Esoteric DV-50: Tweaks, Up-sample settings, etc.

Hi. My experience has been that on larger works the R-DOT plus FIR works best, but om smaller groups and especially solo instruments R-DOT alone is preferable--less bass, more lower midrange clarity. I don't leave it on all the time. After an hour warmup it seems just as good. I found balanced connection was far superior to single-ended. HMS Gran Finale balanced is marvelous with the unit, but Purist Dominus Rev. B is even better (although more than twice as expensive). Have only used an Absolute power cord on it so can't comment about various ones, but I'm not a big power cord believer for source components and preamps--unlike interconnects, I find the differences between them change the sound of the unit, but don't necessarily improve it. (Difference seems to be most helpful on power amps, however--there I have found a significant improvement with expensive cords.) Unit improves noticeably up to 200 hours. Great player, and since I also have a Classe Omega CD/SACD player and a dCS Purcell and Elgar, that's saying a lot. Have also found the Esoteric benefits from isolation; I have it resting on a Signal Guard II isolation platform, spiked feet resting in four Aurios Pros. The Esoteric is really a hell of a bargain.

I also have found the DV-50 to be an excellent value, considering everything it does. As to interconnects, I started with Cardas Golden Reference, but found the upper mids too bright. I have had the best results with Nirvana SX Ltd. balanced cables. The JPS digital AC adds more detail without edge, and the DV50 is supported well on the Signal Guard II isolation platform. However, I do not use cones under the signal guard. It is a remarkable player, truthful, but not fatiguing.

Am curious as to suggestions for RCA interconnect suggestions for the following gear: Musical Fidelity Trivista 300 integrated amp, Audioquest Everest speaker cables, and Thiel 7.2 speakers. Am currently using Cardas Golden Reference with the slight upper mid brightness. Am using Rick Kern analog moddified DV-50; however, never had a chance to hear it prior to mods so can't compare. Thanks for any suggestions.

I used to own the Esoteric DV-50 and I tried many isolation devices, from pucks & cones (including titanium) to platforms, and the best solution thus far has been the Gingko Cloud 10 platform that provides vertical and horizontal isolation. If interested, you can go to Gingkoaudio.com

Career........ have you heard or read about Argent Audio's "Pursang" cables. They have superb tonal balance, detail, bass control, and clarity. The Pursang is a silver cable, and contrary to myth, this silver cable is very smooth and dynamic, without the upper glare or brightness.