[vwap]

Hey All,

I have the Sony SCD-CE775 player ... while I like the redbook playback and think it's pretty good, I haven't had much to compare SACD playback with. Nonetheless, I'm wondering what everyone else that's demo'd the unit, own the unit, or heard it otherwise, what they think of the redbook playback and the SACD playback.

Now, my next question is, by sending my CE775 to SACDmods.com to get it modded, is it worth it? I know there'll be varying opinions on this, as there is with everything, but for a $150 player [at the time I got it], is it worth throwing another $400+ at it, or should I save that up and buy a better source later?

I asked Matthew Anker [SACDmods.com modder] as to what levels it might reach post-modding, and this is what he had to say: "555ES+ It sounds as good as the 555ES on CD, and a little better on SACD. Better than the 222ES easily." Seeing as a 222ES can be had for as little as $300-$350, and a 555ES for about $500-$550, I'm looking for recommendations as to whether or not it's worth it to throw ~$550 at the CE775 to make it around 555ES+ level.

For reference, my setup is currently Sony SCD-CE775 --> Headroom Cosmic --> Sennheiser HD600/Cardas, with a crappy Monster Cable interconnect as I look for something good that'll fit in my Cosmic.

Thanks all for any suggestions!

 

[andrzejpw]

Hmmm, this is a tough one. Personally, I wouldn't go for the mods. Why mod yours when you can get the same sound, without voiding your warranty? Right now, the resale value on your ce775 should be quite high, since its in high demand. To be honest, what do you think you could resell for a higher value one day, a sony 555 or a modded 775? Outside of the audio community, mods will be of no use to a buyer. Remember, theres that warranty thing as well. . .

 

[radrd]

It's a little weird that Matt would liken the modded CD sound of the CE775 to the 555ES on redbook. IIRC, several people around here have preferred the unmodded CE775 on redbook to the 555ES. I would expect a modded CE775 to be better than the 555ES on redbook. Is it possible that the mods actually make the redbook of the CE775 worse?

 

[darkclouds]

I thought i saw a 775 on audiogon auction go for a little over $200. Add that to your $400+ and you can get the 555ES, which is better built, physically. The resale of the 555ES should be better than a modded 775. Plus you can always get the 555ES modded later on.

 

[darkclouds]

By the way, the redbook on the 555ES IS better than the CE775, IMO of course.

 

[vwap]

Would anybody happen to know what the heirarchy is for Sony's numbering?

Mainly, where does everything stack up between the 222, 333, 555, 777, 999, etc... Is it fairly linear, or is there something I'm missing?

Thanks!

 

[darkclouds]

It's as you have stated except the 999 is of a newer series, replacing the 9000.

 

[vwap]

Hey Dark.. thanks for all your replies! They've been a lot of help!

Anyhow, I've noticed that most people here either have the C333ES or the C777ES... with very few owning the C222ES or the C555ES... any idea why that is?

And between the various models, which one do you think provides the most bang for the buck? I think the C777ES is _way_ out of my range ... but the 555, 333, and 222 are all at affordable prices...

THanks!

 

[darkclouds]

the 333ES is only 2 channel sacd, I believe. The 555 and 222 are newer models.

I think the best bang for the buck may be the 555 since you can get it for a little over 500 now. The 333 used (discontinued) will be above 300, and that is pretty close to the price of a new 555.

 

[andrzejpw]

The 333es was very popular(still is) because of its supposedly good redbook playback and SACD compatibility(I haven't heard it though). It was relatively cheap as well, so that was a factor. The 555es was a step above it. The reason the 555es/333es are more popular than the newer 222es is because of the less percieved value in the 222es. The 222es seems of lesser quality. It isn't built as well as the older models. Personally, the 555es sounds like a good choice, though I'd audition one.

Also, are you set on the sony players?