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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
sean
6,231 posts
 
One more thing. It should be noted that Brian's G&D Transport and his Entec DAC aren't stock units, but have also been modified. As such, i was curious as to how well the modified "redbook only" system stood up to the modified "universal" systems. Since i'm using the same transport as Brian, i'm glad to see that he felt that his system could still hang with all of the "new & improved" versions reasonably well : ) Sean
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henryhk
648 posts
 
By the way one thing missing from most of the commentary of the various players discussed...including the listening session....was whether the same holds for both redbook CD and SACDs. In my brief experience dealing with stock players (have no exp with mod players unfortunately) there is a big diff. Some players do SACD very well but poorly on CD, others somewhat the other way around (or better put do not really bring out the best in the SACD format) etc. Would appreciate if those who comment in the future could touch on both areas separately. Many thanks.
phil_l
14 posts
 
If you are interested in Alex's work, his dedicated thread is probably the best place to look: http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/viewforum.php?f=71

now be nice. This is an unpaid, unsolicited notice. I am an owner of an apl/denon 3910, but paid the going rate. Since it isn't completely broken in, I can't give my final impressions of the 3910, but as of now they are the same as the more enthusiastic owners. The good news is there is some really great digital available.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Alex has posted a tidbit of tantalizing info on his APL-HIFI.com site
He has apparently commenced modifications of the Esoteric UX-1.
No further info is given at this point. Perhaps Alex could post here with some more info on this latest project.
henryhk
648 posts
 
I recently had a better opp to compare the mod Phillips SACD player used as a transport vs my Meitner CDSD both thru my DCC2 as a friend wanted to test the CDSD. HUGE difference. The Phillips although OK ...highs were rolled off, transient attack was relatively muted, sound stage not as deep. Both for CDs and SACDs. So if you were making the comparisons between the modded players such as the APL vs the Phillips transport-DAC6 etc...then I see why some of you preferred the mod players (again I have no exp) and suggest you owe it to yourselves to try the Meitner gear with its own transport.
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