Just took delivery of my XA-5400es with Dan's Modwright mods. In fact, I ordered the Sony and had it delivered straight to Modwright and they were kind of enough to handle all the details and modifications in a very timely manner. I have to commend their Ops manager, Kristen for being top notch.
I have it playing Dave Alvin SACD right now, and listened to CDs as well on it. I don't even think it is burned in yet....but....
Wow! I recently had a Sony SCD-XA777es player. It was built like a tank, but the CD and SACD performance of the 5400es with ModWright mods is simply stunning. I spend most of my time listening to vinyl on a $20k+ rig, and this 5400es has the organic energy of what I love about vinyl (not sure if it is the tubes?). Fluidity, musicality, transparency, dynamics, black background, large sound stage, layering, are the words that come to mind. And like vinyl, what I'm hearing is SPACE around, to the side, behind and in front of instruments. Dimensional and engaging with large sound stage but rock solid imaging, not flat or etched like most CD players sound to my ears. Now listening to Bill Frisell CD (Good Dog Happy Man) which I'm very familiar with especially the LP version. What is striking me now about the ModWright player is perfect macro and micro dynamics coupled with inner detail coming thru in layers, as if every last veil between music and me has been stripped away, without bleaching or turning analytical. Musical plus complete retrieval of detail. Amazing hat trick! I was going to use this player only for my SACDs but given how ordinary redbook CDs sound, I will be using both!
I was nervous I wouldn't like it as much as my PS Audio PWD with Bridge playing hi-rez files....but even the CD via modded Sony EASILY keeps pace with PWD, and may have even more energy coming thru (later edit...I prefer the Sony's refinement and layering to even high rez files played on my dac). Hats off to ModWright and Sony. Amazing what you get for a $1500 SACD/CD player and a $1995 mod package. I don't know why anyone would pay more than 5-10K for a digital front-end when you can get this. I've heard some of the best CD players through top end systems (e.g., top of line Audio Research through top of line Maggies), and I will take this ModWright 5400es over any of them, no hesitation. I think the line between superb vinyl playback and digital is narrowing.
Next day listening -- I am amazed at the refinement and sweetness combined with dynamics and clarity. The instruments and voices hang in space. The incredible imaging, inner detail, organic energy, etc is present at all volume levels. The number one testament I have for the ModWright player is I couldn't wait to dig out some CDs to listen to. Totally enjoyable listening sessions. For me it is the perfect balance of being pulled into the music emotionally (like they are in the room and notes flowing), and simultaneous appreciation/awareness of what a sonic feat is occurring. OK I will stop gushing.