this unit just keeps getting better. it also has four different modes to suit any taste.

none for the money.

right out of the box, this unit was alright, but it seems to get better even after two months. now this is one of the best cd players i've heard for the money. cables do matter, cause at first i used monster(okay), then i switched to audioquest coral (got better), now i'm using cardas cross (great). the cardas seems to smooth out the bright highs i was previously experiencing.

Sound and build quality

Heavy, slow initialization

It's here and on line. Took it home at lunch and plugged it into my system. Came with Sony SACD sampler and Telarc SACD sampler. Played the sony sampler. 1st cut is orchestral jazz with Wynton Marsalis, didn't sound too good. Skipped to track 10, Weather Report, Birdland...WOW! Played it twice. Much more soundstage depth, more sustain, individual instruments have more individual sonic character. There are more complex tonalities to the keyboards. Sounds I never heard before and all this out of a dead cold machine. Left it on repeat for the afternoon and I guess I will tonight. Will have to get another Billy Bags rack. Have to have a slot for a DVD/DVD-A machine and a place for my Rega 2. Would still like to have a Rega 25 with a Grado Platinum. Must get second job to support hobby. The MACHINE looks and sounds awesome now; can't wait for total burn in.

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Mark Levinson #37 and #36S

Sounds better than LPs

Limited software

The poor man's version of the Sony SCD-1 is anything but.
Sonically equal to the SCD-1, the SCD-777ES is just as musical as the former in terms of soundstage, imaging and
bass reproduction. When I auditioned both machines, I noticed the ES version was a little smoother thus more forgiving. Would I prefer the SCD-1? Of course, but with
the limited supply of discs and being a first generation
SACD player, I thought it would serve me better to own one
while it may still evolve. It's got a pretty good CD section
which is a surprise because some reviewers are bashing this
mode. I think it's fair to say having one while watching
DVD-A undecided what to do next gives me real enjoyment of
this new format. I think it's superior to PCM based technology and I hope it wins in the format war.

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SCD-1

Adds the missing dimension to what you have been listening to.

Limited selections presently available in SACD format.

The music comes alive !

You don't know what you've been missing until you hear SACD. The sound stage is broad, detailed, deep and articulate. Instruments sound natural and much more pleasing than ever before. I have a Denon AVR5700 with Monitor Audio Silver 9's to accompany the new player.

I would go as far as to say that previously I was only listening to two dimensions of music. With SACD, another has been added. Very satisified with the purchase...

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None ...

The music.

I can not reprogram song selection once the program has started.

Ok, where do I start. My system consists of a home brew preamp, a Parasound power amp, Legacy Whispers and LF Extreme tied together with PCOCC cables. Way revealing stuff.

The player out of the box does sound rather bright. You've gotta admit, it does look sexy as all get out so I gave it a chance. After burn in I still wasn't quite sold on the unit so the audio geek in me went searching for mods. Anyhow, I contacted Richard Kern of Audiomod.com to see what he could do for me. Richard said that my complaint was quite common and that he could fix it. He modified the analog output section of my player with Black Gate caps, polypropylene caps and replaced all carbon resistors. Basically all the bad stuff in the signal path. After a long burn in of about 200 hours I have to say that the Levinsons and Krells of the world will not be bought for my system. Other than audio geek name dropping, save your money. Unless you need something to show off your manhood, buy one of these units and have Richard do his magic. Besides, you can still go out and buy a Corvette.

I won't go into the soundstage, bass, highs and all that BS. It just plain kick ass in a big way. SACD or CD you ask? I have about 35 SACDs. Big deal. Some sound very good and some aren't worth the price of admission. Mainly the Sonys. 9 out of 11 are no better than good CD sound. If that good. Yes, SACDs generally do sound better but I am much more impressed with how much better my current CD collection sounds. Now a disc will really have to be outstanding for me to replace it with an SACD equivalent. OK, I sold out and got my what, 7th version, of Kind of Blue even if it is a Sony. DO buy this disc. If you have a problem with it, feel free to email me or come and visit me and my family.

In closing I have to say that I feel that my value was returned in spades just in the increased resolution of my current CD catalog. I say run to ebay and snatch one of these babies up even if used. Have Richard modify it and blow your cool Krell bud's minds with how much you got for how little. It IS indeed and exciting time to be an audiophile.

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Many. I am here to speak of this fine product; not trash other fine products.

Superb Build, Dynamic Soundstage & Tight Bass Response SACD! & Superb CD Playback

Slow Load T.O.C Time Loading, Heavy Needs Large Strong Shelf Space Not multi-channel capable

The scd-777es has been my Reference SACD player since feb 2000. It has not been equalled since. The sonics it unleashes are stunning. Then try SACD's such as Blood Sweat & Tears & the Incredible Tower of Power Live! & it makes upsampling lame in comparsion. Standard Jazz Cd's such as Endless Miles(M. Davis Tribute) is nearly Equally compelling. It's slow load time has now been corrected on newer sacd players but not bettered in sonics, except by the costlier SCD-1 & the Ultra expensive Marantz SA-1. Stay away from sacd changers they have noisy transports and are plasticy in feel. The SCD-777es has so many sonic fingerprints that each disc is presented warts & All, but it's four Filter settings can change all that if necessary. The standard filter setting measures best with strong dynamics.I purchased it back when it retailed at $3500 & it has since been available for far less on the net.
This player is Audiophile Proof! FRF DHVCD 2001.

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Marantz SA-1, SA-14,

Sound, build quality

Slow initialisation of disk. SACD's scarce and costly

One of the most sweet and open cd players of heard, and thats on regular cd mode. still find it hard to believe the amount of detail it can pick up from a cd. Love the tank like build. excellent weighted bass, but when new, treble can sound a tad harsh. so please allow to break in before making a decision to dismiss this player.

if only sacd's were available in the local record store, this would be one of the best players around. i love it!!!

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Naim cd5

vivid sound, great treble, fantastic build, the best CD Player that i have less than 3000$

Not to much, only the poor distribution of SACD Software on my Country

Finally, i can feel the music like they ever be done; like vinyl sound. I purchase this player at the begin og March 2001, and i have to agree with my brother:this is a suberb CD and SACD. I only need to change the supply cable, by a Mainstream Van Den Hull to guarantee a good supply. before this player, i had a Mark Levinson nº39, but it dont have the strench of my new Sony. For a BIG AND CRYSTAL SOUND, I HAVE NO DOUBT TO RECOMMEND THIS SCD-777ES.
My System:
Sonic Frontiers Power 3 Monoblocs
Sonic Frontiers Line 2 Pre-Amp
Dunlavy SC-IV
Sony SCD-777ES
Van Den Hul MAINSTREAM Supply Cable(3 cables)
Van Den Hul The First Ultimate
Van Den Hul Gold MC
Van Den Hul Revelation 3x2mts
FIVE STARS

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Meridien 508.24, Linn Ekimi, Nain CDX

I wrote the best CD Player at 3000$ but is the BEST AT 5000$
Good Auditions

Modified (see review below) Strong warm bass, smooth treble, wide and deep sound stage. Clarity and detail only
the best cd playback can match.

None, once the set is modified.

This is an update to my earlier review. I bought a SCD-777es
from Oade Brothers after I returned the demo SCD-777es I
bought from Sony Only. The second sony sounded smoother, but
it still had a bright and forward treble. After I ran the
sony for a couple of weeks to make sure it worked OK, I
decided to modify the unit. I ordered a service manual
from sony service and replaced all of the 1/2 watt carbon
resistors and cheap polystyrenes in the audio amplifier
and low pass filter section, located on the audio board.
I used Caddock and Vishay resistors and REL polystyrenes.
The same tolerances in parts and values were used.
The forward and bright treble is gone and the clarity and
detail is supurb. $250 for parts. Anyone who owns this
machine or the SCD-1 (it uses the same audio board) should
have this modification done. At this point in time the sony
is within shouting distance from my Wadia. This modification
affects both SACD and CD playback. Do not attempt this if
you have no electronic background or soldering skills.

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Wadia 860x