Sony CDP-X707ES CD Player with Swoboda modification – Quick Impression
I can’t remember which version of Swoboda it was (the photo is not of the unit I had), but I think it was the best available at the time, so it might have been the 2 or 2+.
Even more accurate and dynamically expressive than even the XA50ES with LC Clock, the X707 Swoboda is incredibly impressive at first hearing. But these improvements are very technical in nature, making the player ultimately also a bit too clinical and analytical. If you like a smooth ride, then the X707 Swoboda is not for you.
Above: X707 with Swoboda 2+ modification
Related Posts
Sony CDP-707 is actually a whole different machine, this is the CDP-X707, which was manufactured much later than the CDP-707, which in Europe was called CDP-557
These were the best series ever made, and not the later ones,,,,
CDP-337esD
CDP-557esD / CDP-707esD (US version)
CDP-R1(A)
CDP-X7esD (balanced output)
These four machines had BU1-E transport with the mighty KSS-190A laser which had a lifetime of more than 100.000 hours! Sadly many KSS-190A were replaced with new ones because people thought they were defective, but they just needed proper adjustment 🙁 This is the reason why they weren’t available as spare part very quickly after release.
All later transports using cheaper laser diodes with amplification on laser unit itself. KSS-190A had it’s adjustment poti’s on digital mainboard, and not on laserblock.
Btw, all those fixed laser mechanisms used too heavy pucks on top of cd, and suffered from weared ball bearings real soon. Not the best mechanics in my opinion.
Thanks for the info and for spotting the mistake. I’ve now corrected the model from 707 to X707. Have you also seen the CD Mechanism Masterpieces article in the Digital Classics section? You might find this a nice read.
I do have a Sony CDP x707es which I want some modifications. Particularly the digital output module and the transport mechanism. I’d mostly will use it for transport.
Any modification advise is appreciated.
Thanks
Pedro P
Hi Pedro, Swoboda mods are no longer available. What you could do is add a better clock, the best one I heard is the Flea with a Tent labs crystal.
Hello Christian,
Who can install the Flea clock upgrade?
I’m still loving this CD player and won’t give it up as of yet.
Thank you.
Hi Pedr, You can install the Flea yourself. Just check the raylectronics.nl website for instructions. If you can’t work it out or are hesitant to use a soldering iron near the 707, try asking a local technician what they charge to do this for you, provided you have all the parts then it shouldn’t take them more than an hour to do.
Is there a modern equivalent to these vintage transports.Made so well accuphase maybe
Hardly, I’m afraid. The solid loader mechanism seems to have died along with the last decent CD mechanisms. And the few that remain come at frightening prices. In line with the classics, the top of the line Esoteric spring to mind. And there is the Wadax Atlantis transport that looks and feels super-luxurious even if it has a very modest mechanism at its heart. Although there is the very reasonably-priced Jay’s Audio CDT2 mkII. It’s only a transport but very well-built. All that said, super-sturdy build is not the most important aspect for good sound, the electronics and the mechanism are.
I have a prestine Sony CDP-X707ES CD Player with Swoboda modification, with original boxing, controller, original cables and instructions. What do you think it could be worth today? 🙂
Hi Gabriel, according to hifi-shark.com (highly recommended if you don’t use it yet!), the X707 Swoboda+ has an average asking price of 900 euros.