I have had DP-500 at home. This is a very smooth sounding player, which for many may be just too safe and laidback. The bass and timing fell below averange, but HF-extension and air, resolution and soundstage depth are exeptional at this price point IMO.
Using TeeJay's "flavors", one can say that Esoteric is a typical #1 flavor: It revolves around pristine clarity, fine sharp details,speed,very extended top/bottom frequencies,and great PRAT.
Accu on the other hand is more of a flavor #2: it revolvs around a "musical/organic" sense, natural timbres,and an easy flowing liquidity. His "less forward" presentation my give the impression of less detail, but I think in this case its an illusion fostered by their more relaxed/organic manner.
FYI: The players I have directly compared DP-500 to are Krell KAV-280CD, Krell KPS-20i, Krell evo 505, MBL 1531, Accuphase DP-78, Naim CD555 and EMM Labs combo.
BTW - if you can find a deal on an Accuphase DP-78, it is a much better sounding player IMO.
Using TeeJay's "flavors", one can say that Esoteric is a typical #1 flavor: It revolves around pristine clarity, fine sharp details,speed,very extended top/bottom frequencies,and great PRAT.
Accu on the other hand is more of a flavor #2: it revolvs around a "musical/organic" sense, natural timbres,and an easy flowing liquidity. His "less forward" presentation my give the impression of less detail, but I think in this case its an illusion fostered by their more relaxed/organic manner.
FYI: The players I have directly compared DP-500 to are Krell KAV-280CD, Krell KPS-20i, Krell evo 505, MBL 1531, Accuphase DP-78, Naim CD555 and EMM Labs combo.
BTW - if you can find a deal on an Accuphase DP-78, it is a much better sounding player IMO.