I agree with the comments of D. Malfait. In no way would I characterize the sound of the CDP-XA50ES as "warm", although this description might well be applicable to other Sony CD players in the ES series (including the one I owned previously -- a Japan-only model that I bought 5 or 6 years ago). I find the sound of the 50ES to be extremely well balanced and neutral, maybe even tending a bit toward analytical. In my previous review of this product, I expressed some skepticism about the 9 selectable digital filters, but since that time I have found that I prefer filter 4a (which, as I recall, is a Butterworth filter with a rather slow rolloff). I have also upgraded the interconnect between the 50ES and and my amp (Accuphase E-406V) to Kimber KCAG. With the combination of filter 4a and the KCAG, I find the extreme high end of the 50ES to be remarkably airy, extended, and open, but with no harshness or edginess, and this is using speakers that are often described as rather "laid back" (Eminent Technology LFT-VIIIA's).
I guess that it is possible that the KCAG (which uses silver conductors, which are sometimes criticized as exhibiting excessive brightness or even glare) counterbalances the "dark" sound of the 50ES heard by Don, but doesn't that just drive home the point that careful component matching (including cables) is crucial in achieving the best possible sound? Based on my experience, I would characterize the 50ES as being a very neutral and accurate-sounding CD player -- one with sufficiently high sound quality to make the differences between interconnects glaringly (sorry, bad pun) obvious. Taking into consideration the unit's solid construction, excellent ergonomic design, and reasonable price, I have no hesitation is giving the 50ES a 5-star rating (again).

Let me change some wording concening my review of the XA50ES. Instead of warm sounding, maybe I should have said smooth. The player is too smooth. The treble is not as bright sounding or extended as I have heard from other players in my system. I use NHT 3.3 and Krell and I have tried the XA50ES with all manner of cable including Kimber. It does not have the highs of a Krell 300cd,Resolution CD50, Micromega Stage 2, Theta Miles. These are but a few players I have had in my system, that I thought where better sounding than the XA50ES. Yes I know they are much more expensive, but they are better. Again the Sony is not bad for its price, but IMO it does not play in the arena of the big boys. (Not in my system anyway)

Don, perhaps you could explain what you mean by the XA50ES not having extended treble in comparison to the "big boys." Having never been a fan of hearing with my wallet, i'd appreciate it if you could cite with examples (music you have noticed w/o extended treble) where this phenomena occurs.
The "big boys" as Don puts it, usually do have better analog sections which might explain Don's beef with this player., but rarely if ever can they match the quality of the Sony D/A converters. One area where the XA50ES can use improvement is in the OpAmp section. While they are quality units, the respective opamp manufacturers (burr brown, analog devices) do make higher quality units. I'm in the process of replacing the opamps with the highest quality units. I've posted a question in the techtalk forum for help. perhaps the component quality issue will be addressed in the next iteration of the Flagship CD player from Sony.

As is previously mentioned, the Sony is a very detailed in the sense of timbral accuracy. While I refrain from using the Stereophile guide to musical (golden eared) terms, I will say that this player is somewhat analytical in the sense that it scrapes everything (good and bad) off a CD.

With that said, i'm hoping the opamp modification, will lead to improved micro/macrodynamics, a quieter noise floor, and my main concern, unparalled timbral accuracy balanced with an accurate soundstage.

My upgrades which will be phased in over weeks/months are:

Townshend MKII seismic sink
PowerCord replacement.
Replace OpAmps
Replace internal OFC wires
LC Audio timing clock. (I'm still debating this one. I'm searching for hard evidence on this modification)

The replacement of the OpAmps is the only widely accepted and documented way of improving benchmarks for a CD player. The other additions, are subjective in nature. For background, I prefer hard science over golden ears, however, I am willing to experiment from both sides of the tracks.

I'll be posting my results periodically.

-ben

Ben, what I mean by extended treble is the shimmer of a cymbal. I did not hear this with the XA50ES in my system. I have heard it with the Krell 300CD, Theta Miles, and Resolution CD50 to name a few. The treble seemed to be somewhat recessed in my system. However having said that, my friend, whom I sold my XA50ES says, in his system, this is not the case. Some sort of system matching, must be in to play here. Anyway, he is not sure if he likes the player either, for different reasons, and may put it up for sale. If anyone is interested in a practically brand new XA50ES let me know.

Regardless what system the Sony XA50ES is used with it will not have extended treble. It will be very warm sounding. This is the Sonic signature of this CD player. The big boys all have detailed extended treble. This is missing on this player. So you pay less and you get less. Still not a bad player for $900, that I Paid. For me, I have sold it and moving on.

Bild like a tank,sound good,after modification with LC-clock XO + some MKP's in the analoge part,there is nothing beter at any price.

slow bass before mod.treble before mod

I never liked Sony,then there was the 50ES.
I've tryed every cd player in the country,not one sounded like the sony with mods.
so i get one and led modified it,and i'm happy

Similar Products Used:

Krell,ML,Wadia,Denon,Linn.

Strengths:
building quality

before have modified the player:the treble

this cd-player is modified with lc-clock XO and an external powersuply.After this
the player has been compared with EMC-1 and Conrad Jonhson(who costs a few
dollar more).
Listen your self and be amazed.
Mail me and i"ll tell you more.

First, I must say that this is indeed a serious CD player. The build quality is good, and it certainly is NOT a mid-fi piece of junk by any stretch of the imagination.
In my system, however, this player didn't do the business. I found it to be shimmery, a little cold sounding. The sound is very clear and transparent, though and I could certainly see someone falling in love with this player. I do, however feel that it is a bit over priced. The bass is really pretty weak for a player in this pice range, when compared, for example, to the Rega Planet.

Another good comparison to this player is the Pioneer Elite PD-65. The sound was similar... bright, clear, sweet... but the articulation and bass was better, as well as the build quality. The pioneer made a better transport, too.
I think it's probably a better value for the money.

Still, the sony is a worthwhile player, just not a personal favorite. i returned it.