Hi-Rez Highway: REVIEW: Sony CE 775 CD Player/Recorder by TimB5881

Model:	CE 775
Category:	CD Player/Recorder
Suggested Retail Price:	$349.00
Description:	5 Disc carousel sacd/cd player
Manufacturer URL:	Sony
Manufacturer URL:	Sony

Review by TimB5881 ( A ) on May 04, 2003 at 18:11:07
IP Address: 172.143.190.66

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I have been using my SCD-CE775 now for almost 2 years, and I still marvel at it. Many people have them modified, which is reasonable considering the price (Usually around $199 new). I have so far decided not to have any mod's performed on mine, as of now, no more are availble, and the other affordables are not as good. This unit is a 5 disc set up, onl;y optical out (red book only) and is stereo and multi channel.
I now have about 150 SACD's in my library, so I can say with some integrity that it plays well with all that I have tried. The first thing that jumps out at you is the bass extension and slam for such an inexpensive player (cd or other wise). With cd and sacd's, I was neve wanting for bass or control of it. After that, I really noticed that on sacd's, that it really was non fatigueing to listen to. No glare or strange pasing artifacts to make you want to stop listening, like so many cd players in the past have done. The performance was so satisfying, that after a lenghty comparison to my MSB Link DAC with upsample and P1000 power base, I only use the SCD-CE775 for cd's, and have sold the MSB outfit.
I have yet (even after 2 yaers) to try multi channel. Most of the disc's I have are 2 channel.
Now, I am an analog type of guy, but I just picked up some Peter Gabrial SACD's, and I will admit, I am very impressed both them, and the Sony on play back. While not be selling my analog rig (SACD is close but not there yet), I did feel the Garial SACD's made redo comparison's many times before I was sure if sacd or analog was better (analog still is!). The sound stage was great, and no digital artifacts to mess up things. Spacious and deep, with great bass, smooth treble and great PRAT!
Some of ther other SACD's have been less than stellar, but always better than any cd counter part. Another stand out is Santana's Abraxas, the SACD is better than my MoFi gold disc, and does get very close to my better analog lp copy's. The opening chimes is stunning, feels like you are there.

Product Weakness: None for the money
Product Strengths: Great for money

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	A3cr
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	ARC LS7
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Linn LP12, Rega P25, Philips CDR950
Speakers:	Infinity Interlude 50 and Intermezzo 2.6
Cables/Interconnects:	Monster, AudioQuest, Sonic Horizon
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Pop rock and Blues
Room Size (LxWxH):	12 x 14 x 9
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 years
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	None for the money
Product Strengths:	Great for money