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Is the SCD-1 worth the $1500 difference?We scoured the specs and found ony two differences:
1. SCD-1 had blanced analog output and
2. SCD-1 had fancier feetWe auditioned the SCD-1, the 777-ES was not available in the store
when we were there.We are buying a Mark Levinson 383 Integrated amp and Revel Studio speakers
Thanks a lot,
I was told that the scd1 has more handwork on it (soldering and assembly) whereas the 777es is more assembly-line based. Also, the balanced outputs are really a nice feature if you can take advantage of them. However, I still don't think (and I have the scd1) it is worth 1500. Remember though, you can find both discounted through mail order and internet and so this 1500 difference often drops to about 750. I would ultimately suspect that using the single-ended outputs on both would yield virtually no detectable difference in sound.
I have the SCD-1 which I connect to my preamp via the balanced outputs for SACD. I aslo connect the SCD-1 to my Wafdia 27ix via the digital output.If you are not going to use either the balanced outputs or the digital output on the SCD-1 - then I think it's a "no brainer" to purchase the 777ES and use the extra money to purchase software or improve another part of your system.
I went the other way because my preamp only has balanced inputs (the BAT VK 50SE) and I didn't want to use adaptors to connect the SCD-1. Also, I already had the Wadia 27ix and wanted to keep it due to its potential upgradeability.
I recommend auditioning each before deciding. As has been noted before on the asylum and elsewhere, the -1 and -777ES have different sonic signatures and they may not necessarily be related to the balanced outputs or feet.
I think len's quandry was precipitaed by the fact that he is unable to compare the SCD-1 and the 777ES at the same time and in the same system. Hence his post requesting input from us.Yes I believe there are some additional differences between the SCD-1 and the 777ES. I believe for example the transport of the SCD-1 is supposed to be somewhat better damped. I also understand that some people who have compared the two players have characterized the 777ES as being somewhat darker sounding then the SCD-1.
But, logically, why pay for the SCD-1 if most of the price differential between it and the 777ES are in areas that you are not going to be utilize by by using the unit as a CD player via the RCA outputs. It would therfore seem logical to me that you do not get the requisite "bang for your buck" by putting money into upgrades, most of which you are not going to utilize anyway. It seems to be to make more sense to save that expense and put the cost differential into areas that will actually yield greater sonic benefits to your system.
Anyway - for me a comparison would be irrelevant because I can't use the 777ES in my system the way I want to without compromises. So I popped for the SCD-1. If your situtaion is different - then I suspect that your choice would be differebnt as well.
Yes, my situation is different in that I do not have balanced inputs to take advantage of the outs on the SCD-1, but I sprung for the SCD-1 anyway, contrary to the advice you give above. And I will share my reasons since they may apply to others.
- I obtained the SCD-1 for less than the list price of the SCD-777ES.
- If one buys the 777ES because his preamp has no balanced inputs, and then decides to upgrade his preamp to a model with balanced circuitry, he will wish he had the SCD-1.
- The sonic differences between the two units is not just attributable to the feet (using the RCA outs).
- With more hand soldered parts, I anticipate the SCD-1 will have fewer mechanical problems than the -777ES. For example I have read at this site reports of the sliding door jamming on the 777 but never on the SCD-1. (has anyone experienced problems with the SCD-1?)
- In my opinion the unit sounds superior to the 777 and the marantz SA-1.
I've owned both players but ended up keeping the 777ES mainly due to the saving of $1k. The SACD1's balanced outs are analytical on most regular CDs, especially at the mids/vocals. I'd a/b both machines right in own living room and the SACD1 ended up at Audiogon the next day. SACD1's balanced ciruitry apparently use cheap op-amps is what I was told.
I got my SCD-1 for a total of $3440 including shipping. Taking into account tax and other charges, I'd assume this is more than $100 below normal retail price on the SCD-777ES. But it's true, the 777 can be had for less than $2500. What scared me away is that I've heard the door sticks on the 777. . .not a good value if there are mechanical problems like that, no matter what the price.
If you've had the opportunity to compare the two machines and - prefer the SCD-1 - end of story - enough said. As I said - I never compared the two because I wanted balanced outputs and digital outputs so I disregarded the the 777ES and went for the SCD-1.Glad to hear you think I done good!!
But - Why would the door have a tendency to stick on the 777 but not on the SCD-1???
I've only had my unit a few weeks and have not had any trouble - but I didn't think the door mechanism was one of the differences between the two machines. So why would the 777ES stick but not the SCD-1? Any thoughts?
I don't know from doors, but I do want to thank all of you who have contributed to this thread, thus adding to my knowledge (I'm a neophyte, as though you couldn't guess!) if not my confusion. I suspect we will wind up with the SCD-1 to keep our downstream options open. Thanks to you all I have a clearer idea of what those options are all about.You're a thoughtful bunch, and if this is indicative of the general quality of the forum, I'll stick around!
Glad to hear we could be of some help.If flexibility is an issue - then definitely go with the SCD-1. I suspect that someday the SCD-1 will be upgradeable by allowing the insatllation of a DSD digital output. If the 777ES doesn't have a digital outputs for the red book CD's - I can't see where the 777ES will ever be adaptable to having a DSD digital output installed.
I just think that for the time being - if you saved the $1,000 or so by buying the 777ES - and then you put the savings in a real nice after market power cord and perhaps a shelf with some cones - that just might yield you better and more cost effective results than paying for outputs on the SCD-1 you aren't going to use.
Either way - have fun!!
Of course the 77ES has a red book CD output, exactly the same as the SCD-1.
Precisely - the 777ES has the exact same analog RCA output for red book CD's as does the SCD-1 - but - no digital output or "XLR" analog.
While you are correct about the XLR analog, the 777 actually DOES have an optical, coaxial (CD only) digital output like the SCD-1. So you can use either unit as a CD transport if you choose.In regards to my reasoning above about the door sticking on the 777 but not the 1, I first want to say that my opinions are total conjecture. They're based on my reading of at least 2 experiences of different 777 owners who had their doors stick. A search will probably pull up those threads--they are only a few months old. I never read of any such experience with an SCD-1. Perhaps the machined parts in the 777 contribute to the door jamming, whereas hand soldered parts in the SCD-1 prevent it from happening in the top of the line model. Again, pure conjecture and if anyone has heard of a door sticking on the SCD-1, I'd sure be interested in knowing about it.
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