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
Islandear,

I also am looking forward to hearing the new Ayre universal player as I would like to include it in my final shoot-out results. My dealer should be getting one in the next week. I have a lot of respect for Ayre's engineering talents and I absolutely loved their CX-7 cd player.

I'm disappointed that the new Ayre will not support multi-channel playback as I do own some very good mulit-channel discs. It also won't support DVD-video but that is less of a concern.

Welcome to the thread and please continue to provide your input!

AVGURU
I listened to an interesting cd player the other day at a home based dealer. It was a new model from MBL and I think the model # was 1531. The retail is around 8k. Top loading and built like a tank. Something else to check out if anyone is looking in that price range.
Avguru,

You mentioned using the Esoteric DV50 with an AA DAC. Sounds like you liked it; any more details? How does it stack against the APL and others you have liked?

Thanks,
Jonas
AVGURU, I have a 2910 in my HT system and it may end up going to APL or Exemplar for mods, but my music system will remain 2-channel...for now anyway. Short list for my upgrade includes the Esoteric X-01, and the Meridian 808 (absolutely exceptional, but limited to redbook). Will be auditioning the new Ayre (believe it will be designated C5XE) in January. Steve Silverman at Ayre suggests that its redbook playback will rival the D1X - or any other platform out there...we'll see. I also like Charlie Hansen's lineup, because, unlike a lot of folks here on Audiogon, I prefer balanced electronics. Look forward to your observations re the Ayre. Best wishes from the Left Coast - have a happy and productive New Year!
Jfz, I am sorry, I am going crazy getting ready for the Show in Las Vegas. I tried the Audio Desk Systeme machine with both CD and SACD. What is does, it brings more detail (from top to bottom), clarity and the soundstage is bigger. I find the performance more live-like. There is a problem though, with Hybrid (dual layer) SACDs, when beveled, you can see where the two layers meet. I am not sure how long a treated Hybrid will last as air might get inbetween the layers and distroy the Hybrid disc. The good part (for me) is that the Hybrid discs Stereo SACD information is stored at the inner side of the disc and the Multichannel information is toward the outer side. So, even if there is some air inside the disc after time it will affect the Multichannel region and not the Stereo region.

Regards,
Alex