Price Paid:  $179.00 from Sevenoaks Sound & Vi

Summary:
I should first note that the model I have is the CDP-XE900E , which apparently is a UK 'tuned' version and first retailed at £300. Out of the box I really felt impressed by the sturdiness of the build quality and aluminium front panel. Operation is really slick to and tracking is much faster than my previous Marantz CD63SE, I was extremely impressed with the 'Fixed Pick-up Mechanism' transport. Even better is the user friendliness and you soon realise that most of what you need to do you don't even have to read the manual! The jog dial makes things so easy too The sound quality is very fine indeed over a huge spectrum of musical styles. My stereo amp is a Marantz PM-66KIS and speakers are the Mission 773e's using Straight Wire Chorus interconnects. The player has a extremely good solid bass which was immediately apparent over the brighter Marantz CD63SE. The midband is vivid too and the treble is natural and nicely judged without being too bright (the Marantz CD63SE can be bright unless matched carefully).

Strengths:
- Great build - Slick and easy operation - Superb tracking - Good solid bass - Plays all types of music well, always an exciting presentation without being too bright

Weaknesses:
- Lack of co-axial digital out

Similar Products Used:
Marantz CD63SE

Price Paid:  $200.00 from Sony service centre

Summary:
Excellent with modern rock and pop with its pace and bright tonality.
One step down for classic and gentler types of music but still above average.
Buy it with confidence or any of its later models 920/930 and now the new SACD player the 940 which plays SACDs wonderfully.

Strengths:
Plays upbeat music very well indeed.Its main characteristics are a fast,slightly brightish high impact sound.It is gutsy and detailed with a slightly brash tonality which is true to live performance especially for modern high impact music.More than holds its own and is one of the best at this price level.
Jog knob for track access is a wonderful innovation-my Philips cd-r 775 also has this feature.

Weaknesses:
Not as good for classical and mood music as it is a little aggressive. Not quite as involving as some but makes up for it with pace and tone.

Similar Products Used:
Originally used a Sony xe 300 player and upgrade to the 900 after 2 years.
Have compared H-K 730 too dark tonally but good involvement
and Kenwood 7090-good all rounder but not as lively,bit expensive also friends Marantz 63 se-not bad but bit smooth.
I use my 900 with Sony Ta-f 448e Amp and Jaycar 50 kitset speakers which i must say all sound very good.
Interconnect is Sonic Link Silver Pink and speaker cable Kimber 4 PR.
I wonder why there are no reviews for the Sony Ta-f 448e on Audioreview as it was a What Hi-Fi? 5 Gold star supertest winner back in 1997? Presumably no one except me bought one.

Summary:
This Sony product show's a lot of sonic qualitys of the ES series. The midband are ver smooth and musical (excelent with audiostatic's ESH50), it got a fine bass (he does not go very deep) and a clear treble. It's a good choice for those o want a cd player even for the double of the price.

Summary:
Sony CDP-XE900 is good for comtemporary music. Sound quite indequate with classical, especially chamber music. Interconnects for this player is important.
I like this player as it is fixed laser spot, similar to the Linns.

Given it is quite bright, one should use cable like Nordorst Black Knight cable.

Leaving it on for 1/2 an hour will bring out the best from this player.

Summary:
It's a great piece of Hifi equipment. I like him very much. Good sound, very good handling (remote), nice look. Digital output. But still I wish to have the best of Sony. The CDP-XA50ES!!! No more cash, no more music. Very good player for not too much money. I'll say: BEST BUY!