Hi-Rez Highway: REVIEW: Sony DVP-NS999ES SACD Player by Mattheww

Model:	DVP-NS999ES
Category:	SACD Player
Suggested Retail Price:	$1000
Description:	SACD/CD/DVD player
Manufacturer URL:	Sony
Manufacturer URL:	Sony

Review by Mattheww on November 11, 2003 at 14:13:07
IP Address: 68.59.228.43

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for the DVP-NS999ES

I just bought this player new for $750 from a dealer on Audiogon. This is my first time hearing the SACD format and I was blown away with the difference. With SACD's the normal CD grit and grime are cleared away and the music just seems to flow naturally. Each performer is more 3 dimensional, each in an exact spot and you can tell if they are closer to the front of the stage or farther back. The depth of the soundstage is unreal. The wall behind the speakers just disappear in a way I have never "seen" before. Enough of the gushing... Compared to my budget NAD C-540 the redbook playback is slightly better with the Sony. It's a bit more open and the imaging is slightly better with the performers being more defined and seperated. I would rate the redbook playback on the Sony equal to cd players in the $500-$750 range with the SACD playback clearly beating redbook with ease. I may try the Modwright level 1 mods for $250 after the player breaks in, but I really can't imagine it sounding much better....

Product Weakness: No DVD-A
Product Strengths: Price. SACD playback is superb. Redbook playback is equal to similarly priced cd players.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Unison Research Unico
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	n/a
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony DVP-NS999ES
Speakers:	Von Schweikert VR-1's & VRS/1 sub
Cables/Interconnects:	Signal Cable
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Vocal/Jazz/Country/Rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	24 x 14 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2-3 hours
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	No DVD-A
Product Strengths:	Price. SACD playback is superb. Redbook playback is equal to similarly priced cd players.