need help on CD players!

[edwinaviles]

Hello. I was wondering if anyone could give me advice between these players.

Sony SCD-XA777ES

Arcam Diva CD92

Musical Fidelity A3CD

Basically, how does the redbook audio playback of the Sony compare to that of the Arcam and the MF? Is it worth the extra dough for the SACD playback if the redbook audio doesn't compare as well to the Arcam and the MF?

I have very little to go on with the Sony SCD-XA777ES other than this review at stereophile, but I rather read your opinions on the matter after all the other stuff I have read on this site
the past 2 weeks.

http://www.stereophile.com/showarchives.cgi?491

I plan on using the CD player with my HD600s connected to my Equinox cables. I snagged some cheap Cardas Golden Reference cables off of Audiogon as well. I will end up getting an amp a month later (next paycheck). I'm looking to build a very clean and neutral system with ahigh level of detail and depth.

Speaking of amps, I've looked at the Headmaster and Max for solid state and the ZOTL for tube amps.
Any other ideas for a good clean and neutral headphone amp as well?

Any advice will be very much appreciated.
Thanks a bunch.

 

[MacDEF]

The SACD playback on the Sony is *definitely* worth it, IMO -- it will blow away both of the others playing Redbook.

As for the Redbook playback of the Sony, I don't know how the 777 compares to the 333, but the 333 has received raves for its Redbook playback both here and in "pro" reviews. I believe Jude compared the 333 favorably to the MF (or was it the Rega?).

But in terms of Redbook, you're looking at three players that are all *great*!

 

[Dusty Chalk]

I've always been a fan of Musical Fidelity, but I've heard good things about SACD...don't know.