Sony SCD-C 555ES

I would let it break - in more.

While I don't own a 555, I do own a 333, and it errs exactly on the opposite side of bright. It is full bodied, rich, and features strong bass, but not harsh highs. Its weaknesses are that in resolution, clarity, detail, and most of all, speed.

And, as yours is mulitchannel, are you sure the player is set up correctly? I have seen many a multichannel player(especially, Marantz) sound pretty bad when playing through the incorrect(and default) mode.

It sounds like the 555 owners who didnt like it either.
1) didnt allow long enough break in.
2) have something in their systems that isnt integrating well with their 555 (cables)?
3) Confuse brightness with clarity.
I have heard the 555 extensively and its a killer SACD/CD player!
Make sure if you are playing 2 ch. its not in multichannel..huge difference.
LONG burn in time,especially SACD mode.
Many have found MIT interconnects to work well with the SCD line.

Actually Trelja makes some excellent points ... as usual.

If you are using your SCD C 555 ES in 2 channel mode, you should be connecting the player using the two channel outputs on the far left side of the back panel.

Also, the default settings for which layer on a SACD disc to read are factory set to multi-channel. Refer to page 13 of the user's manual on how to use the "AMS" switch to advance to the "M/2CH SELECT" function and select the proper layer.

I have owned the 555 for more than 2 years now and it has never sounded bright ... even out of the box. I have had it paired originally with an ADCOM 545 power amp; a Musical Fidelity A3 integrated amp; and now a NAD 320 BEE integrated amp and it has always sounded rich and full bodied.

Regards, Rich

This is strange. While I own a 222es, it is anything but bright and offers a great soundstage. A good friend of mine purchased one used here on Audiogon and when it arrived, he called me over for a listen. It sounded horrible. Bright, edgy, and just not pleasing. This was a used unit so it had to be broken in so I do not know what the reason was. He ended up selling the thing but I still have mine and love it. Strange!

KiD

The_kid- Because your friend bought it used doesnt mean it was broken in properly.
These units need hundreds of hours before they open up and show their stuff.
Many sell gear before its properly burned in because they dont like the sound and dont realize the importance of a long break in.