Justin Lane
Senior HTF Member
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2000
- Messages
- 2,149
Did you get yours yet Justin?Yes Peter, I actually received my unit today.
Initial Impressions
Equipment
I consider my audio system decidedly "mid-fi", but it brings me a great deal of enjoyment. The applicable equipment I am using is as follows:
Pioneer Elite VSX 35 TX (in pre/pro duty)
Parasound HCA 855A
JBL Studio Series all around (S38, S26, S-Center)
Infinity BU120 Sub (Weakest Link in my system, though adequate for my listening space)
Build Quality
This player from a build quality perspective is a definite upgrade from the CE775. Everything about it is more solid. If I had one thing to complain about, it would be the noise level of the player when discs are spinning. Seemed louder then I remember when i tryed this player out in the store, but not really noticeable unless you have the volume turned low.
Sound Quality
I did not get a chance to do extensive demoing tonight, but spinning Rolling Stones Hot Rocks and Diana Krall The Look of Love left me with a smile on my face. This player added what I would consider a three dimensionality that was just not there before in my system. Doing a comparison for my girlfriend (who was never really sold on SACD), between the redbook and SACD layers on Hot Rocks, she noted that the SACD layers to her sounded notably better. This endorsement, from a casual music listener, validated the purchase for myself. I did not get a chance to do any real multi-channel listening, though hope to over the next couple days.
Gripes
My only gripe has nothing to do with audio quality, but in the actual player J and R sent me. It seems that my unit came from Canada, and the warranty card inside was for 3 years instead of the 5 years for the US. Their website specifically states this player has a 5 year warranty, and when I bought the player over the phone, the salesman used the 5 year ES warranty as one of his selling points for this player. I will have to check into this with them next week. Hopefully the Sony 5 year warranty applies since I live in the US, or if not J and R will extend it themselves or offer a refund of some sort.
When I get to play with the player some more I will post some more feelings here. Right now I would have to say I am extremely happy with the player and its performance. Easily one of the best upgrades I have made in some time.
J