Sony SCD-1 vs. SCD-777ES

The XLR outputs on theSCD-1 are a convenience; they're not really balanced. A power supply difference is the reason for the difference in weight between the units. Although it doesn't seem to be because of XLR vs. RCA reasons, I heard a definite, but quite subtle difference between them at the dealer's, in favor of the SCD-1--slightly fuller lower midrange. Cables seemed to be the same, and the dealer swore that everything else was equal. Since I didn't take the 777 home, I can't tell you whether that was true.

richard kern who does the audiocom mods has stated several times that he prefers the scd-1. i believe he thought it was more open than the 777es. (although i'm not sure if he was comparing fully upgraded units or two stock ones.) you'll find a ton of links on this subject with as many opinions. i can't help thinking that richard is in more of a position to accurately judge the two units...especially since his comments about the scd-1 being his choice probably costs him work while the 777es owners scrambled to upgrade and as hifi goes, ultimately wound up off the hook with somethign completely different like a full-on home theater system.

i love my 777es and hope to get it upgraded by richard...even if he does prefer the big brother.

I have owned the SCD 777Es for about two years and enjoy it immensely. The dealer, who sold both units (though the SCD 1 was not on the shelves at the moment) said that he could tell no difference in listening to the units.

Those of you who own either of these; I curious to know how satisfied you are with the music options available in the SACD format? ROI?

I have owned a SCD-777ES for a couple of years. I bought it after auditioning both the SCD-1 and the SCD777ES extensively. The physical differences included the feet, the actual box, balanced outputs, and epoxy coated power supply (the actual supplies are identical). First, the SCD-1 was clearly superior in single ended mode. Second, after more than six hours of side by side comparison, I could not tell the difference between the two. As a result, I bought the less expensive 777ES.

Mine has visited Richard Kern twice (last summer for a Superclock and upgraded caps and resistors, a couple of weeks ago for a Superclock II and Richard's transport mod) and I have yet to hear a better digital device, though I admit to not having heard the Meitner.