Phenomenal build quality, smooth polished operation

variable level output sounds poor

In an earlier review I said that this machine sounds great hooked up to my power amp through its variable level outputs with no pre-amp. I retract that statement.

I have been getting disatisfactory performance from my NHT 2.9s with none of the dynamics and bass performance that they are famous for. After spending a year tweaking the whole system to no end, I concluded that the variable outputs were to blame. I inserted a Harman/Kardon preamp into the chain and sound of the system changed completely. My speakers now sound awesome!

The variable outputs of the XA20ES don't put out a clean signal. I think it rolls off below 100Hz and also has phase shifting. Don't use it.

Dynamics,smooth clear sound,low noise floor

None,except what 1 am going to say under.

I have had this cd player for about 2 years,and i was very pleased with it until recently.Then I Discovered some flaws in soundquality from some of my cds,I thought that it
did not sound as clear and crisp as it did when i bought it. And for instanse when Iwas playing my Titanic cd,the player did not want to change track,instead it turned off,and when I pressed the play button it did not respond.This thing Idescribed dont always happen,but once is to many.Is there anyone out there who had the same problems,please let me know.After this incident I have thought about bying a new cd player.After excellent reviws,and since I am from Norway,I consider to have an EMC1(ELECTROCOMPANIET)in my system.Because I have heard that EMC1 is the BEST cd player in the world.Anyone who has a thought about this,please let me know.

warm-clear-high res.-balanced-natural-full;
very cool clamp. yes a clamp!

red-heads

the 7es rules.
get its sound; chips and circuts for a whole lot less...

at this point in the game if you spend more than what this unit costs on a 16bit player-you're in denial.

this is the next best thing to sacd and it plays all your
current discs. and with it's build-it'll be playing them until they're replaced sacd-

this is the one.

Similar Products Used:

some very expensive philla stuff

Solid, good warm sound, looks very nice

sounds a bit "thin" at the high frequencies

This CD-player, the CDP-XA20ES, is a very good one. It's very solid and strong. It has the fantastic Fixed Pickup Mechanism.
The European type has both optical and coaxial digital outputs.
I think that the 20ES is a mixture of an ES-player and a good QS-player. It has the soundquality and construction of a ES, but it has no "special" features like a variable digital filter. If you don't need the extra features and jus need a good sound without "bla bla bla", the CDP-XA20ES is a very good choice.

Similar Products Used:

Sony CDP-XE530

Build quality, sound, looks. The things that are really important in ownership experience.

No frills, doesn't remeber default settings after you turn it off. Remote is small and cheap. Very minor gripes.

This player is a bargain for the price. The fixed pickup mechanism with the machined puck is cool and relatively rare in a player in its class. All mechanisms and controls are silky smooth and solid. Rubber seal protects workings from dust while disc is playing. Easy to keep clean.

It was able to play damaged discs that gave my older players trouble.

Similar Products Used:

Older Sony's, Pioneer, new SACD-777