SCD-CE775 - SUPER AUDIO !!
Written: Oct 26 '02 (Updated Oct 26 '02)
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Pros: Price, Multi channel SACD playback, Sound quality with standard CD's
Cons: No video output, Slow switching from one disc to another
The Bottom Line: See the review
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| Placidman's Full Review: Sony SCD-CE775 5-Disc CD Changer |
In May of this year I found myself in need of a CD player. I remembered reading a review of the SCD-CE775 and since I already had a DVD Audio ( the other high resolution audio format ) player, I thought that this would be a good way to test out the Super Audio CD waters, and grab a decent CD player as well.
Upon getting the unit and unpacking it the first thing I noticed was that although it's front panel had primarily an all plastic makeup, there was something attractive about it. The display is comprehensive and contains all the info needed to set the player up as well as displaying SACD/CD text ( when that info is contained and flagged on the disc ). Assuming that if your are interested in this player you already know what SACD is I will skip any detailed explanations regarding it except a few. SACD or Super Audio compact disc is a high resolution audio format started by Sony and Philips. High resolution audio when played back over an appropriate source component has a sound which I would describe as detailed, open, and dynamic with an extended low end.
The 775 will play standard CD's, and SACD's which are either multi channel or stereo. There are SACD's which are " Hybrid " meaning that they are encoded with both high res. SACD audio and standard CD audio. These discs can be played on both SACD players and standard CD players ( Standard CD players will not playback the high res. audio ). When a Hybrid disc is placed in the 775 the display indicates this and will allow you to choose which version ( high res. or standard ) you want to hear. The 775 will play either multi channel or stereo SACD's. On it's back panel it has 5.1 channel analog ( RCA connectors ) outputs, two channel analog outputs, and a toslink ( optical ) digital output. When connected to a receiver or pre amp with corresponding 5.1 channel inputs you can listen to multichannel SACD. If you have a two channel only setup then using the two channel analog outputs will give you stereo SACD. All multi channel SACD discs also contain a stereo high res. mix as well. There are front panel buttons on the 775 which will allow you to choose which version you want to playback. The toslink digital output will only output CD PCM ( pulse code modulation ) signals and not high res. SACD. In the event your receiver/pre amp only has line level ( RCA ) CD inputs, the two channel analog outputs will work fine for standard CD playback. The remote that comes with the 775 is the RM-SC500 and is standard Sony fare. It will duplicate all of the units front panel functions and is laid out pretty well. It is not backlit, but it's buttons are fairly easy to navigate in a dark enviroment.
OK, now that I have rambled on for a bit let's get to why you are reading this. How does the 775 SOUND.......? It sounds pretty darn good for a sub $200 unit. Standard CD playback on my system sounds warm, and does not have the trebley harshness that cheaper players can impart to vocals, especially female. It does not have the detail of a better player, but it certainly sounds excellent on most classical, jazz, and instrumental recordings. Pop and rock recordings sound very good as well especially better recordings. SACD playback is right along the same lines, keeping in mind that SACD naturally sounds soooo much better than standard CD. James Taylor's " Hourglass " SACD sounds excellent, with smooth mid range, and openess. Chesky's " Introduction to SACD " sampler sounds superb when played back on the 775. The detail and seperation on instruments and vocals is excellent. While this player does not sound quite as detailed as the Marantz or SCD 1 it certainly sounds great. I would have liked a video output, as some SACD's do contain video content, and it is a bit slow when switching from disc to disc. These complaints are minor and certainly don't out weigh the value of this very fine player. My advice is that if you are looking for a way to test the SACD waters then this unit will get you there without a large investment, and you get very good standard CD playback to boot. Enjoy! Please feel free to drop me an e mail at placidman1802@netscape.net with any questions or comments.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 179.00
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Epinions.com ID:
Placidman
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Member: Ralph Potts
Location: Middletown, NY
Reviews written: 22
Trusted by: 9 members
About Me:
I am an Audiophile who loves to read and write about Home Audio/Video.
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