Actually Irishdog, the SCD-1 has potted transformers, supposedly better damping materials and don't forget the fifth foot for support. The machines are very similar outside of that. That being said, I did hear a difference when I auditioned the 2 machines and neither one was very well broken in. Since i bought my SCD-1, it has blossomed into quite a wonderful machine on Redbook and SACD is leaps and bounds better. Gary.