Digital Drive: REVIEW: Sony CDP-707ES CD Player/Recorder by HighCguy@aol.com

Model:	CDP-707ES
Category:	CD Player/Recorder
Suggested Retail Price:	$2000
Description:	Sony's top of the line single disc CD player in 1993
Manufacturer URL:	Sony
Manufacturer URL:	Sony

Review by HighCguy@aol.com on November 22, 2004 at 08:26:01
IP Address: 64.12.116.200

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for the CDP-707ES

This particular player is the 707ESD. It's original list price was $1800 back in the late 80s. I got mine used from a friend for $100. Let me say at the outset that I'm a musician, not a techno-geek. I won't begin to tell you anything technical about this unit.
Obviously, the only way one would come across this unit is as a used player, as Sony quit making it some time back. However, it seems to be Sony's effort at a totally high end unit from the late 80s. The unit weighs around 40 pounds and is built to last. The remote and drive system work lightning fast. It also has about every bell and whistle you could ever want on a CD player, including several digital out connections.
I have compared this player to a number of newer, less expensive players and also with a very expensive Levinson player that replaced it in it's former owner's system. This player is really an outstanding unit. My previous player, a Marantz CD63 is really no competition for it, and niether is the CD side of my Philips 763 DVD/SACD/CD player. It did give up a bit to the Levinson 39, which costs several times what the Sony cost new. In general, the Sony is very open and detailed without sounding harsh at the top. The low end is rather incredible, very full, yet very controlled at the same time. I hear details on this player that I don't hear on other units except for that Levinson. I would urge anyone who finds a used one of these to snap it up. They are built to last, and sound wonderful. Even spending several thousand dollars on one of the new universal players, I seriously doubt you'll improve on the CD sound of this player.

Product Weakness: none
Product Strengths: Cheap price (used)and top class CD performance

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Denon PMA2000R
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Thorens TD 160/Formula 4 arm
Speakers:	Hales Revelation 3
Cables/Interconnects:	MIT Terminator 2
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, Blues
Room Size (LxWxH):	15 x 12 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments:	none
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 years
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	none
Product Strengths:	Cheap price (used)and top class CD performance