Levinson 360s + Sony 9000ES ?

Check out last weeks thread titled "Is there an SACD that plays CD's well"?
http://audiogo1.iserver.net/cgi-bin/forum5.pl?ddgtl&986901823&openfrom&2&4#2
Don't stop after one or two posts, you must read at least as far as Albert Porter's post, where he tested the Levinson against the Sony. He gave a very helpful review with important insight into SACD.

Hi Lev335, I'm not saying that the Sony is better just that
the interconnects are making more of a difference. I'm
using 9000es as my transport. Rest of system consist of BAt
vk30se pre, B&W N802, Jeff Rowland 8t amp, Perpetual Technologies upsampler and speaker correction, ASC tube traps, TRansparent Reference speaker wires + 2 sets of ultra
XL (xlr)interconnects, 2 Richard G line conditioners, 2 Transparent Reference digital cables+ 1 Powersnake Cobra
on the pre as my pc. I know the 360s is better, but I'm getting better results by upgrading my interconnect. This
week I will try to audition two sets of Reference XL interconnects to compare. One XLR for the 360s another single ended for the Sony. The Levinson I hear works best
balanced.

To receive the best performance out of the Levinson or any good high end audio you really need to go balanced. Good system your running. good luck

Hello Lev335: In AA.com (SACD forum) there is John Mark (from John Mark Recording Label) post on the subject. He claims that in highh quality equipment both balanced and single ended should sound about the same. Many people do not match output during comparison which in balanced mode is somewhat greater. Also, Ken Stevens of Convergent Audio Technology believe that se output is better. He laso add "for any given budjet". However, considering price of his amp ($20k) he is obviously kidding.

Without commenting on the performance of either component--and seconding the suggestion that you check out the thread recommended by Bmpnyc--I wouldn't let product reputation or price niche get in the way of your ears. Sometimes there are surprises in this hobby we all know and love...and mortgage our futures for.