading that the Dodson currently appears to be the DAC of choice. Regardless, I bought my 777 early last fall, and at a price at which I could practically double if I wanted to sell it today! I now have 30+ SACD's, and growing, ands I love the format.

Paul