I recently purchased a used Sony 940, 2 channel SACD player from the UK that has been modified by Allen Wright, owner of Vacuum State. If you read the lit, you'll see that Allen creates his own analog output, removing ALL 4-5 op-amps in the singal path (~ 9 op-amps in the Sony SCD-1 and 777es).
http://www.techtronics.com/uk/shop/6...cd-player.html
download, print, and read the SACD upgrade brochure (it speaks to the various sony models too)
http://www.vacuumstate.com/
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Iss...tinterview.htm
The first couple of hours, I hooked the player both digital and analog out to two inputs on my Aragon Soundstage prepro. I went back and forth on the fly on redbook. The Sony had better detail and separation, but only subtle over the Aragon's dacs.
My friend Rich came over and listened last night. We played different CDs and he pointed out how the bass is clearly better on the Sony. The sound is also clearer with a little more open feel. My wife and I have been listen to music all night. She listens to music much more than I do. She can hear an improvement. Posts on audioasylum.com imply that the modified 940's redbook is better than the stock Sony SCD-777es' SACD (and that's from the 777es OWNER on at least one occasion).
The volume difference between the analog and digital connection is 11dB (which I measured upen setting the Sony up). Allen Wright confirmed last night via email that his analog path is indeed exactly 11dB lower than the digital....the 2.0 volts RMS is no problem with any active preamp; perhaps not compatiable with some passive preamps.
btw, I tried 2 channel SACD a few years ago with the 333es changer (2 channel only), but titles were too few. I only have one SACD at the moment, Sting's Sacred Heart. Will buy more, but I really got this player for redbook improvement.
I also picked up a Pioneer 563A with true DSD for some 5.1 sacd and dvd-a in the future.
