Sony CDP-707ESD Vintage CD Player With Remote - Our Favorite!

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General:

I've been collecting Sony ES pieces from this era for a long time - and this particular model is by far my favorite and best piece.

I've had two of these and they're both rock solid, so I've decided to part with one of them. Initially I was concerned about having my other player break so I purchased a second unit. I have since learned about the reliability of this particular model transport and now realize how incredibly reliable and "bomb proof" it is. So I’m now comfortable listing my second player for sale.

To understand how well built this player is, all you have to do is pick it up. Must weigh over 40 lbs.

Inside you'll quickly notice the absolute lack of any plastic parts in the transport mechanism. They're all metal, and the laser transport runs on stainless rails.

The laser transport is made of cast aluminum and is regarded as the most reliable laser ever made. 

The power transformers are potted and the highest quality capacitors are used throughout. There seem to be more regulated power supply sections than a CD player could ever use. 

The chassis is made out of solid copper and all surfaces are treated with some sort of anti resonant rubber material. The PC boards are made out of epoxy and there are copper busses running throughout. 

Some experts have speculated that there is no way Sony made any profit on this particular model. It’s as if the engineers were given an unlimited budget regardless of the final selling price. 

Subsequent models may look similar from the outside, but they were made inferior with every generation to the point of weighing only 10 lbs, and without a single metal part in sight.  

Performance-wise the CDP-707ESD is exceptional. It features super desirable 18-Bit Dual Linear Burr Brown DACs.

You'll be hard pressed to find a player that can access tracks any quicker. It’s almost instant as you scroll though the tracks. Even the drawer is fast, providing a reassuring and deep seated "thump" every time you operate it.  

On the back you'll find digital and analog outputs selectable via switch. The only bummer is that it doesn't have balanced XLR outputs, just single ended RCA. Only a tiny handful of Sony gear from this era offered XLR.

This is the best condition CDP-707ESD we've seen too. There are no noticeable scratches or wear marks. The faceplate is near mint and the display is bright and legible like the day it was made! 

The classic rosewood side panels are included which are hard to find as a pair in this condition.

We'll pack this unit professionally and set the transport locking screw in place for safe transport.

Brand Background:

Since 1950 Sony has been building the most innovative products in the audio industry. 

Ownership:

Single Owner 

Connections:

Fixed and variable RCA analog outputs, Coax and Optical Digital Outputs.

General Sound:

Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:

8 - Very Slight Signs of Use

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Working Condition:

Working perfectly and tested in our lab.

Included:

Player, remote control, and captive power cable as pictured.

Packing:

Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials. 

Original MSRP:

$1,800 in the 1980's

Dimensions:

18" x 5" x 14"

Weight:

40 lbs.

Age:

October 1988 (Pictured on rear label)

Link to Manual:

Click here for a PDF copy of the original Sony CDP-707ESD Sales Brochure

Click here for a PDF copy of the original Sony CDP-707ESD Owner's Manual

Click here for a PDF copy of the original Sony CDP-707ESD Service Manual

Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Coaxial Digital Interconnect

Kimber Kable - Optical Digital Interconnect

Testing Process:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect resistors and other passive components for signs of overheating. When the unit is first powered on we check the drawer mechanism function.

After the visual inspection we connect the CD Player’s RCA outputs to our Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates a real world input impedance and allows us to monitor the output on an oscilloscope. We start with a test CD with precision test signals to verify proper output on both channels. If the CD player has balanced outputs these are also tested at this time. If this check passes, we move onto evaluation with actual music CDs. We listen for clicks, skips, and drops during playback. At this time we also check the transport functions including skip, ff, rw, play, pause, repeat, and programming if applicable. If the unit has a remote control, all remote control functions are verified.

If the CD player is capable of SACD playback we test its ability to read SACD layers on multiple discs including standard and hybrid SACDs. At this time we also check the unit’s digital outputs where applicable. If SACD layers are being properly read we should see the digital outputs mute during playback. On redbook CD playback we verify that each digital output maintains proper lock on our bench DAC.

After bench testing is completed, CD players are set up for testing on our long term test rig. During extended testing we make sure that unit can play through several different discs from beginning to end with no skips or lock ups.

Specs:

• 18-Bit Dual Linear DACs – Burr Brown Processors
• 2Hz - 20kHz ±0.3dB
• Harmonic Distortion: 0.0015% or less (EIAJ)
• Signal to noise ratio (S/N): Above 115dB (EIAJ)
• Dynamic Range: Above 100dB (EIAJ
• Channel Separation: Above 100db (1khz) (EIAJ)
• Gold Plated Line Output: Fixed and Variable (analog outputs) with volume control on remote
• Headphone Jack: Switchable on/off with volume control on remote and unit
• Digital Audio Outputs: Gold Plated Coaxial (RCA Type) and Optical (TOS Link)
• 8-Times Oversampling Digital Selectable Filter
• Multipage Track Music Calendar on unit read-out
• Programming Edit Functions – for use with CD recorders or for extending pauses
• Random Play and Continuous Play Features
• Die Cast Aluminum Construction
• Full Copper Shielding for Entire Unit
• Large Sized Ceramic Insulator Feet
• Large Capacity Independent Power Supplies