I agree with all of the above although I have the SCD-777ES SACD/CD player. My concern has always been getting back my investment after the mods. I have heard a few of the modded 777s and they sound much better than the stock. I recently compared a bunch of DACs (don't improve SACD though) and each of the ones I auditioned bettered the stock redbook playback of the stock Sony. With so many very good used DACs on the market that my also be an option. If your CDP is still under waranty, you may want to send it back to Sony for a check up before it runs out.
Happy Listening.
Happy Listening.