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Sony SCD-C 555ES

Just purchased this used, set it up and am disappointed in the performance, both redbook and SACD. Compared to my Cal Audio CL 10 - it has little soundstage, no depth or width, and seems quite bright. I expected this on redbook performance, but it doesn't change much on SACD.
I'm going to assume that the previous owner slimply didn't play it enough to break it in.
If I decide to allow it to run for another 100-150 hours do I have to turn on all my equipment or can I just leave the Sony on alone. Does break-in require your whole sysytem to be on?
danbern3aolco
david99
1,467 posts
 
Dan-Give it some time and let us know the outcome.
danbern3aolco OP
14 posts
 
all is well. the main problem was something that happened once before, awhile ago. there's a little toggle on the back of my amp which, when in the up position, turns my amp mono. i quickly put it in the down position. still not quite there - the clincher was "rarl"'s advice regarding sacd multi/2ch choices on the ams knob.
track #4 on "new favorite" by allison krauss really did me in.
thanks to all and don't forget the little toggles. dan
david99
1,467 posts
 
Dan-So how does it sound???
danbern3aolco OP
14 posts
 
Pinpoint accuracy, super-defined soundstage, of course, and details heard for the first time. most impressed with what it did with a track on allison krauss' "new favorite" - the whole band was blastin' and i could hear each and every instrument more "there" than ever before and a large, "visual" soundstage.
then i tested redbook on it with a joan baez track that, to me, blurrs the distinction between "live or memorex ?" ..... that being "diamonds and rust"- a crystal clear acoustic guitar and ms baez's incredibly powerful voice.
i think i must expand my horizons - but i'm really hooked on female voice. thanks - all you guys did it, made me think and look and remember what happened years ago, and advised me on how to operate this new changer.
meech33
57 posts
 
I can't believe that you got 18 responses and not one person mentioned SACDmods.com . I own the 555ES myself and I'm also not pleased with it's stock sound. Kinda harsh and cold. I'm about to have this player modded by Matthew Anker of www.SACDmods.com . From what I've read, these mods transform this player into a totally different player. It puts it on the level of the Carys and Arcams. You can go to site and take a look at the upgrades.

Also, you should go to head-fi.com . It's actually a headphone enthusiast website but the guys there know just as much about 2 channel stereo anyone. There's a really good review there about the modded 555es. Apparently quite a few guys over there have done it and they all say that the modded player is in another league compared to the un-modded player. Here's a link to the review that sold me.

http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=36751&highlight=hot+rod

Before you decide to give up on this player,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,I BEG YOU,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW. Also, check out SACDmods site.

Good luck.
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