i'm not sure how to answer....
first, SACD (and pure audio/true audio) often sound better, because they use different mastering! this is the only real reason to acquire HD music (that you already own on CD or LP) is the chance to get a better sounding, less compressed master
second, as to your sony player....it gets great reviews and apparently their DSEE (enhancement feature) works really well. however, what it is doing is a combination of "smart guessing" and DSP effects like compression to change (hopefully enhance) the sound. It CANNOT add "real" information that wasn't there in the first place. if you like the sound, then awesome!
JRiver doesn't currently do this (enhancement engine) automatically, which personally i'm happy with. in fact i wish no companies were doing this, as it doesn't give very much incentive to create good mastering on the recording in the first place...