Thread: Sony SCD-XE800

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Post by Dmitry. February 13, 2011 (1 of 15)
This player appears to be unavailable for sale in the US, but I see it on the Sony UK website.
http://www.sony.co.uk/product/hfc-cd-player/scd-xe800

Does anyone here have one, and if so, what are your impressions?

Post by korowa February 14, 2011 (2 of 15)
I have this player, a bargain for the price.
I imported it from the UK through Stone Audio
http://www.stoneaudio.co.uk/
Note this is a stereo - only player.. 'No frills' but impressive sound.
Apparently it has the same chipset as the original SCD-1.
Also, the UK/EU model has the 230v chord (power cable) attached to the unit.. fortunately I was able to get a 3 pin Australian adapter.
But I gather you have a different voltage..
you'll need a step-up transformer or maybe the Japanese unit would be better?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_electricity#Voltage_levels

Post by Dmitry. February 14, 2011 (3 of 15)
I'm itching to give it a try some time before it gets discontinued, which, as Sony goes, is about 6 months these days. I will need a step up transformer, which is no big deal. It really boils gown to the sonics.

Post by Dmitry. February 14, 2011 (4 of 15)
korowa said:


Apparently it has the same chipset as the original SCD-1.

This is not too shabby! Have you been able to compare to any other sacd players?
Its ability to play DSD discs is a desirable touch.

Post by korowa February 14, 2011 (5 of 15)
Dmitry. said:

I'm itching to give it a try some time before it gets discontinued, which, as Sony goes, is about 6 months these days. I will need a step up transformer, which is no big deal. It really boils gown to the sonics.

From the operating instructions;

Specifications

When a Super Audio CD is played?

Playing frequency range: 2Hz to 100 kHz

Frequency response: 2 Hz to 40 kHz (-3 dB)

Dynamic range: 100 dB or more

Total harmonic distortion rate: 0.0035% or less

Post by korowa February 14, 2011 (6 of 15)
Dmitry. said:

This is not too shabby! Have you been able to compare to any other sacd players?
Its ability to play DSD discs is a desirable touch.

This is my first SACD player so I really can't help you out with comparisons.
Although a friend told me that it converts the DSD signal directly to analogue.
No its not shabby.. it doesn't have things like gold connectors etc.
I'm not saying the player is noisy.. but I assume the more expensive models would have less noise. If you know what I mean.
To my ears, CD playback sounds as good or if not better than the Cambridge Azur CD player, which was roughly the same price when you factor in freight.

Post by Dmitry. February 15, 2011 (7 of 15)
korowa said:

From the operating instructions;

Specifications

When a Super Audio CD is played?

Playing frequency range: 2Hz to 100 kHz

Frequency response: 2 Hz to 40 kHz (-3 dB)

Dynamic range: 100 dB or more

Total harmonic distortion rate: 0.0035% or less

These are standard specs for SACD players.

Post by Osbert Parsley February 15, 2011 (8 of 15)
korowa said:

... a friend told me that it converts the DSD signal directly to analogue ...

That's interesting and so is your comment about the audio quality through the analogue outputs. I wonder how it stacks up against the now discontinued Sony XA5400ES in stereo mode.

Post by korowa February 15, 2011 (9 of 15)
Osbert Parsley said:

That's interesting and so is your comment about the audio quality through the analogue outputs. I wonder how it stacks up against the now discontinued Sony XA5400ES in stereo mode.

With the SCD-XE800 , Super Audio CD and DSD Disc playback is only available through the analogue output (jacks).

I was referring to how some players convert the SA-CD signal to PCM then analogue.

I was told that the current Sony Blu-ray/SA-CD combos (available in Australia) do this.

I don't know if it has a built-in multi voltage power transformer .. but maybe a suggestion for later models,, with a detachable power lead.. then it could be offered in all territories (they would only need to change the chord).

Post by korowa February 15, 2011 (10 of 15)
Dmitry. said:

These are standard specs for SACD players.

Sorry, they're the only spec details which came with it.
I'm not sure, but I thought some players were capable of 120 dB (dynamic range) compared to the 100dB noted here. I don't know. I maybe wrong.
good luck with it all :)

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