Post by duchski January 20, 2009 (1 of 9)
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Can anyone offer any feedback on this device quality?
I am trying to oRganize my 120 STRONG SACD collection and it seems that storing them in the changer would offer less possibility of damage and as we all know some of the discs are very difficult and expensive to replace...
I understand it offerS 5 x RCA line out, anyone can comment on the quality of used DACS and other audio components? Can this changer replace a good quality SACD player?
It is only going to be used for SACD playback (stereo and mch).....
Anyone?
Thanks in advance,
Steve in Chicago
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duchski said:
Can anyone offer any feedback on this device quality?
I am trying to oRganize my 120 STRONG SACD collection and it seems that storing them in the changer would offer less possibility of damage and as we all know some of the discs are very difficult and expensive to replace...
I understand it offerS 5 x RCA line out, anyone can comment on the quality of used DACS and other audio components? Can this changer replace a good quality SACD player?
It is only going to be used for SACD playback (stereo and mch).....
Anyone?
Thanks in advance,
Steve in Chicago
When I had my current house built and wired for multi room audio, I considered this changer. A dealer told me there were problems with some units scratching discs as they moved in and out of position for playback. Not wanting to chance damaging my discs, especailly the SACDs, some of which are no longer available and thus irreplaceable, I didn't buy it.
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Post by braver January 24, 2009 (3 of 9)
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I've had my 777 for almost 4 years now. I had other Sony 400 CD megachangers before, and none of those scratched the discs. Only in one case where I forgot to unload a few DVDs when moving, I had scary moments on tutning it on -- one got stuck and a few scratched a bit -- but upon disassembly, everything was mostly fine, and the scratches were merely cosmetic. Remember that the data layer is quite deep under the transparent plastic, you'd need real hard scratching to damage it beyond readability.
In my view, those sceptical about the megachangers are old-style audiophiles used to quadraphonic or regular LPs more than SACDs. You don't need a single-disc machine to enjoy the sound quality. The Sony's signal quality is awesome. The changer stores the SACD titles which you can view on a TV screen to pick the one you want.
The changer can be fine-tuned to position the discs. Observe the SACDs for a few days after you use it, mostly all first plays after changing. Make the very first one a CD you have a copy of, or a copy itself. Carefully examine the surface. If there's a fresh scratch, open the cover and adjust the reader bracket, or send it to a Sony service center to do it, on warranty or not.
Then enjoy years of convenience!
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Post by Beagle January 24, 2009 (4 of 9)
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I have had a DVPCX985V 400-disc jukebox since 2004 -- my first venture into sacd. It is still in use, as a kind of glorified 'jewel-box' holding most of my sacds. When I want to hear one, I dial its number and hit disc-eject, then lay the disc on the Shanling (I keep my CDs similarly in two other 400-disc Sony boxes). This process exposes the discs to less danger than the usual popping of plastic tabs inherent in jewel-box storage. --And when I'm 'slumming', i.e. doing other things and not really listening, I can play from the jukebox endlessly (I do this a lot in summer, listening through some cheap all-weather speakers while I garden: Shostakovich symphonies are great for inspired weeding!).
The sound from the Sony is distinctly less defined (is that an oxymoron?) than from the Shanling -- but it's still greatly superior to redbook CD.
I have heard Yamaha salesmen say Sony multi-disc changers "eat discs", and I have heard Sony salesmen say the same about Yamaha etc (ah, salesmen!). I had one incident years ago with a 5-disc Yamaha player, but it was my fault for forgetting one disc in the player when moving the machine; with a bit of patience and screwdrivers I got the disc out without a scratch.
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Post by braver January 24, 2009 (5 of 9)
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Beagle -- I've had the 985 prior to 777, and the 777 sound is better, IMHO. The 777 also has a control connection, and looks much more professional, too! :)
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duchski said:
Can anyone offer any feedback on this device quality?
Dear DUCHSKI,
A changer even a good one is a non Hi-Fi equip due the carroussel wheel or other mechanisms used to pick-up the discs, there is much vibration that shake the laser reading.
About protecting CDs and SACDs I recommend you do the Pilatus Method:
1 - Wash hands with glicerine soapbar before take hands on a CD, Vynil etc...
2 - After step 1 dress a pair of Elanca Gloves for handling a disc, DO NOT touch any disc with bare hands, the human skin always have alot of grease and dust.
3 - Buy afew pairs of your hand size gloves for spare, when you wash a used glover pair, you will have a clean pair for spare.
Elanca Gloves are the white gloves used by College bands or marching bands musicians. This care realy protect discs againts mould, dust and grease,
but if you are a Medical Doctor you may want use sterilized surgical gloves for keep the routine...
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Post by duchski January 26, 2009 (7 of 9)
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Thanks everyone. I was actually looking for some sound quality comments about the 777ES sepcifically. Is the sound quality comparable/on par with single disk players from Sony or universal players from everyone else?
Braver, what's your take on this? Any info on DSD treatment, audio line quality etc etc? I would be using this player with analog outs...
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Post by braver January 26, 2009 (8 of 9)
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Duchski -- I've only have had changers, a 6-disc one and then 400-disc ones, all by Sony. The quality is superb, but then again I'm not in the school of gold-plated anti-vibration German blue rubber rugs airlifting your media into nirvana for EUR 100 a pop. I noticed such a huge jump in quality from RBCD to SACD, that I believe you'd be hard pressed to hear the difference between players; however I'd be willing to try it. I think that the acoustics of the room and good big speakers make more difference once you have some SACD player than tweaking which kind of player. Then again, still have to try HDMI ones at some point in the future -- would need to get an HDMI amp too then. The 777 is analog.
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Post by eletourn January 27, 2009 (9 of 9)
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I have had 2 CX777 for over 4 years and never had any problems with them. I cannot even recall one SACD not playing or skipping and I have more than 600. I reorganized them on a regular basis and never noticed any of them being scratched. I also currently have a Marantz DV7600 UP which is in the same price range. The Marantz is definitely more picky and also noisier. The Sony has a little better tonal balance (if you make sure not to use any of the MCH bass management or balancing features - PCM conversion I'm guessing) but the Marantz has a little better imaging and soundstaging. We are not talking night and day here but definitely noticeable for critical listenning of classical music. No free lunch I'm afraid. If you're looking to use only one machine with classical music I would recommend a single SACD dedicated player otherwise the CX777 is a great product.
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