Modded Sony SCD- XA77ES Flagship SACD Player

If I had the extra cash and didn't already have the factory unmodded version of this player I would buy it myself. You will never experience redbook listening fatigue with this player. My unmodded unit sounds wonderful so I can't imagine how much better the modded unit sounds.

Thought I would share this with anyone who might be looking for a player.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3072008169&category=3272

All the best,

Gary

 

Nothing to do with the seller, but I was just reading the feedback on the current high bidder, and the guy he bought from. Wow.

 

I also have a stock XA777ES and can vouch for it's excellent sound, and I can only imagine how great a modded one would sound. This could be an excellent deal for someone.





Ed Hurdle
HeavyDistortion

 

Hi Gary,

Thanks.... we'll see how long i'm high bidder for!

Take care,
Jeffrey

 

Jeffrey,
Did you happen to ask him what the 4 included SACD titles are?

Good luck, hope you get it. Wish I had some extra cash.

 

I have a modified XA777ES.

I would ask exactly which Audiomod changes have been made. Richard Kern is very professional in his work and uses top parts. The Superclock II and separate power supply is an excellent mod, but if what has been done is just the Superclock I, I'd regard the item less favourably. Changing the caps on the audio board to Blackgates and the resistors to Vishays are recommended, so it would be good to get the complete lowdown. Some report further improvements with changing the caps in the power supply. I'd write to the seller and ask for a copy of the mod sheet.

There is a difference between someone whose modifications consist of changing parts to someone who actually modifies circuits. More of the former than the latter.

 

You can check here to estimate what kind of mod has been done.

http://www.referenceaudiomods.com/M...=PROD&Product_Code=XA777ES&Category_Code=MODS

He claimed it cost him $1200, would it include superclock II?

 

I'm somewhat skeptical. Superclock II + PS installed is over $700. Richard's labour to install BlackGates would be $400+ so that does not leave much money for the actual caps. He claims $1200 worth of work but doesn't mention the clock change. I bet if he had had it done, he would say so - it's a lot of money for the parts.

jnr on AA had his SCD-777ES modified by Richard:

jnr doesn't mention output stage mods, whereas the eBay listing does.

Jeffrey, email this bloke and get the good oil mate.

 

From what he replied, I feel he's kinda false advertising.

Hi: the work was done by a Sony tech, hence the player looks stock. I'm the
second owner ...here's what I know: output stages on each channel,
blackgates, headphone stage as well as some upgrades in point to point
wiring. Not all the work is standard Audiomod ...as the person was a Sony
Tech, he knew what he was doing, and brought some of the isolation up to
SCD-1 specs.

We tested this vs. an SCD-1 and the modded XA was definately better on
Redbook. I've owned a previous Richard Kern Modded 777ES and SCD-1 and this
is the best sounding of the lot. Sorry, I don't have more to tell you ...if
you could hear it you would be able to tell that it is far superior to
stock, especially Redbook, which is now less grainy. (you don't need a DAC).
Hope this helps, regards, Lorne

This machine is not mod by audiomod and he's not the original owner. He only mentioned "he purchased it in August 2003, and it's in like-new", which leads buyers think the player is less than 6 months old. Anyway, I didn't jump on it. I would've bid over $2000 if it's $1200 mod by audiomod with superclock II.

 

Hi Geoff & Raxel,

I agree that there were a lot of questions that needed to be answered before placing a large bid. The details of the mod were critical and the second owner thing was also concerning and should've been revealed! While this may be an excellent sounding player, the more i heard the more i didn't wanna increase my original $1,700 bid!

BTW, Geoff.... i'm gonna have Alex P. do his latest and greatest mod on my SACD 1000. Gonna send the player and money to him this weekend.

Thanks for the help,
Jeffrey

 

Your machine will be in good hands. I'm looking forward to reading your report.