Sony's new Top of the line SACD player:

Sony SCD-XA5400ES ES Series SACD and CD Audio Player with HDMI Output in Home CD Players at JR.com

I'd provide better links, but work filter is killing me.

I'll bet it's bright and horrible.

New SACD player from Sony? They said they'd be stopping SACD hardware production

SCD-DR1

Yeah, but you need a baransudodejitaru-compatible system for that one.

New SACD player from Sony? They said they'd be stopping SACD hardware production

It appears they lied.

I think what's special about this one is that it transmits DSD over HDMI, but can't seem to find corroboration.

So basically useless to two channel audiophiles...

I wouldn't go that far -- I happen to like Sony's implementation of DSD. Sony Insider reports:

According to Sony Japan’s press release, the DSD multi-level filter, D/A converter system, and Super Audio D/A converter technology are the best Sony has produced to date. A twin R-core transformer and D/A system that is independent of the general processing chipset allow a truly clean signal output that should offer nearly zero distortion.

Anyone read Japanese?

This model also features a pair of balanced output!

Sony Unexpectedly Releases Super Audio CD Reciever - SCD-XA5400ES | Sony Insider (beta)

Anyone read Japanese?

Yes, and the Sony Insider report just about covers all the pertinent information that I can find on the Japanese Sony page.

I wonder if it's just a balanced version of the 9100es. Not a bad thing really just seems like a strange time. Why not do a pricey ES line blu-ray/sacd player?

Why not just do uncompressed PCM on Blu-ray and leave it at that? BD-A FTW!

The SCD-DR1 looks interesting... I wonder if any of that technology will trickle down to consumer players in the next 10 years.

Why not do a pricey ES line blu-ray/sacd player?

They're doing one of each instead.

BDP-S5000ES

Seems to be the trend. Pioneer have a new uber-BR player with a ridiculous analog section that is not going to do SACD or DVD-A either.

BDP-09FD analog section

AC Switch and Filter (Dedicated Board)

Toroidal Transformer (Dedicated Board)

Custom Analog Power Supply containing Pioneer Custom Made Caps (Dedicated Board)

Analog Audio Board consisting of 8 Wolfson 8740 DACs running in Dual (Differential) mode. The diffential mode of these DACs work on the same premise as Balanced outputs by inverting the audio signal 180 degrees out of phase and then comparing the two signals at the end to eliminate any external noise from entering the audio path. This mode also increases SNR by 3db. (Dedicated board on black glass PCB board (instead of pressed paper PCB))

8 Gold Plated RCA Analog Outputs

so other than kevin gilmore, has anyone else heard the xa-5400? I remember him saying people were pretty impressed with it, but a google search yields very little in terms of impressions or reviews. any help?

Looks like not, and Kevin is just skipping our questions in the other thread...

I'm still trying to figure out who the hell sells the damn thing online.

I'm still trying to figure out who the hell sells the damn thing online.

Here you go (okay, so no technically online, but close enough).

AudiogoN ForSale: Sony scd-xa5400es Audiophile SACd

I've unfortunately reconsidered buying this as I've come to my senses and decided I can spend my money better on my house/upcoming wedding.

Edited February 8, 200917 yr by Salt Peanuts

Here you go (okay, so no technically online, but close enough).

AudiogoN ForSale: Sony scd-xa5400es Audiophile SACd

I've unfortunately reconsidered buying this as I've come to my senses and decided I can spend my money better on my house/upcoming wedding.

I know, I know, but I like the Duet just fine and $1200 I could spend on the player would go a long way toward things like getting insulated windows, a new stove for the kitchen, etc.

winter is almost over. Hang in there.

I really love mine. Don't know what to say other than that. Better than

the krell sacd standard. 2 channel balanced output. hdmi output.

Don't know about the super expensive sony piece other than it does NOT have

hdmi. Does not even have balanced. More of sony's unplugged fly by wire approach

to management.

Edited February 8, 200917 yr by kevin gilmore

You've tried the analog outputs, not just the HDMI, right?

I've got no theater plans with sony receivers, just headphone amp/speaker amp usage.

i'll be ordering one and the lowest price is $1050 w/ free shipping

Unfortunately the Krell SACD Standard I bought has too many problems

- unreliable in detecting SACD layers on the first, second, or third try

- digital filter select buttons do not work

- can't go to previous tracks (back button will only restart current track)

- annoying high freq noise in standby mode

I'm going to try to get it fixed but my expectations are very low

You've tried the analog outputs, not just the HDMI, right?

That is all that is hooked up now. Don't have the balanced processor/preamp yet.

(vaporware)

Man, that sucks about your Krell, Justin. Hope you have better luck with your new Sony.