Hi-Rez Highway: REVIEW: Sony SCD777ES SACD Player by MVA

Model:	SCD777ES
Category:	SACD Player
Suggested Retail Price:	$3500
Description:	Combination SACD + CD player
Manufacturer URL:	Sony
Model Picture:	View

Review by MVA on February 08, 2004 at 18:47:40
IP Address: 134.215.219.205

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The following is a review of the Sony SCD777 with what I will call the MAX mod from Richard Kern. I have had the Sony for about 9 months. It had the powersupply, audio board and Superclock1 mod already installed by the previous owner. I recently had the Transport, I/V opamp, Superclock2 and silver output transformers installed by Richard. The workmanship of the modifications is superb and placement of the upgrade components well thought out and logical. Now for the sound.

Day1) Received the unit midafternoon Friday, hooked it up, popped in my breakin cd, System Enhancer by Purist Audio, and looped it through twice. I played a couple of soundtracks through and casually listened popping in and out of the room as it was settling in. First impressions were of greater inner detail from the deepest bass to the highest treble, definate increase in air and an overall increase of you are there with the performers. Around 7 that evening a couple of friends came by and the listening began in earnest. We listened to a wide range of material including both CD and SACD for the next 5 hours transfixed. Every aspect was improved, dynamics(both macro and micro), bass not really any deeper but more tuneful and detailed, the midrange is rich but utterly tansparent like looking through an open window. Strings could be at once sweet yet biting, not strident. The bowed bass, from Jacintha is My Name Don't Smoke in Bed, groweled into the room like a nasty cat on the prowl. The treble has come alive with instuments floating in air and a naturalness seldom heard. As the night progressed the system continued to improve.

Day2) Time to focus on large scale pieces. I love sountracks and a number are well recorded. My current favorite is Last Samauri by Hans Zimmer. In certain systems this can sound confused and a bit hard, but when you hear it through the Sony it sounds magnificent. Cut 9 you can actualy visualize what must have happened.About a minute in you hear voices rallying and with the Sony you can distinguish the many voices not just getting louder, but the many individuals involved. You can see and feel the charge across the open field through an artillery barrage. I have listened to this many times, but it felt like the first, the hair still stands up thinking about it.

Day3) Sunday morning classical. Well it had been in the house long enough it was time to pop the hood. I took the top off and checked out the work, as I said earlier first rate. While it was off I remembered a recent thread about seperating the shielded cables connecting the digital and analog pcbs, an absolute must resulting an even greater amount of air and resolution. After putting back together we threw on Diana Krall Live in Paris cut 11. Between the piano and Dianas voice we were captivated. You could clearly hear the soundboard and pedals. We were clearly hearing, or maybe a better word would be comprehending, all the information of everything we listened to. I am now comparing SACD vs CD on the hybrids I have. SACDs are now even more evident primarily due to increased air and resolution very much akin to what you hear with great vinyl.

Well I have rambled long enough for now but I would like to add one recommendation. The Sony loves the Kimber PK 10 Paladium,try it you'll like it.

Mark

Product Weakness: None so far
Product Strengths: Making music that can take you into the performance. Outstanding from the deepest bass to the highest treble.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Mod. Boulder 205AE Monos and Bryston PB300 on bass
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Custom tube, with TVC
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony SCD777ES
Speakers:	Custom 4 piece sytem
Cables/Interconnects:	Silver
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Pop/Rock, Jazz, Classical,Soundtracks
Room Size (LxWxH):	26 x 12 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	DIY RPG diffusor/ bass trap
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 days
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	DIY Balanced power conditioner
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	None so far
Product Strengths:	Making music that can take you into the performance. Outstanding from the deepest bass to the highest treble.