I became so tired of smooth and warm

[JohnMichael]

The Marantz SA8001 has served me well. I have never had an issue with it but it is still time to part company. Replacing it will be the Sony SCD-XA5400ES. I thought briefly about the SA8004 but wanted a different sound. A more detailed sound and a little less of smooth and warm.

I am so pleased with the Focal 806V's and they easily let you hear what the other components are doing. The Focal's told me that a better source was needed. My vinyl is still sounding good but digital needs to step it up.

The first SACD player I heard was the original Sony and then for years I enjoyed a Sony ES cd player. As I was shopping for a new SACD/cd player I read reviews about the Sony. It sounded like what I was looking for in a player.

Well I ordered it today. Since I am so enjoying the Focal's I bought it with some of my speaker budget. Next purchase will be some XLR cables to be used from the Sony to the Krell. I am excited and I hope I love it as I did my Sony ES cd player.


ES Series SACD Player with HDMI - SCDXA5400ES Review | Sony Store U.S. - Sony US

[Mr Peabody]

Congrats, looking forward to hearing how it works out, especially if it's a true balanced machine.. I'll read the review.

[blackraven]

Congrats on the new player. The 8001 is a nice machine but it is as you described. I found my 840c to be more lively when I had both. Enjoy the Sony!

[JohnMichael]

I am excited about having a new player. My vinyl sounds so good I wanted a digital player that will be as detailed. It ships Monday!

I think the SA8001 would be a good match for bright electronics or speakers. Every review I have read sounds like the Sony is just what I need. I will also like not having to manually select the SACD level. Using the XLR connections will free up an input. Who knows I might get a tuner.

[Feanor]

The Sony SCD-XA5400ES looks good. I like that it has HDMI multi-channel which increases its versatility as well as balanced stereo outputs which would work for me now that I have a balanced preamp.

I'm envious because I'd like a good stereo SACD player myself. If your SA8001 is looking for a good home ... let me know.

[Mr Peabody]

I was not able to tell positively if the 5400 is truly balanced, some of the verbage led me to believe it might be. I saw there are upgrades (mods) that can be done on the 5400 to improve it even more for not much money. If memory serves the Positive Feedback review had the mods done, some type of XLR output improvement and a clocking mechanism. Stock it is still an improvement over the prior 9000es according to reviews, and seems to be a good unit at the price.

I guess it's better to have the HDMI option than not but it would require an external multichannel DAC which I only know of in receivers or processors. In that case an universal player would meet that need.

[JohnMichael]

I was not able to tell positively if the 5400 is truly balanced, some of the verbage led me to believe it might be. I saw there are upgrades (mods) that can be done on the 5400 to improve it even more for not much money. If memory serves the Positive Feedback review had the mods done, some type of XLR output improvement and a clocking mechanism. Stock it is still an improvement over the prior 9000es according to reviews, and seems to be a good unit at the price.

I guess it's better to have the HDMI option than not but it would require an external multichannel DAC which I only know of in receivers or processors. In that case an universal player would meet that need.

I do not know if it is truly balanced but I think at least it would have less noise. I will only be using it in my 2 channel system so the multi channel features will not be used. I doubt if I will ever have any mods done to the player.

[JohnMichael]

The Sony SCD-XA5400ES looks good. I like that it has HDMI multi-channel which increases its versatility as well as balanced stereo outputs which would work for me now that I have a balanced preamp.

I'm envious because I'd like a good stereo SACD player myself. If your SA8001 is looking for a good home ... let me know.

I am surprised how much interest I have received over the SA8001. If i decide to sell or trade I will let you know.

[Feanor]

I am surprised how much interest I have received over the SA8001. If i decide to sell or trade I will let you know.

Thank you, JM. It's definitely of interest; I have an old Sony SCD-CE775 but it's SACD DAC doesn't sound as good standard 24/44.1 as my Schiit Bifrost Uber.

[JohnMichael]

Well I may never get the Sony(drama alert). I received a notice that it shipped yesterday which should be good news. Sadly no, due to the fact they only put my apartment number on the Bill to address and not the Ship to address. The address of my building is correct but there are 8 apartments. I wonder who they will choose to give it to when they deliver it? Who would like to receive my phone call on Monday AM?

[blackraven]

Feanor, the 8001 wood be a great match for your SDS amp. The 8001 has a warm lush sound but could benefit from a dynamic amp. It certainly would smooth the HF of the SDS. You might even prefer it to the BitFrost DAC. Stereophile rated the 8001 a Class A component.

[Feanor]

Feanor, the 8001 wood be a great match for your SDS amp. The 8001 has a warm lush sound but could benefit from a dynamic amp. It certainly would smooth the HF of the SDS. You might even prefer it to the BitFrost DAC. Stereophile rated the 8001 a Class A component.

This might all be true hence my interest.

[JohnMichael]

The player is on the delivery truck and I am anxious to be finished with work. I will rush home and hook it up. It can warm up while I walk the dog. I hope I do not forget to walk the dog.

[blackraven]

I am looking forward to your review. I am thinking about replacing my Van Alstine DAC and Music Hall 25.2 CD player that I am using as a transport. I would like something that plays SACD's and the Sony may be the ticket. I have had my eye on a used Marantz SA11S2, SA15S2 or 15S2B after I upgrade my preamp. I am still undecided if I should go the DAC route or go with a CD player.