Sony ES Series Super Audio CD Player With HDMI Output - SCD-XA5400ES

Comments about Sony ES Series Super Audio CD Player With HDMI Output:

I purchased the 9000 version (previous model) in 2004. Although the 5400 is not as mechanically solid as the 9000, it is a superb SACD player/DAC and additionally oversamples 16-bit 44.1kHz CD to DSD like 2.8Msps 1-bit so that CD's sound almost as good as SACD. It is superbly well constructed with a smooth transport and looks great. It gives high-end audiophile player/DAC's a very good run for the money; typically such may cost 2 or even 3 times more. This new model has relpaced the iLink IEEE 1394 port with HDMI, which is more accepted.

Comments about Sony ES Series Super Audio CD Player With HDMI Output:

When I first hear SACD sound back in 2001, I was immediately struck with its sense of realism and warmth. Every iteration of technology advance in the improvement of SACD sound serves to reaffirm and strengthen that initial impression. This new player is a joy to hear and use. Setup could not be simpler, the construction, fit and finish are superb, and the sound is such that it is easy to forget that one is listening to recorded - as opposed to live - music. Highly recommended!

Comments about Sony ES Series Super Audio CD Player With HDMI Output:

Some of the best rated CD players, according to audio magazines, can cost upwards of $5,000 or more. Who has that kind of money to spend today? After researching CD players for a long long time I came across two great reviews of the 5400 that recommended the product very highly. I changed my Marantz 503 for this model and the change in sound was immediate to notice.

The first CD that I put on was Charles Mingus Ah-Um on SACD. Although recorded a long long time ago the music sounded vibrant and fresh but I also noticed that the it was softer more like an analog recording. Next on the play list was Stevie Ray's "Couldn't Stand the Weather" also on SACD. While most would think that a trio power groups sound could not get better they should take a listen to this CD. I heard things that I had never heard before and again there was great depth and dynamic range.

I highly recommend this CD player it's a great model and is a value at this price. I would easily stack this up against a Marantz Reference series or the Ayre 5 which is $6K