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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
711smilin
513 posts
 
Reb1208

Man, that is a GREAT question. Bass is probably the MOST important factor to me in musicality. Funny I did not even mention bass response earlier. I have the mother of subwoofers, the SVS 12 B-4 Plus with 4 12 inch woofers, passively connected to a Crown K2 in mono for 2500 watts. I LOVE BASS.

The APL has bass that does not need for a subwoofer in my system. In the past, I only had issues with my WAF using the subwoofer. I do not use the Sub in my 2 channel. I have 15" paper woofers in my speakers. They are very fast, and depending on the source, can definately sound bloated or muddy. With my APL, this is not the issue. The bass I get is so tight, fast, articulate, emmmm, real, I can tell the difference in the types of drums used. I was listening to Chuck Mangione's, Children of Sanchez, when the bass drums start, WOW, tight, fast, in my chest, only like my subwoofer was playing. My daughter ran downstairs and told me to turn my subwoofer off, cause books were falling ff the desk. I was smiling, ear to ear, prior cause of the spl and air from my 15"ers. When she came down, I was floored that the bass was so GREAT, I was HAPPY.

Bass is wonderful, accurate, fast, focused, again,the best I have ever had in my system. I guess I just neber mentioned it cause I never felt bass was lacking, and just did not think about it. Bass is presented naturally IMHO.

Hope this helps in your journey.
reb1208
518 posts
 
Thanks. I wish that the APL was available for in home audition. I'm looking to buy something right now. Was wondering- Did you ever listen to the Krell SACD standard. About 6 weeks off for the new version. Anyway, I guess an inexpensive back-up player will have to fill in. Any sugestions?
711smilin
513 posts
 
Reb1208, I am gonna ship my APL 1000 back to Alex on Monday. I will suggest to him, if his busy schedule permits, to fully mod it, and use it for demo. This would not be up to the 3910 standard, but should be plenty wonderful to give a taste. I have not heard the Krell SACD standard, but from reading audiogon threads, I was under the impression the AA Capitole mk 2 was superior. I have owned that. I realize the more I know today, the less I know tomorrow. As far as an inexpensive back-up, it depends on what the buget is, and which formats are the most important to you. My back-up was(is) the SACD 1000.
jes45
293 posts
 
711 smilin seems to be on APL's payroll.
711smilin
513 posts
 
Jes45, you need to get a life, I have bought, paid for used sold returned more equipment this year than most. I see no feedback for you, only rediculous posting. I am still buying other sources, and am communicating with other honest audiogon members who are on a similar search, for fabulous digital.. I have found something I realy love, and am sharing my experience. Nuf said.
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