Sony SCD-C 555ES

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.

First of all, i thank everyone who has offered their advice/opinion. I checked my interconnects twice and they are properly hooked up. My system is strictly 2 channel. Let me add to my original post what components i'm presently using:
Parasound 2200 II amp
Adcom gtp 750 Preamp
Parasound line filter
Interconnects are Mapleshade Cryo'd Ribbon
Speakerwire is LAT 1000
PSB Gold speakers

I may change off on my interconnects, but, you know, the Mapleshades have always given whatever system i had a wonderfully large and deep sound stage and added half an octave to my bass. Anyway i'll try something else - but i'm still going to ride it out - each time i was about to give up waiting for interconnects or speaker wire to burn in the sound suddenly "blossomed". i simply cannot believe that the Sony 555 SACD sounds markedly inferior to redbook as played on my Cal Audio changer.
Thank you all again for your interest.

David99,

Good point but I forgot to mention, the unit was over a year old and had plenty of use. My friend kept it for about 3 weeks and things did not improve. I have to assume it was broken in.

Chris