Sony CDP-X5000
(1996 - 1998)

The 10mm frontplate is reminiscent of what was planned for the pre-Esprit and ESPRIT series - the rest is very different.
The slabs of aluminium making the sides and top are reminiscent of the Precise P7 units - but the rest is very different :-)

The CDP-X5000 is an integrated CD player with a drive vocation : the AES/EBU digital output isn't present for peanuts. The various audiophile-oriented accessories made of inert materials weren't for peanuts either. Unfortunately, the latter were only distributed in Japan - Sony silliness as usual.

An excellent drive with luxurious looks, serious build quality and very sensual feel of use - why the CDP-X5000 and its smaller CDP-X3000 sibling didn't sell too well is beyond my understanding.

Unlike what is commonly believed, the 3000 and 5000 separates are NOT part of the Sony ES series. However, Sony in Germany attempted to unload its stocks more easily, late in time, by adding an ES logo next to the model scripting, and on the cartons, and in the manuals. This was however unheard of elsewhere, including Japan.

Click the buttons below for extensive descriptions of the CDP-X5000 circuits and mechanisms !!