Gary has plunged into the SACD pool (shallow end!)

Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by Gary, Aug 12, 2002.

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  1. Gary

    Gary Nauga Gort! Staff Thread Starter

    Location:
    Toronto
    Well, folks, I finally found an offer that I could not refuse. :) I picked up, for an amazingly cheap price, a Sony 5 disc 775!

    It was $180.00 CAD or about $110.00 US. How can I refuse that?

    Here were my choices:

    775: $180.00 + tax
    333ES: $700.00, used 6 months. 5 disc carosel. No tax but it's 2 channel only.
    555ES: $1,000.00 + tax. 5 disc. Quite a big difference between the 775 and this one! That's about $600.00 US so prices in Canada are finally in line with the US! Last week they were $1,599.00.....

    I passed on the 333 because I wanted 5.1 for the future. The 775 will give me this!

    I have the option of getting my $ back from the store for the 775 and trading up to the 555ES. The guy will call me today to confirm availability. Then I'll make the decision of going for the 555ES or not.

    I realize that there would be a significant quality difference between the 775 and 555ES. But do I really want the 555ES? It does not have timing adjustments for the rear speakers. No one has raved about redbook playback for the 555ES like they have with the 777ES.

    Plus, as Sony is dominating the market, are these players a tad overpriced? Think about it - three months ago, the 555ES was $2,499.00. Now it's $1,000.00!?!? :eek: By the Fall, will they be $500.00???? Exactly how much was the build cost on these anyway? Sheeeesh!

    Well if they are, I'll get a 555ES for sure! ;)

    Besides, maybe, just maybe, the competition will come out with other players by then. What would the ES be worth then?

    And besides, I can always integrate the 775 into the house system at a later date.... (I have 1) a listening or reference system and 2) a house system with speakers in the living room, bedroom and kitchen.... yes, lots of wire!).

    How does my logic sound? Does anyone think I should spring for the 555ES anyway (I'm not exactly rich over here! :( ).

    PS: The 777ES is $2,499.00..... but they are very rare! Low stock.... I know Sony stores that have ordered some in and they are still waiting.... Now if the 777ES was $1,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D )
     
    Gary, Aug 12, 2002
    #1
  2. Khorn

    Khorn Dynagrunt Obversarian

    Location:
    North York (Toronto) Ontario, Canada
    Get the best sound that you can afford now! Forget about what you "may" need in the future. Why compromise you're enjoyment of music by agonizing over what may or may not be? If you do so you'll probably never enjoy anything as much as you could have. Music obviously is important to you or you wouldn't be here at this forum.

    Its great to ask advice from others and take advantage of their experience but ultimately its you that has to make the final decision and, what's more important, live with it.

    FWIW my attitude is always try and get the best I can see my way clear to get. It's always worked for me and that way I don't regret not doing something.

    BTW I've found out where the Naugas hide.
     
    Khorn, Aug 12, 2002
    #2
  3. Todd Fredericks

    Todd Fredericks Senior Member

    Location:
    A New Yorker
    I agree with Korn. At the end of the day, it's up to you to make a decision and to be happy with it. The CE775 is a fine machine (great price), the C555ES is a better machine (higher pricer), the XA777ES is a muchp better player (mucho higher price). It's your call...

    Todd
     
    Todd Fredericks, Aug 12, 2002
    #3
  4. Paul L.

    Paul L. New Member

    Location:
    Earth
    Congrats on that incredible price on the 775.

    Like everyone is saying, it's all a matter of how much an improvement is worth to you. It's not like the other machines are going to be 5 times better or 10 times better. They're undoubtedly going to be better though, no doubt about that. It's just the old dimishing returns thing.

    You've got the most performance for the money right now. If you've got the spare money, buy a more expensive one. If you don't want to spend more money, don't agonize over it--the 775 is excellent.

    And you can use the money you save in buying more music--the key to it all.
     
    Paul L., Aug 12, 2002
    #4
  5. HeavyDistortion

    HeavyDistortion Senior Member

    Location:
    Baltimore, MD
    Gary,

    I purchased a 555ES used (3 Months Old) several weeks ago, and in my opinion, it is excellent for redbook CD playback, and incredible for SACD playback. Also, I was very fortunate to get the player from a local seller for $500, plus close to $100 worth of SACDs, added to the deal. So as everyone else seems to have mentioned, buy the best that you can afford at the present time, and if you can afford the 555ES, go for it. Also, the player seems to sound better the more I play it. The seller said that he had about 100 hours of playing time on it, when I purchased it. I've added many hours of playing time since then, and it is sounding better all the time. The only reason that I lucked into mine, was because the seller was upgrading to a Sony's top of the line SACD player, which I believe is the SCD1, which he was getting a good deal on. If you look hard enough, you may find a good deal on Sony's discontinued SACD players.



    Good Luck,

    Ed Hurdle
    HeavyDistortion
     
    HeavyDistortion, Aug 12, 2002
    #5
  6. Gary

    Gary Nauga Gort! Staff Thread Starter

    Location:
    Toronto
    Thanks, all! At the very least, the 775 (if I keep it) will be a 'tide me over' machine until I get a better quality one So far no one has called me about the 555ES availability - and confirmed the price.

    The other thing is that an 'audiophile' machine should really be a single slot machine, nes ce pas? Rotating disc platters mean more electronics which.... degrades the sound somewhat. Even if the disc is not rotating. Sort of like those multi-spindle record palyers where one record drops on top of another.

    Well, OK, it's NOT that bad!

    So, considering the 5 disc challenge, with my limited funds, I'd shoot myself if the 777ES dropped to $1,000.00 and I had already spent that on the 555ES. So my plan is to keep the 775, watch closely for price drops on the 777ES and cross my fingers.

    I *may* have an ace in the hole. My cross-the-street neighbour used to work for JVC. He is fondly remembered by this stereo shop that I got the 775 from. They just *may* give me first crack at the 777ES *if* the price comes down and *if* there are any left at the warehouse.

    And I can still upgrade to something new and better at a later date!

    Oh, Steve? Steve Hoffman, are you reading this? You can release the CCR SACD's now. :D

    Sincerely,
    Gary
     
    Gary, Aug 12, 2002
    #6
  7. Gary

    Gary Nauga Gort! Staff Thread Starter

    Location:
    Toronto
    (PS: Oh, come on! THAT WAS FUNNY! It really was! Imagine *Gary* so distorted that he thinks Steve is waiting for *him* to give him the OK to release the CCR SACDs? How bizzare - and funny! Smile, will ya???)
     
    Gary, Aug 12, 2002
    #7
  8. Ken_McAlinden

    Ken_McAlinden MichiGort Staff

    Location:
    Livonia, MI
    Gary,
    I'm afraid the best you can hope for is that due to your post, someone has begun work in earnest on the SACD of the "Phantom of the Paradise" Soundtrack. I sure hope they get Paul Williams involved. :D

    Regards,
     
    Ken_McAlinden, Aug 12, 2002
    #8
  9. John B

    John B Once Blue Gort,<br>now just blue.

    Location:
    Toronto, Canada
    Congratulations Gary for taking the SACD plunge. When's the listening party? I'll bring pretzels, Petzi can bring the Pilsener and Dave can look after the tea. :cool:
     
    John B, Aug 12, 2002
    #9
  10. Gary

    Gary Nauga Gort! Staff Thread Starter

    Location:
    Toronto
    Ken, now you're talkin! Paul Williams in the listening room! Phantom - my ultimate SACD wish!
     
    Gary, Aug 12, 2002
    #10
  11. Beagle

    Beagle Senior Member

    Location:
    Ottawa
    Well Gary, it had to happen sooner or later, right?

    Now you can go search for the Sony SACD's at $30+ a pop Canadian :eek: But go get Kind Of Blue now. Did you get a SACD sample disc with your player?

    But test the waters with the Stones and CCR ones when they come out. I'm sure it will be quite refreshing.
     
    Beagle, Aug 12, 2002
    #11
  12. Dave

    Dave Esoteric Audio Research Specialist™

    Location:
    B.C.
    All right! Party at Gary's! Is the wife away on business? Get the BBQ fired up!:winkgrin: Congrats on the SACD plunge Gary.;)
     
    Dave, Aug 12, 2002
    #12
  13. Gary

    Gary Nauga Gort! Staff Thread Starter

    Location:
    Toronto
    Thanks, John! Think I should challenge Khorn CD player to CD player? :p

    So far, if your party list is correct, only Petzi is invited.... :D
     
    Gary, Aug 12, 2002
    #13
  14. John B

    John B Once Blue Gort,<br>now just blue.

    Location:
    Toronto, Canada
    Okay, I'll bring the dancing girls. Am I invited?
     
    John B, Aug 12, 2002
    #14
  15. Khorn

    Khorn Dynagrunt Obversarian

    Location:
    North York (Toronto) Ontario, Canada
    Might have a chance this weekend. Spoke to Tangent, I guess he will be getting in touch with you guys.
     
    Khorn, Aug 12, 2002
    #15
  16. Gary

    Gary Nauga Gort! Staff Thread Starter

    Location:
    Toronto
    You're in, John B!

    Khorn, if you see me tossing out the 775 from the car window as I am leaving, you'll know my true feelings of the test results..... On the other hand it's worth a few dinero towards a 555ES....

    Nope, no free CD with the player, Beagle.

    Funny, I am trying to get SACD's from my local small guy CD store but they are not coming in. Sigh, HMV, here I come!
     
    Gary, Aug 12, 2002
    #16
  17. Beagle

    Beagle Senior Member

    Location:
    Ottawa
    It takes a while. I have to special order mine, and it usually takes about a month. My Weather Report one took over three months! But it was worth the wait. Future Shop has some in stock, but the selection is limited to about ten titles including classical....and a Celine Dion "Best Of" :hurl:
     
    Beagle, Aug 12, 2002
    #17
  18. Paul Chang

    Paul Chang Forum Old Boy, Former Senior Member Has-Been

    Location:
    Vale of Sands, The Golden State
    What about me? I'll tip the dancers with the Canadian Tire coupons John B. promised to send me. :D
     
    Paul Chang, Aug 12, 2002
    #18
  19. Gary

    Gary Nauga Gort! Staff Thread Starter

    Location:
    Toronto
    Who?!? Why would they do this? Why? Why?:confused: What a waste! They could have done almost *anything* else....!!!!!!!!

    On the other hand, I can't see buying a stock CD 'best of...' from her at all. Yet she sells millions.....

    Paul, I don't think the dancing girls are gonna like you at all.... ;)
     
    Gary, Aug 12, 2002
    #19
  20. Paul Chang

    Paul Chang Forum Old Boy, Former Senior Member Has-Been

    Location:
    Vale of Sands, The Golden State
    Gary,

    I think you just want to have all the dancing girls for yourself. :mad: I'm so handsome that you wouldn't stand a chance even if you've got more CTC's. :rolleyes:
     
    Paul Chang, Aug 12, 2002
    #20
  21. John B

    John B Once Blue Gort,<br>now just blue.

    Location:
    Toronto, Canada
    With your good looks, you wouldn't even need to pay up the Canadian Tire money. So I better hang on to it a little longer. :angel:
     
    John B, Aug 12, 2002
    #21
  22. Dave

    Dave Esoteric Audio Research Specialist™

    Location:
    B.C.
    Hey Paul! I think the Easterns are snobbin' us!:D

    It's OK though. The dancing girls out here on the West Coast love Canadian Tire money and I've got a Cary dealer just 4 blocks away and a Classe' dealer 7 blocks away. I think that we could give the Gary/Khorn show a run for the money.:winkgrin:
     
    Dave, Aug 12, 2002
    #22
  23. Gary

    Gary Nauga Gort! Staff Thread Starter

    Location:
    Toronto
    Ohhhhhh - they take Canadian Tire money???? :D
     
    Gary, Aug 12, 2002
    #23
  24. Dave

    Dave Esoteric Audio Research Specialist™

    Location:
    B.C.
    After I learn hypnosis they do![​IMG]
     
    Dave, Aug 12, 2002
    #24
  25. Paul Chang

    Paul Chang Forum Old Boy, Former Senior Member Has-Been

    Location:
    Vale of Sands, The Golden State
    Dave,

    I thought you meant the said dealers have dancing girls working on their premises. Oh well, even if they don't, the girls will follow me around anyway. :love:

    John,

    You should really reconsider making the investment. :D And I prefer a different brand of CTC's (Canadian Toilet Coupons - the regular flow type). ;)
     
    Paul Chang, Aug 12, 2002
    #25
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