[Tonto Yoder]

Went to the local audio store to buy cable and asked what SACD player they might recommend: the audio guru suggested their demo Sony 222ES for $450.   Does this seem like buying last year's technology?? Seems like SACD players have dropped so much in price that it'd be better to get one of the sub $200 players that show up discounted heavily on internet sites.

I listened to this model some time ago (probably listened to the exact unit being offered) but was unimpressed by its redbook play: at that time, SACD software was so scarce and expensive, I couldn't see spending the $$.

[guitarspanker]

Hmmm...the ES line is pretty high-end. I just bought the SONY DVP-NC685V (about $225) and it sounds great, but I doubt it compares to the ES model you're talking about, even if it's a year old or so. Guess it all depends on what other gear you have too.