Sony CDP-XA3ES

billbillw
billbillw Posts: 7,487
edited October 2010 in For Sale (FS) Classifieds
Too many CD players in the house. I now have a backup SACD player too. Although I really love the ergonomics and build quality of this classic ES player (circa 1996), I can't see myself going without SACD playback in the future.

This player is in minty shape with original box, remote, manual. I bought it from the original owner back in the summer and replaced the loader belt (it would open, but needed a nudge to close).

Laser seems strong like new. Every disc I put in spins up the TOC ~2 seconds. No problem playing CDRs either.

Not the latest in DACs, but it is a very sturdy transport with a heavy molded tray (the kind I like!) and the sound is much better than average. It has a well designed analog section like most Sony ES products. In addition, this player includes many useful upgrades like an adjustable headphone output and the choice of variable or fixed outputs on the rear. Conceivably, you could use this without a preamp hooked directly to an amp.

Looking for $200+shipping from 30127. I think it weighs about 20lbs packed.

XA3ESfront.jpg
XA3Box.jpg
XA3inside.jpg
Post edited by billbillw on
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Comments

  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,545
    edited September 2010
    Heck of a buy, it would be mine 6 secconds ago if my CEC was dead.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • thebluemonkey
    thebluemonkey Posts: 190
    edited September 2010
    Looks like my xa20es
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,545
    edited September 2010
    That would make a fantastic transport for you external DAC owners.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • NeilGabriel
    NeilGabriel Posts: 1,487
    edited September 2010
    I was looking on Agon for a CDP today (not too expensive). How weould you dscribe the sound? I don't do the hard rock thing anymore....more mellow stuff and electronic/chill...anything weird I can find

    Mike
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 7,487
    edited September 2010
    NeilGabriel wrote: »
    I was looking on Agon for a CDP today (not too expensive). How weould you dscribe the sound? I don't do the hard rock thing anymore....more mellow stuff and electronic/chill...anything weird I can find

    Mike

    Mike,
    I don't know how to describe the sound other than typical Sony ES. If you have heard other ES CD players that use the Pulse DAC, it will be similar. Probably best described as neutral sounding, plenty of detail, not harsh, low noise floor. I think its easy to listen too and would be a definite upgrade from most low end players.

    Maybe you should ask Sal (Lasareath). He owned one for more than 12 years and only replaced it here fairly recently.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,545
    edited September 2010
    Sony's tend to have excellent pace/rythm which gets you into the music big time. Visceral with a nice midrange.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • NeilGabriel
    NeilGabriel Posts: 1,487
    edited September 2010
    steveinaz wrote: »
    Sony's tend to have excellent pace/rythm which gets you into the music big time. Visceral with a nice midrange.

    "Visceral with a nice midrange".....sounds like me ideal girlfriend....if my wife let me have girlfriends.....


    PM sent....
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 7,487
    edited September 2010
    Sold. Thanks Mike.
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  • NeilGabriel
    NeilGabriel Posts: 1,487
    edited October 2010
    SOLD And very happy it was. The sound on this CDP created the biggest difference in sound for me since I went from a $450 yamaha HTR to Rotel separates. I have a nice Rotel CDP that I thought was pretty decent...the Sony blows it away. The soundstage is wide, the stereo separation and imaging are great....played Steely Dan's Aja and Yonderboi (a must have for bass freaks) and some ambient electronic music. All were very good. Thanks, Bill.

    How the hel! do I leave the transaction feedback....I need more sleep.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,545
    edited October 2010
    tol'ja.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 7,487
    edited October 2010
    Glad to hear you are really liking it Mike!

    BTW, to leave feedback, just click on the number next to where it says Member Sales Rating:

    Where it asks for deal thread, just copy/paste the URL for this thread.
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