[darkclouds]

Choices are:

Sony SCD-1

Sony SCD-777ES

Sony SCD-XA777ES

SACDMOD SCD-555ES

Shanling T-200


Keep in mind that money matters, as always (student budget). The higher the price, the longer the wait. Please list reasons for your choice.

This is not a frivolous post BTW. I'm planning to upgrade my source in 2-3 months; and I've narrowed my selection down to the above players. Also, with the mod, I can do it immediately if I wanted to, but to get the SCD-1, I'd definitely have to wait til september. What would you do?

 

[Matthew-Spaltro]

Sony SCD-XA777ES for me.

 

[pigmode]

Sony SCD-XA777ES, but only if I was going for the absolute truth mods. That said, mods are scary, but at least modwright will fix your modded player for parts cost only.

 

[ServinginEcuador]

I would have to say SACDMOD SCD-555ES for three reasons:

1. Extremely high band for your buck ratio. $600 CDP, $600 mods = very good sound for cheap. (According to MarkL and the others who own one modded by them.)

2. Higher resale potential. This is cheap enough to get now, mod now, and then sell later for less of a loss than any other CDP listed. Even used a SCD-1 is about $2500 or so, and in a year or two will be way less than that. At least this will only run $1200 and the resale will be at least 50% or higher.

3. Faster acqusition. You will have it a LOT sooner since it is cheaper. You can buy it now, listen to it until you can afford to get it modded, and then mod it to your hearts, and pocket book's, content when the time comes.

 

[darkclouds]

I forgot to mention that I'm running a 555ES currently. So modding it would only run me $600, by far the lowest cost to me.

I'm split between the xa777es vs the original 777es. I don't need multichannel, and by some accounts, the original and has a better transport. I also like the idea of a top loader.

 

[radrd]

If I were you, I would get your 555ES modded. From what I have read, none of those Sony players or even the Shanling have particularly amazing redbook unmodded. I bet that the modded 555ES redbook would smoke them all (or at least be close).

That's a lot of speculation, and I don't have anything to back it up with.

However, I do know that since you are a student, the money can probably go other places, and the modded 555ES seems to be a 1st class source, so just based on that, I would go for the mods if I were you.

 

[darkclouds]

Great advice radrd!

But you know how it is... you keep on dreaming!

I don't want to get the 555ES modded and wonder if the SCD-1 or 777ES would be better.

I'd like to get a consences here at headfi before I make my move.
As you've probably guessed... money shifts, from one place to another. The available amount does not change.

 

[Vertigo-1]

Quote:

Originally posted by ServinginEcuador 2. Higher resale potential. This is cheap enough to get now, mod now, and then sell later for less of a loss than any other CDP listed. Even used a SCD-1 is about $2500 or so, and in a year or two will be way less than that. At least this will only run $1200 and the resale will be at least 50% or higher.

From observing Audiogon, I've noticed modified players are harder to sell. It's something to keep in mind.

I'd probably shoot for the XA777ES if I had to choose among those. The SCD-1/777ES simply take way too long to load a disc.

 

[pigmode]

The chassis, DAC design/scheme, and power supplies on the XA777 are way superior to the 555. In an absolute sense, I doubt the modded 555 is in the same league as the modded 777.

 

[darkclouds]

The question is then, which is better, the xa777es (MC aside) or the original 777es? Or even the SCD-1?

The Shanling apparently have some QC problems, and that worries me, despite the way it looks.

 

[ServinginEcuador]

Removal of a thread question crap that just wasn't worth leaving here.

 

[darkclouds]

Guys, lets not let this get out of hand. I don't really care about the ease of modded units being able to sell. Although it would be really simple to get my 555ES modded. But I'd rather spend the money on getting a whole new unit. And my 555ES still have 4 years warranty left (unforturnately I bought it locally before the big price drop).

I need a one that will have the potential to last for quite sometime... I guess that would be a redbook unit with SACD capablilities, at least for me.

So far, that's the SCD-1 or 777ES. Although I'm not sure which 777ES. I'm not sure whether the new xa777es is better than the original or there's a compromise to get the MC. Like I said, I do feel that the top loading mechanism would serve as a better transport in future upgrades via an external DAC.

I'd love to opt for the T-200, but their QC is kinda iffy.

 

[pigmode]

They say the XA is spread more thin because it incorporate multi-channel, but I recall improvements in it over the ES in the DAC and the power supply. Of course, an XA is likely to have less hours on it as well.

 

[tom hankins]

What are the QC issues? I've never heard anyone who owns one say anything bad about the Shanlings. The CD T-200 makes beautiful music. I think you should check with other owners on the site about there Shanlings before making a decision. I read Gilmore had problems with his SCD-1. I've heard the modified Shanling 200 and it is much better on redbook than the sony scd-1. On SACD they both sound very good. I've also never had problems with my CD25 which I believe is a shanling product that is relabeled by Music Hall. All of that aside, If your on a budget I think the fastest and most noticable upgrade would be to get your 555 modified now, and and then save your money for one of the universal players by Krell or McCormack some where down the road.

 

[Gallaine]

I would choose the SACDMOD 555ES. Not because of price really, but covenience. The ability to listen to several hours of music without having to change discs is something I've come to find very difficult to give up when thinking about upgrading my source. I've heard, and read, many of the arguments against multi-disc transports. But given the reports of the excellent performance of the modded 555ES I'd go for it. Convenience and great sound - I'll take one

.

EDIT: Sorry, just read your post stating you are more interested in a new unit.