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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
larryi
4,090 posts
 
Sounds like you are going to have some fun! I can see how important redbook is to you. If you can find a dealer, you must hear the various Audionote DACs. I've heard the DAC 4 with an Audionote transport and the DAC 5 signature with Audionote transports and the 47 Labs transport. The DACs are pretty special. The Audionote dealer sells the Esoteric DV 50, but has not yet brought in the X-01. When he does, that would make an interesting comparison.

The @ $14.k Burmester player sounded good to me in a system that I was not familiar with. It was very smooth, rich and musical sounding, a bit like the Audionote stuff.

I have a player that is in the same price range as the X-01 that I also like very much (Naim CDS3). The top of the line Naim player is so much better than their prior models. It does not have the hard edge to the initial transient that makes the CDS2 sound mechanical and relentless. I like the way notes bloom in space they way they should. It is worth hunting down a Naim dealer for an audition. The Naim gear is more dynamic and has more "air" on top than the Audionote stuff, but it does not quite have that certain indescribable "magic" of the Audionote gear (could be just my imagination fueled by the truly exotic prices of the DAC 5 Signature).
711smilin
513 posts
 
AVGURU, morton grove is right down the street from me, call me and I will confuse the crap out of the salesman with my APL.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Great stuff AVGURU--or should I now call you Mohammed, since your forthcoming voyage of spiritual enlightment to the mithical audio mountain? It looks like 711 and you are getting ready to have a load of fun! My only choice at this time is to participate vicariously to the grand 'referencing' session. Esoteric against modified Denons: What a glorious shootout! Any chance of throwing in the EMM combo system in the mix?
jmpwme
106 posts
 
Any chance that dealer also has the Goldmund 18D. I haven't been able to test it here. Local dealer claims the Goldmund is better than the DV50 but not as good as the UX-1. Would be great to see a comparison against the modded Denon's.
irish65
170 posts
 
Avgura
You may want to add the new Ayre Universal player {approx.$6,000) to your list. It will hit dealers between Thanksgiving and Xmas. It is said to be one hell of a unit.
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