used sony or modified music hall

The Sony C5555ES 5 disc changer was being sold new for $600 not long ago. This changer plays both cds and sacd's (both 2 and 5 ch). I haven't heard the Music Hall, but the Sony wasn't bad sounding. Also is a decent transport for an external dac.

I actually own both a SONY SCD C555ES SACD changer (in my main system) and a Music Hall CD25 (unmodified; bedroom system). They both have very good build quality (although the SONY is positively tank-like) ... both are very good at redbook CD playback ... they both sound warm, musical, and detailed. The Music Hall gives you HDCD playback; the SONY gives you SACD playback. If you can pick up the SONY new for $600 ... go for it, it is a $1800 list unit. You would not be going wrong with the Music Hall either. Since this is all system dependent, what amp & speakers are you using? Regards, Rich

Rarl
Thanks for the reply. Amplifier is Jolida 1501
tubed-hybrid, 100 WPC, with Magnaplaner 1.6QR. My Music Hall
is modified which included upgraded op amps. It does sound fantastic but I question the build quality. As for the Sony
I am leaning more toward models 7X ESD, 707ES or 777ES.
I am not interested in multi-play or SACD. My concern with the Sony is their age, technology wise. Can a machine
designed in the early 1990s with a $3000 retail keep up
todays newest designs. I am very intrigued with the bulid quality of the older ES models, but do not want to give up the sound I have now. Rich

I currently own a 608esd, x7esd, and a 779es, and all are very reliable. The 608 I purchased new and it has over 7000 hrs on it with no repairs and it functions flawlessly. The other two players I purchased used and the x7 had an inoperative drawer and a dirty headphone jack when received. The repairs ran about $115.00 which wasn't too bad. As far as sound quality, I prefer the x7 and the 608 over the 779. Any of these players will kill my Cambridge d500se which I purchased because it was light weight and "use of" requires it to be moved about and the Sony's are to heavy and bulky. I use the x7 as an alternate source in my main system with a Linn Karik/Numeric and yes it's not quite as good as the Linn but it does have a different sound that is still pleasing and it will play cd's that for some reason the Linn rejects. So, to answer your question, I would recommend the used Sony es players.