SONY SCD-1 or My Search for SACD Nirvana

what is your price range?

the sony SCD-1 is an older model and there are others that have been released after the SCD-1 that perform better. what do you mean by being in the same class? do you want top of the line SACD playback?

The Sony SCD-1 is a tank for sure. I am not sure but I believe the SCD-777ES might have similar parts and quality (except for chassis) as the SCD-1. The SCD-77ES would be much cheaper to buy on the used market.

I bought an SCD-1 to fool around with for awhile with a Gilmore V2 and Grado HP-1000 and I only had one SACD disc-Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon. The SCD-1 sounded very spacious and detailed but it lacked organic texture on all my redbook recordings. Plus, I didn't find much of a difference between the SACD of DSOtM and my MFSL gold version to warrant the switch to SACD. Redbook performance of all the Sonys I have heard is good but not fantastic.

If I were to buy a Sony, I would definitely check out the SCD-777ES and have the analog output stage modified with the savings over the SCD-1. If you are shipping these CD players keep in mind the SCD-1 is probably the heaviest source component I have seen-the thing must weigh about 50 pounds.

You may want to take a look at the Music Hall Maverick it uses the same transport as the SCD-1. I have the Maverick with level 1 mods from UnderwoodHiFi and couldn't be happier.

I'm pretty sure the SCD1 and SCD-777ES are the same players with the SCD1 having balanced outputs and the 777 does not. You can save about a grand on a used unit if you dont need the balanced outs by getting the 777.

These players are close,with a few exceptions.The SCD-1 has balanced outputs,supposedly better damping material,and the fifth foot.Now the biggest difference is the two encapsulated transformers.This would cost you $500 to upgrade a 7777es to SCD-1 status.Lets not forget the aesthetic differences,if you like the look of the SCD-1(which most people do).I 've heard both and did prefer the SCD-1.Oh,and the SCD-1 weighs 58 lbs.Gary.

If someone is going to give their opinion about the SCD-1 unit they should first state the listening conditions.

I own a modded SCD-1. I bought it used with the Audiocom Superclock II and the Superclock II power supply already installed. I have the SCD-1's back panel switch in the custom mode (This enables you to listen to wider range of frequency...perhaps most people have not experienced this setting...it sounds 3-5% better than the standard setting). I've replaced the powercord with a PS Audio Statement PC and feed it with a PS Audio P300 pre-conditioned with a UO. PC, IEC sockets, and terminals were treated with Caig Progold. The SCD-1 sits on a 200 lbs rack/isolation platform. Cardas nautilus caps protect the unused XLR and digital out terminals. SACD's played on the unit have been treated with mikro-smooth, walker vivid, cut on an audio desk lathe and blackened, and then treated with a Bedini dual beam clarifier. The end result is fantastic.

I don't have the "works" in mods for the SCD-1, but what I have sounds amazing in my opinion. The sound is very detailed and revealing...so much so that a badly recorded SACD is near sonic torture. Reference recordings are so pleasurable to listen to. I rarely use the CD setting since SACD's sound so life-like. The 3D Soundstage is enormous with clear crisp separation of instruments and vocals. The background is blacker than black.

The negative side is that my ears have become very analytical. I rarely sit back and just listen to the music. Instead, my ears search fimilar recordings for any hint of something new.

I can concur, Brandon's system is remarkable. Quite quite remarkable. The Sony is a tank.

Thanks for the point of reference Brandon.Your system looks unbelievable and I am counting the days until my warranty runs out.Gary.

if you are willing to spend the money why not take a look at the Accuphase lineup? I'm quite happy with my DP-85.

They both use the exact same r-core transformers. The only difference being is the SCD-1 cases for them are resin sealed. This would be the only damping material that is different on the two players. Except for the feet,(one extra, plus different material) the cases and insides are the same. The SCD-777ES is 55lbs., three lbs. lighter than the SCD-1.
Guss2, Did you get to hear the players side by side? I would be interested to hear how much difference in sound the extra damping around the transformers makes. Were they both run Single ended? I would think the balanced output would make a bigger difference than the resin seal.
Jester, I've got to listen quite a bit to the SCD-1 at a friends house. It is very good, but it didn't blow me away like the Shanling CD-T200 with the Level one plus mods(4500.00) I heard. It had the mods done by www.underwoodhifi.com This was the closest I've come to sacd nirvana.

Hi Tom,
I did get to hear these side by side and only single ended(777es not balanced).These machines had similar tonal qualities,but the SCD-1 definitely had a better bottom end.Better bass slam and a bit more controlled,which I really like.I have to admit,I think I bought it more for it's looks than the improved sound,but I'm glad I did.Now that I'm deep into headphone listening,I can pair it with a Blockhead down the road if I choose to.The only reason I know about the price of the resin trannies is because one of the inmates at Audio Asylum(Methos)had his 777es upgraded and is very happy he did.I'll try and find the thread for you guys,but he says it's almost identical in sound to an SCD-1 now.I've had to have my SCD-1 repaired ,so I won't be doing upgrades until the day the warranty runs out.I haven't heard a modded unit,but they are supposed to be killer maxed out.Jester or anybody interested,there is a 777es on Ebay right now that is supposedly in emaculate condition.Gary.Here's the link:http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=WDVW

Not sure when Ebay added this option,but I would prefer a clandestine conversation.You don't want to show your hand to too many people,but that's just me.A fully modded SCD-1 or 777es is supposed to compete with the best out there,but this is not first hand knowledge.If you want to know more than you can digest visit Audio Asylum and use the search function.These guys are SACD freaks and very,very knowledgable.I would definitely keep an eye on this 777es.Ask the seller a few questions.Is it still under warranty?What's the manufacturers date on the back?If he bought it in the U.S.,the warranty will be five years from the date on the back of the machine.Get some close up pictures.This is no reserve,so you might get a killer deal,but be very sure before you pull the trigger.Haven't heard the Shanling,but there is lots of talk over at AA about it.Here's a link with comparisons of the SCD-1 and the 777es.Gary.
http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?...rs&r=&session=