Front panel key pad

Mechanical; sonic

These are some comments offered on the Sony XA1ES long after it was returned to the store from which it was purchased. [Another good reason for shopping at a reputable dealer. In this case, Sound City in NJ were helpful in arranging an
exchange.] I can't even be positive of the year in which
that unit was manufactured.

The motivation for purchasing this unit was a need for a
CD player with optical output to match a MiniDisc recorder
with only an optical input. [Wisely, Sony have now included
a coax input with their more expensive MD recorders.]

From the minute I started using the unit, I was put off
by a sound that I characterized as "steely." It lacked
the neutrality that I was used to with the Magnavox/Philips
multi-bit, oversampled unit or the somewhat warmer sound produced by the multi-bit, analog filtered Denon.

Before the first week was out, the unit "ate" a CD. The
CD stayed behind in the machine when the tray opened.

So, the combination of mechanical problem and disappointing
sonics prompted a quick return.

I've developed a prejudice based on limited experience that multi-bit DACs (the Denon 1800, the Magnavox 650, and an
older Technics 18-bit unit) sound better than these
bit-stream models (Technics 770; Sony XA1ES). Does anyone
know of any publications that have commented on this or
know of any multi-bit machines still being produced that
should be considered as replacements for my 14 to 16 year old units?
finally

Similar Products Used:

Denon DCD-1800; Magnavox-CDB650

good spatial imaging, good bass, smooth sound after break-in

average aesthetics

awesome sound for the money...great detail and imaging...no mechanical problems experienced with my unit...it has run flawlessly...definitely a recommended product if you want good sound for little money.

great value, great sound

could be built more stout.

i've read all the reviews here and have not experienced any of the difficulties of eating disc or loading problems...maybe these reviewers need to learn how to place a cd in a player correctly....as far as sound goes...i really recommend this product...for $300 you can't beat it...i auditioned the NAD c521 as well, but i found that player to be lacking in transient response...it was great for slower music, especially when vocals were involved...it had great vocal imaging, but for faster music the Sony blew it away...so because of my musical taste i went with the sony...not as warm but great crisp highs and tight bass...much more "air."

Similar Products Used:

NAD C521, sony DVD, older sony player

I JUST PICKED UP THIS PLAYER UPON RECOMMENDATION OFSTEREOPHILE....AND I HAVE TO SAY IT ROCKS ESPECIALLY
FOR THE PRICE...I WAS LUCKY TO GET IT FOR 269.OO.
THE SOUND IS CLEAN AND DETAILED AND IMAGING IS BETTER
THAN YOU WOULD EXPECT FOR A BUDGET PLAYER..
I AGREE CONSTRUCTION IS FLIMSY AT BEST...IT ONLY WEIGHS
8 POUNDS AND IS VULNERABLE TO VIBRATION, THAT'S WHY A GOOD
DAMPING DEVICE IS ESSENTIAL..I'M USING A LITTLE ROCK ON
TOP AND HAVE GOT GREAT RESULTS...

I had two older CD players, and was not happy with either in new surroundings. Went shopping and came home with the XA1ES. I must say I was VERY pleased. Solid low end, nice, clean, open highs, and excellent imaging. I use a dual mono power amp (I'm convinced that's important for best imaging) and the Sony just opened things up beautifully. One of the units it replaced weighed three times as much and didn't sound half as good. So I fail to see the importance of the weight specification. Do you buy them by the pound or for sound quality? I give this unit a solid 5 stars in my context, and probably a Best Buy rating as well. I do agree with the others who commented negatively on the $150 and under players. Remarkable for the money, but not in the same league sound wise.

This is to update my review of October 12, 1997.
There's a free upgrade built into this already fine Sony CD player. Try using the fixed output terminals instead of the variable outputs. The improvement is a very pleasant surprise. You give up the "fader" and remote volume control features, but I think it's worth these minor inconveniences.

Well i bought the XA1ES and five days later it decided to eat one of my CDs! the drawer ejected ok but the CD remained inside. It scratched it to hell, which was partially my fault i suppose since i kep opening and shutting the drawer to see if it would come out. So i returned it to the store and they said they had to order me a new one. I have since decided NOT to get another one because someone else on this site had the same problems. i have too many irreplaceable CDs to worry about this happening again. Now I'm looing at the Rotel RCD950BX or a Sony CD changer of similar value. I really was spetical to buy another Sony but their CD changers seem to be nice in design and nice drawer mechanics. I also looked at the Denon and Yamaha CD changers in the $450 price range. it just seems like the Sony CD Changers are built better. BUT the XA1ES is a piece of JUNK. Apparently the drawer is designed as such that you have to be careful how you place the CD. it seems to be deeper than most or something weird. i did notice this to be the case and then i e-mailed someone else on this page after i had my problem and he confirmed this fact. i can't worry about this everytime i put a CD in! Buyer beware.

The Sony XA1ES is a wonderful cd player. It is extremely hard to fault. It worked flawlessly throughout my audition.--even better that flawlessly as it tracked several discs that gave other players trouble. It has an incredibly natural, balanced sound. Build quality is above average. It compares well with my Rega Planet!

Recently I purchased the Sony XA1ES cd player. The first cd I played justsounded spectacular. Then when I loaded the next one it decided to eat it.
I read that others had the same problem. I plan on returning it and
getting the same model again. I'm just wondering if this happens again in
the future if sony will fix it under their warrenty, and where it can be
fixed if it's warrantied. The sound is beautiful and it looks good but my
only complaint is that cd tray.

I bought the XA1ES on the recommendation of Stereophile for the headphone output; the only way I was going to us it. After such a glowing review I can't believe how bad it sounds. My portable discman sounds better! And not nearly as good as my old Phillips CD921. I took it to the Sony service center and guess what? It specs out perfectly. So much for specs. They even said my Sennheiser HD600's were not sounding correct. I am very dissapointed. Has anyone else had this problem? I can't even return it because Sony says there is nothing wrong. WRONG? It may sound good from the audio outs, but the headphone outs are simply terrible! Grainy, lack of detail. The low end sounds muddy. The guy in Stereophile must of been on crack. What he heard is not what I hear. And I don't do this for a living. Any ideas? tempetape@juno.com