Swobona Audio modified Sony SACD players

Swobona is one of the numerous boutiques (see this list in Positive Feedback) offering modifications to Sony SACD players. Swobona modded unit, based on previous generation Sony SCD-333ES model, earned in German Stereoplay magazine in January 2004 a rating of 62/70 (CD/SACD) against standard latest generation Sony SCD-XA 9000ES' rating of 60/68.

Swobona's latest model based on Sony SCD-XA 3000ES participated in 4 players shoot-out in German Audio June 2005 issue, earning a rating of 115/130 (CD/SACD). For the reference the same magazine has given the following ratings for some other products: dCS Verdi/Purcell/Elgar Plus 125/140, Accuphase DP-85 125/135, and Linn Unidisk 1.1 135 (for SACD). Hence, at €3.200 Swobona seems to have excellent price/performance ratio.

Now according to Swobona Web site they'll make available in June 2005 a modded version based on Sony's current top-of-the-line SCD-XA 9000ES. That should sound spectacular.