General Asylum: REVIEW: Sony SCD555ES (Euro) CD Player/Recorder by ykl

Comparisons were made in my system, against:
the existing Meridian 200/203 (1991 model) - no contest.
Naim CD5, which is in the same price range (and is rated Stereophile Class A when used with optional power supply, which I didn't).

Most of my comments below are with regards to using redbook CD, as I only have 2 SACDs.
A word of warning: the 555ES sounds terrible out of the box and I nearly sent it back immediately.

It has now had 4 weeks in my system, and is now sounding very stable and musical. The sound is warm, fluid and organic with very little in the way of digital nasties. Musical balance is nicely judged, with an equal mix of smoothness and good resolution.
The Sony 555ES easily matches the sound quality of the Naim, beating it on resolution & detail while losing out on the full bodied, punchy (but colored) Naim sound.
I would say that both players are the top contenders in this price range, but I plumped for the Sony because of the battleship build quality and SACD capability.
I won't claim that the Sony will match the Krells, Thetas and Wadias of this world, but it is undoubtedly a very, very good redbook CD player.
Finally, a word of caution though: those who enjoy their music with a good dose of digital edginess and hardness should probably stay away from this player.

ykl

REVIEW: Sony SCD555ES (Euro) CD Player/Recorder Review by ykl at Audio Asylum