Esoteric DV-50: Any cdp's Significantly better?


Is there are anyone out there who has compared the Esoteric DV-50 to a number of dedicated red book only players (or other universal's) and found one that is SIGNIFICANTLY better?

I stress significantly because in my humble opinion the redbook playback (if comparison unit is just a cd cd player only )must be significantly better to justify losing DVD-A, SACD and DVD-Video capability.

I keep hearing there are better one box solutions and being a die hard 2 channel fan I would sell my DV-50 if I found a player in the same price range that sounds significantly better. But every time I do an AB comparision to other well respected units the DV-50 has slayed each and every one.

So far, it has eaten the lunch of the Classe CDP-10, Ayre CX-7, Linn Ikemi, Cairn Fog Vers. 2, Cary 306/300, Arcam DV 27A and CD 33T, Myryad CD 600, etc. It even betters a Sony SCD 777ES/MF Tri-Vista 21 transport/dac combo that I previously owned. I'm only comparing the DV-50 to single box cd or universal players, but I just wanted to mention the Sony/MF combo. I'm sure there are some dac/transport combo's that will handily beat the DV 50.

Some may say that the DV 50 should beat all the above because the of price point ($5,500 vs. average price of $3,000 for the above players). But I disagree since conventional wisdom says that stand alone players (especially with the pedigree of those mentioned above) should produce better redbook than a universal player trying to be a jack of all trades. Only the DV 27A does video plus audio. By the way, I was very impressed with the 27A as just a cd player. Of all the above I would say the Ayre was the best.

Next on my list is the Electrocompaniet EMC 1UP and the Resolution Audio Opus 21. However, I must tell you I am really impressed with the DV 50 and all the great reviews are absolutely true. I've noticed that many people who are using it or comparing to other players are using the RCA analog outs instead of the balanced outs. There is a significant improvement in sound if you use the balanced outs and I'm only interested in hearing comments from people who have compared it against other players using the balanced outs on the DV-50.

My system components are as follows:

B&W N803's speakers & HTM-1 center
Cary Cinema 5 (5 x 200) amp
Anthem D1 Statement pre/pro
Esoteric DV 50
Acoustic Zen Satori Shotgun speaker wire
Nirvana SX balanced interconnects from DV-50 to Anthem
Acoustic Zen Matrix reference II interconnects from D1 to Cary
No after market power cords or isolation equipment

My system sounds great! Those who comment please make sure to specify what specific improvements you heard over the DV 50 and what cdp were you comparing it against.

AVGURU
avguru

Showing 47 responses by jayctoy

Avguru, Brian (Essentialaudio), that would be nice,
I know Brian and David they both own Blowtorch.
This will be really fun.Its too bad, 711(Steve)
cant make it,Anyway maybe Mark from Northbrook
is also interested.Thanks
Avguru I admire you for not being bias,many times
audiophile,are bias toward their purchase,and the
gear they own.CONGRATULATION FOR BEING HONEST.For
711,you are true audiophile and music lover, 120
miles of driving? Thanks again both of you.
just want to add, the Hovland amp is a solid state,
12K, my Sony is a S9000es Modwright, not the XA.The
cables use at the dealer were Kubala.The Thor monos
are worth 17K, and the preamp 12k.The room tweak at
the dealer is worth 15K, well filter.All of us enjoyed
the shootout.
Avguru, Saturday is the best time for me.I spoke to 711
already, I will bring my Sony 9000es Modwright.I am also
excited to hear the DV50 and the Denon APL.Thank you in
advance for the invitation.This will be very interesting.
Iam sure we have differrent taste, this will be a very
good experience.
Guido, just talking to 711 and Avguru it excite me
they are truly into this hobby,this were the type
of audiophile, Iam looking for.At this point,I will
find out how good is the sony mod musicality wise.
Guido,its a Sony DVD/SACD S9000ES,level III mod + tube Stage
DAC MOD,Analog Bybee filters installed,Amp direct MOD with
DACT-2 attenuator.
Giudo,AVguru is from Chicago,711 and I, from the
Northside of Chicago,15 minute away.No snow this Saturday.
Even if there is, I will go to 711 place,I am that
excited.I might bring my buddy who has a very good
hear.So that I can post more accurate result here at
Agon.
Avguru,your review is very accurate,and thorough,one
aspect that we forget to mention is the Sony mod,
bass wise is deeper and it flows to the music,also
we all agree that the Sony gave 711 system more
musicality, and the quality of music is just totally
out of my disbelief.One thing I would like to add
the Denon is very consistent both with Dealer and
711 system.Also the VD nite pc gave all three CDP
huge improvement.I would also be helping 711, to find
the right cabling,and I will visit AVguru"s place.
This are true audiophile.I am glad I met them.
Before I forgot the slam of Sony is world class.Both
Denon are very good unit also.That shoot out tell us
that modified unit can compete with at least 2 to 3
times the price of any other unit. Anyone who own
Meitner in Chicago, I would love to hear it.
Avguru, there is a guy who live next door to me who
own Meitner, I hope, He will give me and you a chance
to hear your DV50 and my Sony Mod in his system,It
would be very interesting.I gave my number and email Him.
If indeed , He is willing to have fun, I would really
appreciate it.I agree on everything you said Avguru.
Reb1208,the Sony mod I have,dont have compression at
all, thats why AVGURU describe the layering unforgettable.
And amazing.The voice of Eva Cassidy sounded so palpable
natural,the CD is (Imagine).Even the acoustic bass of her
guitar it did sound so real.The other CD is Diane Schurr
Avguru scream when He heard the voice of Diane,He told
me its lush, like being in the bar for real.Even the
string on this player they do sound real,no thin sounding.
711 and Avguru are not raelly on classical yet.When I played
the Willie Nelson CD, Accross the Borderline, that define
the Shoot out, they were enjoying every thing, this Sony
played.How good is this Sony mod? I dont know.I will be
waiting for 711 and Avguru when Esoteric 13k unit arrive,I
would love to compare mine again.Lastly, what got 711
and Avguru is the emotions of this player, very musical.
We also played Terry Evan Puttin it Down, #10,to show
them the slam on this player.The slam did shook Steve
speaker.Thanks, I hope this helps

BON
Avguru, what you are hearing on the Sony Mod, is exactly
whats in the CD,I am very familiar with this player.
Its really exceptional player,the tube Dan used are
cryod,Tungsol 5687.Thanks for the review again.I will
get the unbilical upgrade today.According to Positive
Feedback its a must to have it for the Sony mod.
Will see?
Mgottlieb,I would admit, Iam not expert like you, I dont
go to Carnegie Hall, I do go to Ravinia Festival to hear
Live Music.If you are asking me, If Iam in the recording
studio and tell you every instrument that were used, The
answer is no,but I know how to read the label, what were
the instrument used on the CD.My church they do live
recording,I am present when they did that, we use the same
instrument,and this is my reference CD, to find out if the
GEAR or cdp is adding something.When the system is sweetening things up, ITS not good,because its not natural,
they are cables that does that. I am totally aware about
that,Lastly, Do you have any problem that Mod cdp can
compete with high price gear like your Esoteric?
There will be more Shootout on CDP,Brian from Essential
Audio is opening His House for us Chicago boys, who
is willing to have fun,A guy who own the Rich Kern,Sony
Mod is requesting to compare his sony mod,I already
Email Brian, the invitation is accepted,in two weeks,
.His system is very good, Iam excited to hear,
the Sony with Soundlab, blowtorchh pre amp,and JC1,
TGaudio cables.This time the SonyModright involved in the
shootout is equip with upgrade unbilical cord, its silver,
its not burn in yet. Fun..Fun...Here we go again.Thanks
Bon
Vvrinc this are the CDs I remember, the rest you can
email AVguru,and 711,Terry Evans Puttin it Down,
XRCD #10.Willie Nelson Across the Borderline,Eva
Cassisdy "Imagine",Don Bennet, Sleeping Giant.Diane
Shurr, Mark Levinson Herb Pomeroy " Live At Sandy"
Pure DSD SACD,Cantate Domino SACD Proprius Level.Chris
Botti, Thanks.
Steve, I will probably be able to pick your APL,
,I might ask AVguru also, because it would be nice,
to have more players there.There will be more ears
too,If plan change, I will let you know.
Avguru,the Sony has no problem with RCA,If the
preamp is blowtorch, It will improve the performance,
of the Sony, so far the Sony mod like it without,
preamp,we can try with or without preamp.Thanks
Mark, Brian postponed the shootout, He is busy.But
whenever you are available let me know.I can
let you listen to my Sony.Since you live close.Avguru
is going to Quintessence to get the UX1, I am
trying to go to his place to compare the Sony,
in his own system,Let me know, whats in your
mine, just to meet Charles is already a blessing.
Tbg, I respectfully disagree with you,one of the room
we use is Quintessense Audio, 15k tweak room.I pointed
that to Avguru.Only four people present.In a very
revealing system,17k Thor amp, 11k amp, Kubala Sosna
cabling.Sonus Faber Cremona.You cant ask for a better
set up than this.
Yes I agree 711 system, and room is not there yet, but
believe me, Its more than enought to tell you the
diferrence.We went to Mark1 house a well thought tube
system.The sony is again way much better than the DV50,
especially in SACD.Like I said AVguru heard the SonyMod
in my system,the result is even better, because my Sony
is synergising with my system. AVguru left in disbelief.
TBG, Like 711 said he drove to 2 hours, I drove many hours
for this shootout.
I will tell you Avguru,Me , and Mark, we are all unbiased,
we understand, the result will affect someones finances,
musical journey, in choosing the right cdp.I made that
clear to AVguru.I even borrowed My Sony to Mark1 for 2
days to make sure,He has plenty of time to hear it, and
get acclimated,and for the players to settle in.Again
the result is the same.Mark is is the process of looking
for a use DVP 999, to send to it Dan.I want to make this
thing clear.I am not on Dan payroll,he wont even give me
discount.
Tbg, we might go to Brian house,for one more Shootout.
My understanding, He also have a very good system.
To me shootout is very important you learn more about
the players, before to spend your hard earned dollars.
Enjoy the music.
Thank you to everyone who appreciate our effort to find
the truth.We hope that you read this thread very carefully,
It so easy to discern who is telling the Truth.
Again lets enjoy the music.
Luke I agree with you,palpability should be part of
musicality and emotion also.Thank you for asking.
Eldon,Brian from Essential Audio is inviting us again
to his place.My understanding is one of the cdp,is
modified by you.This is a big opportunity for you.
Avguru,ME,1mark, will be there.We will tell the whole
world,about the result.AVguru can write,and he can borrow
my ear and Mark,hopefully 711 is available.He own Denons
the APL and the Exemplar.We already drove many hours on
this shootout,but its ok,like Dolfan said he is a very
happy owner of SonyModwright for less money.So we will
see.
Richard(Eldon)you are more than welcome to join us in
this forum, we need your input.your expertise,Dan and
Alex partipated here,I deeply appreciated it.We are
having fun right now.Thanks
Oldpet, I agree,I am one of the Chicago gang as my
friend Guido, refer to us.There will be a final
shootout.Brian is on the CES.We are waiting for
Him,He knows the guy who owns the Sonymod Richard
Kern, and the owner of Meitner.The APL of 711 is
in Vegas.Let us all be patient, no fighting please,
Thanks Enjoy the music and the Shootout.After
all like Dolfan and 1Markr benefited from this
shootout, WHY CANT YOU.
Eldon,In my case.I was excited,when I saw AVguru and 711
got together, to my surprise they both live here in
Illinois,I beg them to invite me,this is not prearrange
to manipulate the outcome 100 percent.AVguru and I
decided to tell the truth, to give some information
to audiophile who are looking for CDP.You can email
1markr and Dolfan because of this thread Dolfan is
very happy and 1Markr got the chance to borrow mine for
2 days, and I got a chance to meet Him a very nice guy
with a very good system.I guarantee you AVguru is so
unbias even Mark,711 states that He likes the SonyModwright
and was blown away, but He thinks there is no black
background, both AV and I, disagree.I also guarantee
you.Iam not on Dan payroll,the guy wont even give me
discount.You think with the hours I drove and spent
on this shootout, Iam at least entitled a discount.
But I made it clear to Dan,the CDP he mod for me is
more than enough.I dont think Dan can afford to pay
He doesnt charge enough.
Eldon, If indeed your CDPmod will show up, it will get
a fair review also.Trust me, email me I will tell
you more.Let me tell you, Iam always careful not to
destroy people livelihood.I take no offense.
Enjoy the music.
I wish this thread is available when, I am looking
for a good cdp, the only source I have is Positive
feedback, I read Eldon SCD1 mod reviewed by Mr Robinson.
The review is very impressive, the only reason, I did
not contact Eldon is because I cant afford it.Then
while reading some post at Audiocircle, this guy name
Paul Bui, is describing the sony9000es so musical, and
how good it is.I contacted Him and believe me,we talked
for 2 hours.Because our accent interfere in our conversation
I believe this thread would help many agoners,to save
money, time,phone bills,in my case I met good friends.
Thats good enough for me. Lets enjoy it.AND LETS MOVE
ON, LETS ALL FORGIVE ONE ONOTHER.
Tbg, Iam a part of the original three, Bon (Jayctoy).
The owner of the Sony9000esModwright,I respect that
you have doubt in our conclusion,because you were not
there.This thread is for someone who are looking for
guidance like AVguru said,to have at least information,
before they will buy their cdp,obviously you already have
one the best player,Exemplar or Denon APL?, I am happy
for you,There was no doubt the Sony was way much better
than the two Denons, on the system Ive heard them, may
be in your system your cdp is better, but I doubt it.
If I were you I will fly here in Barrington,IL.The
Shootout is fun and enjoyable, its not about competition.
This thread has been through a lot,Charles and Steve
are both nice, disagreement happen.I would love to see
them in a listening room with me, they are both exciting,
individual,and emotional.Tbg please contribute in
a positive way, I did try to be careful on my opinion,
because I know words are very powerful,So far Dolfan
is extremely happy with his Sony999esModwright,1Markr
just receive his 999Modwright today,I hope he will be
happy, I will let you know in two weeks.
Brian my schedule is very tight this Saturday,but I will try to come.I will be in your place 3pm,if thats a problem
please me know,I willtry to come,I will be late.
Tbg I want you to remember this, If my Sony will not perform
as it did before, because this is a differrent system,
I have no problem with that.I can accept that.
I am excited to hear EMM meitner.Thanks
Ears if indeed your dealer is very understanding,and
willing to accept what you dont like, that to me is
wonderful,BUT I HAVE NOT FOUND ONE YET, Ive been
in this hobby for 17 years.Most of them they get upset
when you decide you are not buying.
I prefer the Shootout compare to listening on the dealers
room,no pressure.This last shootout we did is fun,and
everybody enjoyed it,I did not include my opinion,
because I wasnt in the best seat,and I am busy putting
the cd, and adjusting volumes.I trusted the group on
their opinion.
Tbg I totally agree with you, anyone who want to buy
a cdp, they should do the best, they can to audition it, in their own system, and in their own listening room.This is
the way to go.But how about those who dont have access
with this cdp? Can you tell me,what is the most practical
way for them to audition one? Like Eric stated in his
post, Modifiers wont send you a cdp for us to hear it.
In my case, I call the guy who own the sonymodwright.
And did a lot a research.I have been very happy with my
player.This thread will help someone to make decisions,
One example is Jose21 He bought the APL, and He thank
711 for his thought about the APL,He is a happy APL
owner,Dolfan according to him, He read AVguru's post
after the first shootout, He thinks the the way to go
is the SonyModwright, He is also very happy with his
Sonymod.This thread would help someone to at least get
a good idea,its a little bit of gamble.Peter is also
a happy Sonymodwright owner,1Markr is still trying
to burn in his player, He will post, when the burn
in period is done.
Tom I agree with you,As of now I will keep my Sonymodwright
I have the same feeling like you.Will I replace my Sony
in onother 3 years? The answer is No.Even if there is a
new one.It does not give you a guarantee, that it will
match your system, or its musical than what we have now.
Dbld, the DV50 is still a very good cd player,I do
agree on that, Modded on Not.Steve like his APL.
Tom like His DV50.Its obvious I like mine, I like
the musicality, and the full rich sounding sound,
I Like the bloom sounstage presentation,I am sure
they heard that when we are listening to the Cantate
Domino CD.Lets all be happy with our choices.Its only
stereo.
Krisgel even amplifier and speaker are almost
impossible to keep them forever.Too many choices.
Because of financial reasons, we sell them, so
we can upgrade.Thanks
Fla the transport in my cdp was not an issue.If I
were you, I will email Dan.
Alex I can only speak on my own experience with my
Sony9000es,Have you heard both of the unit? If
the 999ES is better than the 9000es ,then Dan
was able to put one of the best CDP modified.Alex
my sony is so musical, natural,and the tonal balance
is so accurate,my Andra"s were voice with piano,and
they do sounds like piano with 999es, you can email Avguru.
The reason why I want Fla to email Dan,to make sure
He doesnt make the wrong decision.I will do the same
if I own the APL.I will direct Him to you.I just want
to help here at no cost.
I will also inform you what is the sonic difference,Mark
got his 999es, when the burn in ,is finish, we will
do comparison.If indeed the 999es is better in my
system, then its time to upgrade, and thanks for telling
me.Enjoy they music.
Alex thanks a lot for contributing on this thread.
Well Fla the Sony9000ES, did very in this shootout,If
your unit is not reliable as mine,then as Alex said
the 999es is better,maybe the way to go is the Sony
999ES,if you like Denon,Alex and Dan are both doing
mod for them, 711Smilin will get his DenonModright,I am
sure He is willing to share the info to you, Mark has
theSony999esModwright, when I hear it, I will let you
know, how good it is.Fla with information above, if you
are really looking for modding cdp,this are more than
enough.If you have time read this thread.Enjoy the music.
Alex I mean Sony9000es that sounds like piano with
my Andras, I dont own the 999ES.
Alex have you read Eric post it is the APL that is
more fatiguing,He is the one who dont own any of
the player in the Shootout.
In my system the SonyModwright 9000ES is very accurate
and musical,the bass is very natural,no overhang,
Its not flabby,with the Virtual Dynamic Nite pc,
the bass became more musical accompanied
with total harmony,it also produces the full rich
sounding sound,I believe the SonyModwright
9000ES is for mature listener,the treble is just
about right, no hyperextension,no brightness at all,
To me musicality is the most important character
of a system,Accuracy is very hard to tell, because
during the recording we are not present,
Musicality is the one that involve the listener,
playing cd after cd, LP after LP.
I dont trust measurement,many gear who did very well in
measurement did not sound good, I trust my ears.
Alex the comment of Eric and Avguru are extremely
accurate on the two Shootout.
Also I want to remind you the 9000ES did performed
consistently in Mark system, Steve system, and
Brian's system.And never notice any coloration.Likewise
Iam very happy to those who own the APL.Enjoy the
music not accuray.
Alex thank you for all your response.I
do greatly appreciate them.And regards
to you also.Bon
Fla you can email Avguru, I think he has a good
idea about the SA14 Marantz.
Luke

Hello, Me and Steve do respect each other,
In this matter I totally disagree,I think
Brian tried the best, he can, You know,
to be the host,Its not easy,711 request
is difficult, Example,He made sure that
the system sound good to everyone present
in the shootout,this is hard to accomplish
We cant even agree on the CDP we compared.
How can we all agree on the sound of the
system.For we have all different taste and
preference.Did the Shootout Happen? Yes it
happen,Eric post is accurate.No offense to
you Steve,just like you,I like to speak my
mine,after all, this is America where there is
democracy and freedom.Enjoy the music
Boa I saw you are selling your Audio Prima, you must
be on the digital journey, I heard good things about
the Prima, Still not happy? Cant blame you.I agree
with Eric, In the Shootout we listed, all the gear
involved, Please do so.Thanks
Tom this is Bon, I want to order a TJR with SonyModwright
inside.I want you to upgrade the rubber band by immersing
them to KIMCHI,ANCHOVIES,But I will drive to your place,
5 hours drive right? So I can hear it for myself.Your
money will be in your mailbox tonight.
Ben go for it Shootout is fun,

Tvad, you know we both like to cook, its ok to put
the Anchovies on the tubes, the smell is nothing
compare to the benefit you will get from the music.
If you play Jacinta, She might come out on the
speaker to search the smell.

Brian, I am ahead of you on my order, please be
patient,Tom is only by himself.Do him a favor
Put your Magnavox to your freezer for 1 week.As
you know he hand picked parts.

Tvad (Grant) why cant we have a shootout on cooking?
La45, I too ,Iam excited to hear Meitner gear, but so
far no one has volunteer to show up on the shootout,
in the Chicago area.I am sure they are good.
Tvad, Grant , my friend and I both agree the
999es Modwright is even better when its properly match
with the right unbilical cord,they are two choices,
Dolfan (agonname)was stunned when I recommended the
copper unbilical cord.
I just got an email from a guy who told me about the APL
that was again involve in the shootout,according to Him
it was fatigiung, if you want I will send you the email,
He send me, this guy own APL.
I do respect you though, because you also do your homework.
Thanks.
Henryhk, I agree with you, If these players are available
around Chicago, lets do onother shootout, and compare.
Its very hard to do shootout, but it can be fun also.
711 what do you think?
Tbg why kill the thread, its a very informative thread.
Dbld,the thread is still alive and kicking.
Grant,I will never argue with you,I do respect you a
lot,its just stereo.Maybe I will send you a recipe about cooking.Audio_girl read Eric post for conclusion.
According to this guy who emailed me,audiophiles who
did the shootout on SonyModwright, APL,Meitner etc, will
post their conclusion here at Agon,I cant wait, I myself
I want to know ,if indeed our comment are similar.