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Appeared on: Thursday, March 31, 2005
Sony SCD-XA9000ES

1. Introduction

Sony SCD-XA9000ES SACD Player - Page 1

In 2003, Sony released the SCD-XA9000ES which was Sony's first Super Audio CD player to provide an uncompressed digital output for the Super Audio CD's Direct Stream Digital™ signal. This was an i.LINK® digital output, compatible not only with Sony's own STR-DA9000ES receiver, but also with the latest generation of outboard D/A converters from other high-end audio companies. This way, the Sony SCD-XA9000ES helps deliver Super Audio CD sound with effortless clarity, transparency, impact and presence. For owners who will connect the player to conventional receivers and amplifiers, Sony has equipped the SCD-XA9000ES with a Tri Power Digital-to-Analog Converter using eighteen separate SA DAC chips that deliver the unprecedented precision of 36 DACs. With either digital or analog outputs, the SCD-XA9000ES establishes a new and altogether higher standard in music reproduction.

After our review on the SCD-XB790, we received from Sony a previous model, the SCD-XA9000ES, which is a hi-end device, and has has for a long time been a flagship for Sony.


click to enlarge

- Features and Specifications

2. The Super Audio CD Format

Sony SCD-XA9000ES SACD Player - Page 2

The Super Audio CD Format

Super Audio CD is the most fundamental improvement in digital music reproduction since the CD itself. No surprise. It comes from the people who invented the CD: Sony and Philips.

- Hybrid Disc

Furthermore, there is an option to add a separate CD layer to the DVD disc: the so called ‘Hybrid Super Audio CD. Hybrid SA-CD’s can be played back on virtually all CD drives and players as well as all standard DVD-Video systems. This makes Super Audio CD’s compatible with all 11 billion CD and DVD players used around the world.


Every multi-channel Super Audio CD includes a separate 2-channel
stereo mix, done by the hand of the producer—not by a computer.

4 types of Discs

There are four different SA-CD configurations commercially available to record companies:

The vast majority of SA-CD’s introduced to the market today are of the hybrid type, containing the CD layer. This disc plays on a CD and DVD player, at CD quality.

 

There are also SA-CDs without the CD layer, the so-called single layer discs. These cannot be played on a standard CD player. The advantage is that this is an entirely secure digital carrier.

 

Both the hybrid and single layer SA-CD can be released as a stereo-only album, or as a stereo plus surround album.


Content Protection

Super Audio CD offers the world’s most secure digital carrier, utilizing a combination of physical and electronic protection barriers. These are layered around the audio content in five independent layers, including a combination of mechanical and encryption-based protection systems that cannot be broken using any current hacking technique.

The end result is that when you buy a Super Audio CD in a music store, you can be confident that it’s the genuine article and not an illegal, inferior quality copy.

The CD layer on the hybrid disc is similar to a conventional CD in that it’s open to copying onto other carriers for home use.

3. i.LINK Digital Output

Sony SCD-XA9000ES SACD Player - Page 3

i.LINK® Digital Output

From the initial launch of the Super Audio Compact Disc, the 1-bit DSD pulse train was always converted to analog prior to output. While previous Super Audio CD players did include conventional coaxial and optical digital outputs, these outputs handled CD signals exclusively. The SCD-XA9000ES is Sony's first SA-CD player to provide a digital output for the 1-bit DSD signal.


Typical SA-CD reproduction involves numerous D/A and A/D conversions.
The i.LINK digital connection can simplify the signal path.

This i.LINK digital output is compatible with the i.LINK digital input on Sony's own STR-DA9000ES as well as a growing number of outboard D/A converters from other high-end audio companies. The i.LINK interface maintains the signal in the digital domain and can protect the signal from repeated D/A and A/D conversions. The i.LINK interface also enables a single digital cable to take the place of six analog cables.


i.LINK digital output for Super AudioCD

The i.LINK digital audio interface uses Digital Transmission Content Protection (DTCP), a robust system that protects the music from piracy. The application of the i.LINK (IEEE 1394) interface for Super Audio Compact Disc is clearly different from, and not compatible with, previous i.LINK interface applications for DV camcorders, PC peripherals and professional digital video systems. You can only connect the SCD-XA9000ES i.LINK output to a compatible digital audio input, such as that on the STR-DA9000ES receiver.


The i.LINK output circuit incorporates a dedicated
Large Scale Integrated circuit (LSI), Sony's CXD3210.

The design of the interface is exceptional because communicating six streams of 2.8224 MHz digital samples raises exceptional challenges. Conveying 1-bit signals at such high data rates and synchronizing the signals with the other component's master clock would normally expose the signal to the time-base errors called jitter. These errors translate directly into time-based distortion of the audio waveform.

The connection from the SCD-XA9000ES to the STR-DA9000ES receiver overcomes this challenge with the High quality digital Audio Transmission System (HATS). HATS uses "command-based rate control of isochronous data flow" to solve the problem. The system incorporates three principal elements.

  1. Variable-speed transmission from the player
  2. Buffer memory in the receiver
  3. Command signals from the receiver to the player, controlling transmission speed

The receiver continually monitors the amount of audio data in its buffer memory. When the buffer memory reaches its lower limit, the receiver commands the player to increase data transmission speed. When the buffer memory reaches its upper limit, the receiver commands the player to decrease transmission speed. And when the buffer memory is between the upper and lower limits, the receiver commands the player to transmit at normal speed.


With Sony HATS, audio data flows from the player to the receiver's buffer memory, according to rate control commands from the receiver. Reproduction in the receiver achieves the full time base accuracy of the receiver's quartz crystal master clock.


In this way, HATS makes it unnecessary to synchronize a jitter-prone signal with the receiver master clock. Instead, the buffer memory outputs a jitter-free signal at the full quartz-crystal accuracy of the receiver's master clock. You get all the benefits of digital transmission, without exposing the signal to the potential for jitter-induced distortion.

4. DSD Decoder LSI

Sony SCD-XA9000ES SACD Player - Page 4

DSD Decoder LSI

The SCD-XA9000ES processes and decodes the 1-bit signal using Sony's CXD2752R DSD decoder LSI. This integrated circuit makes intelligent decisions regarding the incoming data to form the 1-bit audio signal. The LSI first reads the Watermark, a feature protecting Super Audio Compact Discs from piracy, and then decodes the incoming data. The LSI uses a buffer memory to take data that's output intermittently from the disc and rearrange it into continuous 1-bit audio streams. The streams are output according to the master clock signal from the audio circuit board. The LSI also reads sub code data such as the Table of Contents, track number, track time, and text.


Multi-channel DSD decoding is handled by a Sony
Large-Scale Integrated circuit (LSI), the CXD2752R.

- Audio Technology for Analog Outputs

While the provision of an i.LINK digital interface for Super Audio CD signals is a technological tour de force, compatible equipment is just beginning to become available. Clearly, many owners of the SCD-XA9000ES will be enjoying Super Audio CD through analog outputs. For this reason, Sony has developed sophisticated technology to provide an analog output of superlative linearity, with extraordinary freedom from noise, interference and jitter-induced distortion. The result is unsurpassed music reproduction, no matter which outputs you use.

- Multi Channel DSP

Home theater speaker configurations vary considerably. Some enthusiasts have built upon audiophile-grade stereo systems. These systems may have large, full-range Left and Right speakers that produce bass so deep that any subwoofer would be extraneous. In this case, the Left and Right speakers may well be considerably larger than the Center and Surround speakers. Other systems may have five matching satellite speakers, plus a subwoofer. Some systems may have no Center channel speaker. The SCD-XA9000ES has a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Large Scale Integrated Circuit (LSI) to achieve optimal multi-channel reproduction with all these speaker configurations. The DSP processes the Direct Stream Digital signal in its 1-bit form, using technology similar to the professional editing systems currently used in the studio to produce Super Audio CDs. The DSP accomplishes three functions when using the analog outputs:

  1. Bass redirection. You can optimize the SCD-XA9000ES output to work with your specific speaker configuration.
  2. Channel balance. The Sony ES player can also accommodate differences in speaker efficiency, adjusting the balance between front/surround, front/center and front/subwoofer speakers.
  3. Test tone. The SCD-XA9000ES is equipped with a test tone oscillator to confirm connection status and channel balance adjustments.

It's easy to access these functions through the front panel menu key. And you can make critical channel-balance adjustments from your actual listening position, using the supplied remote control.

If you have an ideal speaker layout, you can use the Direct Mode, which completely bypasses the DSP circuit. Other options include 2-Channel Direct and 2-Channel Direct + Subwoofer, ideal for stereo SA-CD playback.

Engaging Multi-Channel Management selects among seven different speaker configurations, each with adjustable channel balance.

Speaker playback mode

Sony's multi-channel management gives you seven different
bass redirection modes, plus channel balance for fine tuning.


Simple menu keys access the different bass redirection modes.
And you can fine-tune channel balance by remote control,
so you can make critical adjustments from your actual listening position.

- Speaker Time Alignment

When Super Audio CD titles are mastered, the engineers create the soundstage for an idealized home speaker configuration. In stereo, that configuration is simple: two identical speakers set an equal distance from the listener. With multi-channel sound, the ideal is slightly more complex. Multi-channel Super Audio CD is designed to conform to an international standard, called ITU-R. This envisions that the listener sits in the exact center of a circle of five identical speakers, with each speaker occupying a specified position in the circle. (For the Low Frequency Effects or LFE channel, the subwoofer can be flexibly placed outside the circle.)

The ITU-R circle makes a great reference for studio engineers. But few home environments can accommodate exactly this setup. Even if you did have five identical speakers all the way around, the rectangular shape of most rooms would make it difficult to place all five speakers at an equal distance from the listening position.


Mastering for Super Audio CD multi-channel sound assumes that
speakers will be placed according to the international ITU-R standard (left).
Unfortunately, most practical listening rooms don't match this standard exactly.
Speaker Time Alignment applies a delay to selected speakers to "move" them
into proper position (right). In this example, time delay pushes back the apparent
position of the SL and SR speakers to match the L, C and R speakers.

To resolve the problem, Sony enables you to apply a carefully timed delay to each individual speaker. Sony provides this delay in 150-microsecond increments. Because most people can't make the mental leap from microseconds to speaker distance, Sony calibrates the delay as distance, in 5-cm (2-inch) increments. Each 150 microseconds of delay "moves" a speaker back 5 cm (2 inches). In this way, Speaker Time Alignment adjusts the "virtual position" of each speaker, enabling you to synchronize the arrival time of sound for all five speakers. You can even change the perceived distance of the subwoofer in relation to the other speakers. With Speaker Time Alignment, you'll experience multi-channel sound as it was meant to be heard. You'll get the effect of perfect speaker placement, even if your actual placement is far less than perfect!

Incidentally, this adjustment is not duplicated on most A/V receivers. Some receivers can adjust for speaker distance on the multi-channel signals that are decoded in the receiver itself. But most receivers offer no such adjustment for the 5.1-channel analog inputs typically used to reproduce multi-channel Super Audio CD. When using the analog outputs of the SCD-XA9000ES, Multi-Channel Management and Speaker Time Alignment overcome this limitation, providing optimized sound for a wide range of speaker configurations and room configurations.

5. Super Audio D/A Converter (SA DAC)

Sony SCD-XA9000ES SACD Player - Page 5

Super Audio D/A Converter (SA DAC)

Some fortunate owners will use the SCD-XA9000ES connected via the i.LINK digital interface to the Sony STR-DA9000ES, in which case the player's internal D/A converters will go unused. However, in the absence of an amplifier or receiver equipped with an i.LINK interface, owners will be using the analog outputs of the SCD-XA9000ES, in which case the player's on-board D/A converters will exert a pivotal influence on sound quality.

Multi channel Super Audio CDs present the player with six separate channels, all recorded with exactly the same superb quality as two-channel Super Audio CD. That's why the SCD-XA9000ES incorporates six channels of Sony's Super Audio D/A Converter (SA DAC). The circuit delivers superlative performance for multi-channel SA-CD, two-channel SA-CD and CD reproduction.


Sony's Super Audio D/A Converter (SA DAC) does an equally superb
job on Compact Disc signals (top) and SA-CD signals (bottom).

The converter consists of a single integrated circuit that contains four significant circuits:

  1. 8x oversampling digital filter for CD. Ensures accurate phase linearity and low noise.
  2. Noise shaper for CD to further suppress audible noise. The noise shaper also puts out a 1-bit signal at 64 times the CD sampling frequency (1-bit/64 fs). Sixty-four times 44.1 kHz equals 2.8224 MHz, the same sampling frequency as Super Audio CD. In this way, the SA DAC presents both CD and SA-CD signals to the final converter stage in the identical 1-bit/64 fs form.
  3. DSD filter for SA-CD, a digital filter that removes unwanted super high frequency noise by computing raw 1-bit digital data. By reducing noise in the digital domain, the DSD filter reduces the burden on analog filters and contributes to the uniformity among channels.
  4. Multi-level DAC for both SA-CD and CD is a breakthrough design that combines the best attributes of 1-bit converters and multi-bit converters for sound that is exceptionally transparent, against a background that is phenomenally free from noise.

Sony's multi-level digital-to-analog conversion is a significant step forward in audio technology. To appreciate the advance, it's important to understand three types of digital-to-analog converters: multi-bit, 1-bit and multi-level.


Multi-bit D/A conversion in a typical early CD player employed 16
switches, corresponding to the 16 bits of the CD sample. Each switch
produced a different level of current, according to the significance of the bit.

In the 1980s, the overwhelming majority of CD players used multi-bit Digital-to-Analog converters (DACs). Also called "ladder type" or "resistor ladder" converters, these designs typically used one resistor switch for each in the sample. The value of the resistor controlled the amount of current that flowed when the switch was On. Each switch produced current proportionate to the value of the corresponding bit. For example, the current for the Least Significant Bit (LSB) was 1, the next bit was 2, the next 4, the next 16 and so on up to the 16th or Most Significant Bit (MSB), which had a value of 32,768.

While these converters could offer superb dynamic range, they were susceptible to a distortion called nonlinearity. For any given output level, the combination of switches set On and Off would always be the same. In this way, if a switch's current source had an error, that error would always be reflected in the output level and the linearity would always be spoiled in exactly the same way.

This problem of errors and nonlinearity was especially important in the MSB, because the MSB is so big in comparison to the other bits (for example, 32,768 times the current of the LSB). So even slight errors in the MSB could overwhelm the value of the smaller bits, distorting the musical signal at the zero cross, where the binary digits flip from 1111111111111111 to 0000000000000000. These errors are generally masked by the music, when it is loud. But when the music is soft, this problem of "low-level nonlinearity" can impart a grit or hardness to the music that university researchers found to be audible.

For this reason, technologists developed 1-bit D/A converters that bypassed the problem completely. Significant among these 1-bit designs was Sony's own High Density Linear Converter™ circuit, which made its debut on the landmark CDP-X77ES in 1990 and has since been followed by Sony's Current Pulse 1-bit converter. Like other 1-bit converters, these Sony designs overcame the problem of zero-cross distortion, achieving superb low-level linearity for excellent sound, even during quiet passages and the reverberant tails at the end of musical notes.


The principle of 1-bit D/A conversion. In order to reproduce Super
Audio CD, Pulse Width Modulation must operate at a higher frequency
than the SA-CD sampling frequency of 64 fs (equal to 2.8224 MHz).

These 1-bit converters performed beautifully and dominated CD player design throughout the 1990s. However, in order to avoid the influence of jitter, to maintain linearity in the time axis, 1-bit converters need to be driven by a highly precise clock. And Super Audio Compact Disc makes this demand for precise timing even more stringent. Super Audio CD uses an extremely high sampling rate of 2,822,400 samples per second—2.8224 MHz. Many 1-bit converters employ Pulse Width Modulation, in which the converter modulates the output by creating longer or shorter pulses. Unfortunately, this requires a D/A converter clock frequency substantially higher than 2.8224 MHz. Because it's extremely difficult to maintain clock precision at such high frequencies, the signal is exposed to time-axis errors—jitter—which pass directly into the analog audio waveform, causing subtle distortion.

Such distortion was not acceptable for the design program of the ES Series SA-CD players. That's why Sony ES engineers endowed the SA DAC with Sony's multi-level D/A conversion. Unlike the multi-bit conversion used at the dawn of the digital age, multi-level conversion exhibits superb low-level linearity. And unlike the 1-bit conversion, multi-level conversion is remarkably free from jitter and jitter-induced distortion. You get the best of both worlds.

The multi-level D/A system has multiple switches controlling multiple current sources—in effect a number of 1-bit digital-to-analog converters operating in parallel. The analog output is created by summing all the current sources. Unlike 1-bit DACs, output is expressed not by the pulse width but the number of the current sources. This reduces the clock frequency, reducing the influence of clock jitter and reducing the radiation of noise into nearby circuits.


The SA DAC uses multi-level D/A conversion, illustrated here. Like multi-bit conversion,
the multi-level system uses many switches operating in parallel.
Unlike multi-bit designs, the value of all switchesis identical—a binary 1.


The output of the multi level D/A converter varies from 0 to 64,
depending on the number of switches set to On for each sample.

Multi-bit conversion (left) versus multi-level conversion (right)


To appreciate the difference between multi-bit and multi-level conversion, take a look at the two of them, side-by-side, as shown in the diagram above. For multi-bit conversion (left), each switch for has its own unique value. For multi-level conversion (right), all switches have the same value, 1.

For multi-bit, each desired output corresponds to one and only one combination of switches. For example, there's only one way to generate an output of 3. In contrast, multi-level conversion has many ways to generate the same output value. The illustration on the right shows four different switch combinations that create an output of 2. In fact, Sony multi-level converters can use thousands of switch combinations to create a given output level. And the converters select the combinations at random, so output errors tend to cancel out. And errors never get the opportunity to cause the regular, predictable nonlinearities of multi-bit designs.

In this way, multi-level conversion achieves high precision in the amplitude direction and high accuracy in the time domain, for astonishing specifications and exceptional uniformity on all six channels. But the benefit is far more than just technical. You'll hear reproduction with of superb clarity, transparency and musicality.

- Tri Power DAC

From the early years of CD players, Sony engineers understood that D/A accuracy could be further improved by summing the outputs of two or more complementary converters. Summing two D/A converters for example, increases the output by a factor of two, while random noise from one converter partially cancels out noise from the other. Noise is increased by a factor of the square root of 2 (about 1.42). So the resulting signal-to-noise ratio is theoretically increased by 42%. (This 42% improvement translates to 3.0 dB better signal-to-noise ratio.)

Sony engineers have applied the same thinking to the SA-CD players of the ES Series. Sony's Tri Power DAC system applies six DACs per channel, increasing output by a factor of 3, while noise is increased by a factor of the square root of 3 (about 1.73). So the resulting signal-to-noise ratio is theoretically increased by 73%. (This 73% improvement equals 4.8 dB better signal-to-noise ratio.)


Principle of the Tri Power DAC system. By summing the outputs of six
DACs per channel, Sony increases the signal by a factor of 3, while
increasing noise by a factor of only the square root of 3.
Overall signal-to-noise is dramatically improved.

Sony introduced the Tri Power DAC in 2002, with the SCD-XA777ES SA-CD player. In 2003, Sony extends the concept with the SCD-XA9000ES.


The Sony SCD-XA777ES has six SA DAC chips with a total of 12 DACs
. In multi-channel operation, each channel's output is created by summing two DACs.

The SCD-XA777ES used six SA DAC chips for 12 DACs total. When playing back multi-channel SA-CDs, each channel is created by two DACs, for a theoretical 3 dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio.

But when reproducing two-channel SA-CDs, Sony introduced a way to take advantage of the full processing power of the SCD-XA777ES. The TriPower DAC system uses six DACs per channel, for a theoretical 4.8 dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio.

SCD-XA9000ES Tri Power DAC system (multi-channel playback)

The SCD-XA9000ES incorporates an incredible 18 SA DACs, which means
it delivers the precision of the Tri Power DAC system at all times,
even during multi-channel playback. Click the photo above to enlarge.

For 2003, the SCD-XA9000ES elevates the bar with Sony's most powerful conversion yet. Eighteen separate SA DAC chips deliver the precision of 36 DACs. So the SCD-XA9000ES can bring home the exalted precision of Tri Power DAC operation, even during multi-channel SA-CD playback. You get minimum noise, for maximum musical enjoyment.

- Audio Circuit Boards

The SA DACs and other parts that are crucial to the sound quality of the SCD-XA9000ES are contained on the audio circuit boards. For this reason, Sony engineers took extra care in every aspect of these circuit boards, from the choice of materials, to the circuit topology to the selection of individual component parts.


The boards themselves are environmentally-friendly using halogen-free glass epoxy material. Careful design of board topology simplifies the signal path. And Sony has made extensive use of surface-mount parts and leadless resistors, which cut signal travel to the bare minimum. In this way, the sound is protected from radiated interference and the uniformity of all six output channels is improved.

The power supply can become a path for noise to leak from the digital system board to the audio boards. For this reason, Sony took the extra step of building a dedicated power supply just for audio. This minimizes even subtle noise and interference.

6. Construction & Design

Sony SCD-XA9000ES SACD Player - Page 6

Construction & Design

- Discrete Dual Laser Optical Pick Up

The SCD-XA9000ES can play back SA-CD, CD, CD-R and CD-RW discs. There is substantial difference in the laser wavelength of SA-CD (650 nm) and CD (780 nm). Sony accommodates that difference with the discrete dual laser optical pickup. This system has two independent lasers working through a common lens. One laser handles CD, CD-R and CD-RW while the other achieves uncompromised reproduction of SA-CD.

The system requires a beam splitter, a special objective lens that can handle both wavelengths and dual focus. This results in substantially lower mass than systems with completely separate optical blocks. Lower mass reduces servo currents, for a corresponding reduction in noise radiated into the sensitive preamplifier stage. Lower mass also means faster track access, for greater operating convenience.

- Twin R Core Transformers

The video and control circuits can introduce noise to the power supply voltage, which can trigger audio distortions. To protect the audio circuitry, the player uses two separate power transformers: one for the servo and digital system and another just for audio. In addition, power supply regulation on the audio circuit board itself helps establish stable operation for the audio D/A converters.

Power transformer cores and windings can vibrate and degrade the sound, radiating 60 Hz hum into nearby audio circuits. That's why Sony chose an R-Core design. The R stands for round. Not only is the core round, it has a cylindrical cross section, enabling the transformer windings to be wrapped without the voids or gaps that permit vibration. This results in far less radiation, far less hum. These two transformers are mounted on a copper plate, which is quite effective in reducing vibration. The audio power supply circuit also incorporates discrete components, including electrolytic capacitors, carefully selected for their sound quality.


The two power transformers have round cores with cylindrical cross
sections. This enables far more consistent transformer windings—for
far less radiated hum.

- Frame and Beam (FB) chassis

Vibration is the enemy of CD and Super Audio CD players for two powerful reasons. First, vibration in the disc or optical pickup triggers unwanted operation in the tracking servos. This can radiate spurious noise throughout the chassis. And this radiation occurs in exactly the wrong place—near the sensitive, low-level optical pickup preamplifier. To make matters worse, vibration can also cause subtle distortions in the audio circuitry. Vibration can have tiny "microphonic" effects on capacitor values and point-to-point wiring. While these distortions are not always apparent to the casual listener, Sony's design program required performance without compromise. For all these reasons, the SCD-XA9000ES incorporates Sony's anti-resonant Frame and Beam (FB) chassis.

In the SCD-XA9000ES, Sony's Frame and Beam (FB) chassis uses a thick, high-strength frame which gains additional rigidity from two broad metal girders or beams that cross the chassis from front to back. For even greater rigidity, the juncture where the beams meet the chassis front is reinforced by triangle braces. To further suppress resonant modes, Sony engineers selected metal members of different shapes and sizes to cancel unwanted vibration.

Front view (left) and side view (right) of Sony's Frame and Beam (FB)
chassis. It's supremely strong to suppress resonance.

The two beams have the added function of supporting the player's mechanical drive unit. Unfortunately, the two beams never have exactly the same length. This means that the mechanical block can exert slightly different tension on the beams, potentially exciting different vibration modes and generating unwanted chassis resonance. To combat this resonance, Sony engineers decoupled the beams from the rear panel. The beams connect to a rigid metal frame, which is connected to the rear panel. This design restricts the potential for whole-chassis vibration.


Schematic view of the chassis design, showing the chassis beams (light
blue), mechanical drive unit (violet) and audio circuit boards (orange).

- Silver Cascade Design

In addition to its remarkable technology, the SCD-XA9000ES inaugurates a new faceplate design exclusive to the Sony ES Series. The "cascade" design sets all the primary front panel controls at an angle, so that you can operate the front panel without uncomfortable bending and stooping to identify each control. The silver colored faceplate is made of brushed aluminum and fits in beautifully with conventional audio components. But the design really comes into its own when the SCD-XA9000ES is combined with other silver cascade components, such as the STR-DA9000ES.


The STR-DA9000ES shows how the Silver Cascade design extends to
receivers. The design is also featured on the STR-DA5000ES and
DA3000ES.

7. Unpacking

Sony SCD-XA9000ES SACD Player - Page 3

Unpacking

The retail package includes the following:
- Audio connecting Stereo cable ( x3)
- Coaxial Digital cable ( x2)
- iLink Digital cable
- Power cable
- Remote commander RM-SX700
- R06 ( size AA) batteries ( x2)
- Multi language manual
- Warranty

 

 

On the right on the front panel there are the eject, play, pause, stop, skip (AMS) and fast forward buttons.

On the left there are the power button, a headphone jack with volume level adjust. The five remaining buttons handle read text from the disc, entering the unit's menu, changing between Multichannel to Stereo 2CH and SACD to CD and enable the iLink.


click to enlarge

The RM-SX700 remote control is easy to use and includes everything for controlling the player apart from eject.


click to enlarge

 

When we removed the player's cover, which is something we don't recommend you to do, we witnessed Sony's amazing handiwork. The picture below speaks for itself.


Inside the SCD-XA9000ES SACD Player
Click to enlarge

Below is the internal layout of the SCD-XA9000ES as seen from the back. Notice the R-Core power transformers (1), the digital circuit (2), the analog audio circuits (3), and the i.LINK output circuit (4), near the center of the back panel.

As you can see in the pictures below, everything in the SCD-XA9000ES is made by Sony.

Below you can see Sony's well known chipset, which is also installed in many other devices, the CXD2753 DSD decoder responsible for SACD reproduction:


DSD decoder LSI


The Super Audio CD's 1-bit signal is processed and decoded by Sony's CXD2753 DSD decoder LSI. This integrated circuit makes intelligent decisions regarding the incoming data to form the 1-bit audio signal. The LSI first reads the Watermark, a feature protecting Super Audio Compact Discs from piracy, and then decodes the incoming data. The LSI uses internal memory to take data that's output intermittently from the disc, rearrange it and order it into continuous 1-bit audio streams. This LSI also reads sub code data such as the Table of Contents, track number, track time, and text data.

- Rear Panel

On the rear panel there are the stereo 2CH outputs as well as the Multichannel 5.1CH outputs, which means that the unit has a built-in 5.1CH decoder. Both coaxial and optical digital outputs are a feature of the unit. The great difference here is the iLink connection provided, with all the advantages we described in a previous page.

8. Control Menu

Sony SCD-XA9000ES SACD Player - Page 8

Control Menu

Below we provide some screenshots of the player's menus. As you can see, it is almost the same as those of the SCD-XB790 device. There are only a few new things added, such as the iLink.


CD reproduction


SACD 2CH reproduction


SACD MCH reproduction

CD-Text


90min Test Disc


99min Test Disc


Shuffle

Program function with A-B repeat feature

- Menu

In "Speakers Distance", you can adjust the surround, center, subwoofer and unit distance separately. For example:

From the "MCH SPK MODE" option in the Menu, with SACD enabled, you can select your preference from among 7 settings. These are:

Playback Mode Front Speakers Center Speaker Surround Speakers Sub woofer
MCH Direct Each signal outputs directly from each speaker
5-Large + SW Large Large Large Yes
5-Large Large Large Large No
5-Small + SW Small Small Small Yes
FRT-Large + SW Large Small Small Yes
FRT-Large Large Small Small No
No-CNTR + SW Large No Large Yes
No-CNTR Large No Large No

For example:


Also, the balance between the front and the rear, or the center or the Sub woofer is adjustable. For example:

If it is set to "2CH SPK MODE", there are two available settings:

Playback Mode Front Speakers Sub woofer
2CH Direct Each signal outputs directly from front speakers. No signal outputs from the Sub woofer.
2CH + SW Yes Yes

Navigation through the device's menu system is easy. The included manual will provide you with all the appropriate information for operating the player.

When the device is in playback mode, a green light is lit while an orange one when it is paused.

There is a blue light over the iLink button. This turns on when iLink is active.

9. Reading Tests

Sony SCD-XA9000ES SACD Player - Page 9

Reading Tests

The Sony SCD-XA9000ES supports mainly SACD/CD playback. The *.cda files of an ordinary audioCD are recognized flawlessly, regardless of whether the disc is factory pressed or is a CD-R/RW. In addition, CD-Text is also supported.

We noticed no problems when we played 8cm CD-R/-RW (185MB). On the other hand, our 99min test CD-R reported low audio quality while playing the last track, the 25th. In the case of our 90min test CD, the SCD-XA9000ES managed to play the first 17 out of the 20 tracks. On the 18th track, playback froze while the device couldn't seek on the 19th and 20th tracks.

If you have any protected audio discs, you won't have any problems since the device can play them without problems. The discs we tested were "Natalie Impruglia - White Lilies island" protected with Macrovision' Key2Audio system, and "Celine Dion - A New Day Has Come" protected with Cactus Data Shield 200. Both titles were recognized and played flawlessly. After all, those protection schemes are designed to discourage PC users from copying them and as such are not playable on PCs only.

Although the specifications for this player don't mention MP3 playback, we decided to test it anyhow. None of the following compressed audio formats can be played with the player.

Compression type
Compression settings
Recognize / Play
MP3
CBR 20kBit 11025Hz Mono
No
CBR 20kBit 11025Hz Stereo
CBR 32kBit 11025Hz Stereo
CBR 32kBit 22050Hz Mono
CBR 40kBit 22050Hz Stereo
CBR 48kBit 22050Hz Stereo
CBR 48kBit 44100Hz Mono
CBR 56kBit 22050Hz Mono
CBR 56kBit 44100Hz Mono
CBR 64kBit 22050Hz Stereo
CBR 96kBit 22050Hz Stereo
CBR 96kBit 44100Hz Mono
CBR 96kBit 44100Hz Stereo
CBR 112kBit 44100Hz Stereo
CBR 128kBit 44100Hz Mono
CBR 128kBit 44100Hz Stereo
CBR 160kBit 44100Hz Stereo
CBR 192kBit 44100Hz Stereo
CBR 224kBit 44100Hz Stereo
CBR 256kBit 44100Hz Stereo
CBR 320kBit 44100Hz Stereo
VBR - High compression
VBR - Highest compression
VBR - Low compression
VBR - Lowest compression
VBR - Medium compression

Windows Media Audio

(WMA)
WMA 48kbps
WMA 64kbps
WMA 96kbps
WMA 128kbps
WMA 160kbps
WMA 192kbps
WAV
WAV

The Sony SCD-XA9000ES is a high-end device and caters to a small number of people who are willing to pay the relevant amount. It wouldn't be fair to compare it to another cheaper and simpler device and it is certainly several levels above normal SACD players. We played many SACDs and some standard CDs. In the case of 2CH for SACD, the sound quality was amazing while when we inserted a MCH SACD, we were left speechless. If you put a few players side by side, you can generally notice the difference at once. This was our first review of such a High-End SACD device and as such, we found the device to be the best SACD player we have heard. It is simply leagues ahead of ordinary devices.

10. Error Correction Tests

Sony SCD-XA9000ES SACD Player - Page 10

Error Correction Tests

This is an AudioCD disc used for measurement and adjustment of the error correction capability and tracking/focusing servo characteristics of a player against the defects included in some CDs. Three kinds of defects are included on this disc, interruption in the information layer, black dots and fingerprints. The interruptions are fabricated by intentionally varying the lengths of pits in the disc fabrication area. Their size varies from 0.5mm to 1.0mm. The diameter of the black dots are sized of 0.4mm to 1.0mm. Last, the simulated fingerprints are small gathered dots, of diameters sized from 65 micro-meters to 75 micro meters. 160 black dots in total, go to make up the artificial fingerprint.

The interruptions of 0.5 to 1.0mm in the information layer was not a problem as it weren't the 65 to 75 micrometer fingerprints. The black dots over the 1.0mm size produced some audible clicks, but the 0.8mm was not a problem. This is supposed to be the easy test disc and as such, the SCD-XA9000ES should have performed better.

The test concept with the Philips SBC 44A is the same as in the previous test disc. Interruptions on the information layer vary from 400 micrometers to 1000 micrometers, while the black dots have a size of 300 micrometers to 800 micrometers No audible click or skip was heard during playback, indicating very good performance.

Same contents as with the Abex TCD-726, but different defect. A scratch sized of 0.4mm to 3.0mm is on the disc's surface. Error symptoms expected when playing this disc are noise, sound skips, same sectors repeatedly played, start of tune cannot be detected etc. This test disc is more difficult than the Abex TCD-726.

The performance of the Sony player is similar to that of the SCD-XB790. The first five tracks, with scratches up to 0.8mm, were played without problems while the sixth produced some audible clicks which were becoming more and more pronounced as the scratch size increased. The device failed to seek over tracks where the scratch size was 2.0mm and higher.

We finish this test cycle with the CD-Check disc from Digital Recordings. Five audio signals (5 tracks) in combination with disc error patterns to rate the player's ability to read music and reproduce it completely. The five tracks contain a sequence of progressively more difficult tests.

Check level 1 (track 1): Standard manufacturing errors

Check level 2 (track 2): 0.375mm scratch

Check level 3 (track 3): 0.750mm scratch

Check level 4 (track 2): 1.125mm scratch

Check level 5 (track 2): 1.500mm scratch

Any clicks, interruptions or looping during audio reproduction indicate failure of a Check level (audio track). Below you can see the test results:

Check level
1
2
3
4
5
Result
OK
OK
OK
Audible clicks
Audible clicks

It seems that this is a very demanding player :-;

11. Conclusion

Sony SCD-XA9000ES SACD Player - Page 11

Conclusion

We had the SCD-XA9000ES several weeks in our labs for testing, thanks to Sony. There are no words to describe the quality of the overall construction. The Audio Circuit Boards, the R-Core power transformers, the digital circuit, the analog audio circuits, with a Tri Power Digital-to-Analog Converter using eighteen separate SA DAC chips, and the i.LINK output circuit indicates what a great job Sony has done. Next to the SCD-XA9000ES, many devices, even those costing $1000, look cheap. However, the $2000 price tag for the player is a huge amount to spend. But then, this is a High-End proposal, a flagship for Sony and not many people can acquire such a device. For this reason, it would not be fair to judge the SCD-XA9000ES in the standard way we do with other standalone players. I think most candidate buyers don't care how capable the CD error correction is or if it can reproduce compressed audio. The purpose of this player is to produce high quality sound from SACD media, and in this respect, the player is simply superb. The rest will take it as a lifestyle :-)

Don't forget that for judging the sound quality of this SACD device, you'll need similar quality components as far as an amplifier and speakers are concerned.



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