Preserving dynamic range

When used in standard two-channel systems, the Sony will apply internal D/A conversion to the DSD, or Red Book data off SACD and CDs respectively, using an appropriate digital filter.

This is chosen according to data type, a noise shaper for CD and a multi-level D/A converter, which is designed to marry the benefits (preserving dynamic range) and minimise the disadvantages (reducing granularity, edginess and loss of resolving ability) of 1-bit and multi-bit converters.

A 1-bit decoder LSI handles the table of contents, track number status, timing data and text. CDs are played using the same hardware chain.

Output is available from single-ended or XLR balanced outputs, which, in turn, are driven by a balanced symmetrical source. This is achieved without introducing rounding-off errors – commonplace with normal SACD digital filters.

This stage includes an eight-times oversampling digital filter, noise shaping and a multi-level 64fs DAC for SACD and CD alike, as well as a low pass filter for SACD to reduce the burden on the analogue filters. Overall this is a sophisticated and promising package.

SACD performance

In many ways, the prospect of a completely new Sony SACD player, especially at the ambitious end of the market, carries particular weight. If for no other reason, than the fact that there's a perception in the industry that SACD is not being promoted proactively and with full vigour by its principal protagonist.

Generally well-supported by the high-end community, confidence in SACD is also being undermined by other producers and consumers alike.

In fairness to Sony, the company actually has a good track record in bringing budget SACD models and players to market, but high-quality models have been few and far between and Sony's track record with its SACD release schedule (which has tended to concentrate on PCM transfers) has done little to help. Hopefully this model will do something to redress the balance.

On merit, it should, as this is a very good player providing the qualities that are required by its target audience. It also does its job with considerable subtlety and grace and, crucially, without costing
a king's ransom.

It could be described as a true high-end player without a high-end price and from this point of view it is probably comparable to the Yamaha CD-S2000 CD/SACD player. But without a sample of the Yamaha to hand, we fancy that the Sony is the better CD player of the two.

Flat imagery

We still have the Sony XA9000ES, however, so it was interesting to compare a recent SACD of Ravel piano works (on the Linn label).

On the XA5400ES, the recording has a scintillating quality, a tactile, almost tangible feel as the fingers caress the notes and a palpable increase in tonal variety and colour compared to the 9000, which tended to sound warmer and slightly looser (and mildly defocused in direct comparisons, with flatter stereo imagery).

We had similar experiences with a range of discs, including Bruckner and Beethoven symphonies from Gunter Wand on SACD, but then it's sometimes worth noting that SACD doesn't necessarily perform better than CD.

The critical factor appears to be how the raw data is handled at the production stage. When SACD is done right, there is no questioning the final ranking order, with the higher-resolution format sounding more expressive and three dimensional than CD, which opens up the colours and textures of the music.