Depending on the disc, SACD music releases provide super high-fidelity multichannel and/or stereo sound--far greater in resolution than standard audio CDs. The system employ's Sony's proprietary DSD (Direct Stream Digital) digital-to-analog conversion. A 1-bit system operating at an extremely high sampling frequency of 2.8224 MHz (64 times that of standard CD), DSD production begins by converting analog audio (i.e., the original sound signal) to digital without filtering or other techniques that might compromise the integrity of the source. DSD allows for a frequency response that can extend to 100,000 Hz and a dynamic range greater than 120 dB.

Multichannel releases offers special, discrete sound mixes created to take advantage of a home theater's front left/right, rear left/right, center channel, and subwoofer configuration, the better to envelop you in your favorite music as you've never heard it before. Most reissued multichannel discs also offer superior-sounding 2-channel (stereo) versions of the albums as you know them.

The SCD-CE595 performs its own decoding of SACD signals, passing high-resolution analog, not digital, audio to your integrated amplifier or surround receiver. This means you'll need an audio/video receiver with multichannel analog-audio inputs to appreciate multichannel SACD releases. Built-in SACD multichannel speaker management helps you tailor the individual outputs to your system.

Choose from a set of stereo and a set of multichannel analog-audio outputs, and--for use with standard CDs--there's also an optical digital-audio output that simplifies hookup with CD and/or minidisc recorders and other audio gear.

What's in the Box
CD/SACD changer, remote control, remote batteries, a user's manual, and warranty/registration information.

Customer Reviews Average rating - 4.0

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-11-30
Content: Found I could attach the machine to my radio. At first the controls were lconfused and the machine jumped from cd to cd but it must have been a problem with my inexperience as after two attempts, it worked fine. Really great machine. I can play twenty discs, five at a time, and it goes on and on unlike my past machine that played three and quit. I can spend an entire afternoon just listening to Anna Karinina with its twenty some discs.

I especially appreciated the advice and quick response I received from the manufacturer. Thanks to him, I'm very satisfied.


Summary: Pleased with my new Sony audio player

Rating - 1 Date: 2008-09-16
Content: I have had this player for almost 2 years now, and it just started acting-up with the same problems as the other reviews. It first started skipping on the first tracks, and then would just stop mid-track. And now it won't read the discs at all. Knowing the hassle of repairs on any electronics, I decided to figure out the problem myself. I had it running perfect yesterday, but wouldn't read the discs again today. I guess I'm out $150, too, because I can't get it to do a thing. Apparently, the player has a major flaw and should probably be shelved by Sony.

I also agree that when it was working that it did seem to take forever to read the discs, therefore, shuffle is useless because you could wait up to 20 seconds for the next song. The remote is very limited. Thank god I kept the excellent remote from my old Sony player that I bought over 10 years ago which works with this one. I don't know why they don't just reuse that remote. I was never even able to find anything I listen to on SACD to even use that feature. Anyway, Sony really messed up on this one.
Summary: Do not purchase this machine.

Rating - 1 Date: 2008-09-09
Content: I was never satisfied with this player--from the moment I hooked it up to the moment it crapped out less than a year after I paid for it. With electronic items I've discovered over the years that you get what you pay for. This is the last time I try to save a little money!!!
Summary: Cheap!!!

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-09-06
Content: My 17 year old Sony CD player started to get CD's stuck that required a good thump to get the door open. This new players is a good value and a perfect match for my "stack" set up. It's 1 inch deeper so it sticks out the back, but this is not seen.

Like other reviewers, I noted the brighter sound too. I would ask, how is it a piece of electronic gear can "mellow" with use? Dust? Heat? I understand wine and cheeses mellow, but I suspect in this case, it's the human ear adjusting to a brighter sound and that becomes the new norm.

No problems with this unit. I'm looking to buy more SACD's and since most of my collection is classical, I have some good choices. Either way, my current CD's sound the best in years.
Summary: Good sound, good value

Rating - 5 Date: 2008-08-18
Content: So far seems to work fine. Haven't had a chance to try an SACD so far. But regular ones sound good. Pretty much what I expected.
Summary: Nice SACD deck