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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
eldon
22 posts
 
I have said all I care to on this subject. If what I have
said makes no sense to anyone, then what more can I say?
I will let other modifiers chime in, if they have the guts!
If they don't, then I leave the sheep to their shepard, Alex.

Richard Kern
Audiomod
audiojoy4
98 posts
 
Hi all,
I dont mean to be overburdening your site, but just felt I had to share all my experiences with you all. One final comment on this DIY stuff,

I had the Sony SACD sc1 , haad all the mods done by audiocom in the uk, clock2, black gataes, vishays, etc. etc. I used in my system, hovland hp100, Music reference valve amps, avantgarde duo, numerous support platforms, townshend, ebony, maple etc etc.

The sony was always detailed sounding, with reasonable tone and soundstaging, but overall lightweight with a forced 'musical' presentation with red book cd. SACD was excellent, more organic sounding,more palpability and 'musical'. I added the modded X10D that helped warm and provide a three dimentional sound. Still not satisfied with redbook, i got the chord dac 64. Chord dac 64 plus sony transport only a little better than the sony alone. I added the musical fidelity x10d, now more body and tonal warmth to the sound, with a more relaxed and realistic presentation of the tunes. I then added the DIP by Monarchy. So the set up was sony coaxial digital output to monarchy dip($100 used) to chord dac to x10d($100). WOW, my regular reedbook cds were matching easily the sacd sound. I begab to see why the full potential of redbook cd was never realized.

Make your own conclusions. The chord dac has its own highly developed clock!So has the DIP, so hs the sony with its audiocom clock 2/power supply.

I wonder if these units can further improve the sound of the already professionally modded units.??????
I am still waiting for Alex just to take my order.I think his order books will be full for some time to come and rightly so.

Does any one have an ALP fully modded with his latest dac clock etc etc, they would like to sell?/

doc Luke

doc luke
carmantom
17 posts
 
I'm sure he will be amused to read some of the recent contributions. I have followed this thread for some time. I have concluded that Alex contributes information regarding his product only when asked. In addition he has always been helpful helping members like me with limited understanding.

If that makes me a sheep as indicatied by Eldon's comment, then so be it. Not all sheep are led to slaughter. Some were known to be led beside "still waters". Sure sounds magical and musical to me.

At 54 I am beginning to learn I do not always have to be the one making all the conclusions through trial and error. Instead I can learn through others.

I recently sold my Esoteric DV-50 in the pursuit of more in my front end. I contribute that decision to some understanding of front end, but mostly to the contributions of many on this board who have taken the time to share their experiences with their search for a better listening experience. I concluded Alex's modded 3910 was probably the best one out there now.

Some might say that I'm taking a gamble. It is no more a gamble than the countless thousands of dollars I have spent buying through auditioning and not auditioning. We all know it never quite sounds the same at home as in the audio salons. When I deide to take risks, I try to minimize my exposure to loss. I beleive I have done that by my order placed to Alex a few weeks ago. I also think if my gamble does not pay off(the unit does not meet my ear's requirements) then there will be those who will gladly buy it at a very good price. Looks like doc Luke might be someone.

When I receive it, (Alex, says I should have it in my hands by Jan.17th) I will post my experiences with it.

Here's a guy who has a "hot" item and has plenty of orders for them, and still manages to find time to answere questions and give valuable input to these forums. If you ask me, that speaks very highly to his character.

Those who have time only to whine about him probably feel more thratened by him than anything else.

Sorry for the long rant. I feel better now. Tom
711smilin
513 posts
 
BBBaaaa, bbaaaa, Richard, get a life, and learn your trade. Alex's mods are the BEST I have ever heard. Yours are not. Guess you just can't stand a guy putting this together in a couple years. You must be resting on past laurels buddy. You are wrong, each mod sounds different, unless you have poor hearing. Oh well, have fun looking stupid, and loosing customers along the way. I am sort of enjoying you blowing your image up, with your worthless garbage words.
reb1208
518 posts
 
Can't imagine that anyone would EVER place an order with Richard after reading his insulting comments.
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