• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Sony ES/CDP Advice

High_Noon

High_Noon

Active Member
I need some advice on a ‘new’ CD player. I’ve been looking at and reading about the dizzying array of both vintage and new CD players available today and I’ve learned a fair amount, but still not sure which direction to go. My preference is for an older Sony ES model, but I am concerned with parts availability with these older units. For example, I understand that replacement laser units are unavailable for all the ES units.

My budget is between $250.00 - $300.00 or so. I could spend $1K+ on an Audio Research CD2, but I’m not sure I see the point. On a decent system, virtually all CD players I have ever listened to sound remarkably similar.

I found a Sony CDP-508ESD for about a hundred bucks, including shipping, but I think I’d rather have a CDP-507ESD, which has 2 TDA1541 chips as opposed to only one in the 508ESD. Cost for the 507 is around $300.00. Yes, I’m aware that the DAC chips are only a small part of the equation.

I’ve also looked at newer units such as the Pioneer PD10AE and I’ve found some nice vintage units for above my budget, such as a Technics SL-P999 TOTL from ’89.

I’m kind of all over the place and need some direction. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

My System: Audio Research SP14, McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe (R1 upgrade), Sony CDP-C245 or Technics SL-PD947, Kenwood KT-7500, Paradigm Compact Monitors. On the lookout for a Kenwood KX-1060.
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
I have a slightly newer Sony XA20ES which has been rock solid (still has new lasers available last time I checked), and don't forget the likes of Akai with their CD-73, and TOTL CD-93, also TOTL JVC players are excellent, keep an eye out for the XL-Z1010 (I have the XL-Z1011 which has a different dac), there's also the XL-Z1050, but only a few models used the mech, so parts are rare.
 
Keep an eye out for the Oppo players. The Oppo DV series or Oppo BDP series are worthy of a look.
 
Last edited:
High_Noon said:
@eiraved: Thanks, but I'm trying to avoid MIC CDPs.
Click to expand...
I have nothing against your choice, but it might surprise you to know that Sony has been manufacturing products there since 1975. They have over 20 factories across that country. Chances are that some of the CD players, or the components inside that player, are MIC.

Oppodigital, on the other hand, is a US based (California) company. Yes, their players were MIC, but they no longer make new products. However they do have excellent product support (in the USA), even after sales of their products have ended.
OPPO Digital
 
Last edited:
Duly noted.

The older ES units I've been looking at appear to be made in Japan.
 
Last edited:
I recently picked up a Sony DVP-S7000 in mint condition for $36 plus shipping. It was Sony's first DVD player I believe, and in typical Sony fashion when introducing a new technology they went all out. It even has dual lasers (one for audio, one for video.) I bought it to use as a transport, but I am quite impressed by the analog sound as well, and it just feels like quality.
 
Helluva' deal on that DVP-S7000. I'm not surprised it sounds good, but I've read that universal players, DVDs, BluRays and the like do not have the same sound quality of as a straight CDPs.
 
Last edited:
I have three model Sony players purchased used about 7yrs ago for around $80 each. Each retailed for $1000 or more, all have been absolutely trouble free, although I did install new belts in the carousel unit when I first purchased it. The belts were $12 and easy to get to in the cavernous interior.

Sony DVP NS900V, I have two in black
sony900v.gif

Sony DVP NS999ES, I have one in silver
x158dvp999s-f_LD.jpeg

Sony DVP CX777ES, I have one in silver
x158DVPX777-f.jpeg

These all sound fantastic, and I'm highly critical of digital playback, the dozen or so players I had before these all sucked ass, even one highly praised against the $1500 Rega Planet.

I listen to way more vinyl and cassette tape than CD.
 
@Sgt Shultz: good to know. Thanks. I have looked at the DVP NS900V as well. Lots of people seem to like them. Perhaps that would be a good choice. I will take a look at the DVP NS999ES too. I guess the issue is that I don't really need a DVD for this system.
 
High_Noon said:
@Sgt Shultz: good to know. Thanks. I have looked at the DVP NS900V as well. Lots of people seem to like them. Perhaps that would be a good choice. I will take a look at the DVP NS999ES too. I guess the issue is that I don't really need a DVD for this system.
Click to expand...

I only use them for music:dunno:

The 999ES fits well with the Kenny silver stack in the bedroom, the system is not connected to the TV on a different wall.
20211120_193401.jpg
 
Last edited:
High_Noon said:
I need some advice on a ‘new’ CD player. I’ve been looking at and reading about the dizzying array of both vintage and new CD players available today and I’ve learned a fair amount, but still not sure which direction to go. My preference is for an older Sony ES model, but I am concerned with parts availability with these older units. For example, I understand that replacement laser units are unavailable for all the ES units.

My budget is between $250.00 - $300.00 or so. I could spend $1K+ on an Audio Research CD2, but I’m not sure I see the point. On a decent system, virtually all CD players I have ever listened to sound remarkably similar.

I found a Sony CDP-508ESD for about a hundred bucks, including shipping, but I think I’d rather have a CDP-507ESD, which has 2 TDA1541 chips as opposed to only one in the 508ESD. Cost for the 507 is around $300.00. Yes, I’m aware that the DAC chips are only a small part of the equation.

I’ve also looked at newer units such as the Pioneer PD10AE and I’ve found some nice vintage units for above my budget, such as a Technics SL-P999 TOTL from ’89.

I’m kind of all over the place and need some direction. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

My System: Audio Research SP14, McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe (R1 upgrade), Sony CDP-C245 or Technics SL-PD947, Kenwood KT-7500, Paradigm Compact Monitors. On the lookout for a Kenwood KX-1060.
Click to expand...
Bang for the dollar, and IMHO, very well built is the Emotiva ERC3 player. I owned one. I upgraded to the Oppo 105D, and it was better and could play DVD’s also. I then bought a Sony UBP X1000ES. It replaced the Oppo as my main player. The Sony has now discontinued the X1000ES by the X1100ES.
My 2 cents.
 
Seems like that Sony CDP-508ESD I found for about a hundred bucks, including shipping, will be hard to beat. I believe it has Burr Brown DACs and is ~ 2-300.00 cheaper than a good 507. Then again it is old.
 
Last edited:
Just found a completely recapped Pioneer Elite PD-59 for a good price. Reviews are great. Might make an offer on it.
 
I just ordered a Sony CDP-620ES II for $240.00. Seller said it was fully functioning and in excellent condition. No remote, though. Pretty good deal if ya ax me. If anyone knows where I can get a remote, please let me know. Thanks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom