2. digital
  3. 1099737755

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
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.
Post removed 
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Arf! Arf!! Arf!!!
avguru OP
116 posts
 
Jmpwme,

I looked long and hard at the Goldmund universal 18D. Actually, I think there is a higher one called the Eidos or something like that. There are definitely two models..I don't know if you're looking at the mid-level one or the
top of the line unit. I never did listen to it and the one dealer we have in my area doesn't carry that model.

Goldmund makes excellent gear and their amps and dac's are some of the worlds finest. Unfortunately, they pissed off a lot of dealers around 6 years ago by suddenly and totally pulling out of the U.S. market without advance notice or warning. Dealers were left with no technical/repair support and were stuck with units they couldn't unload. Over the past 2 years Goildmund has been making their way back into the U.S. market (with a new distributor at the helm)but it will take some time to make delaers forget.

There's a guy on this site (Audiogon)called Satellite to the Stars. He's a Goldmund dealer and a stand up guy so he should tell you the truth about comparisions with other units. He'll also give you a hell of a deal and may let you demo at home. He's located in NY.

Irish 65-

I love Ayre products and have been keeping a close watch on the new Ayre universal (CX5). I have very fond memories of the CX 7 cd player I used to own and it gave the DV 50 a serious run for its money before ultimately falling in an AB test. I still have never heard a cd player do bass better than the Ayre. Ayre is saying this new unit will have cd playback on the level of their current flagship the DX 7. My only concerns are:

1. This is the first SACD player Ayre has ever made.

2. No video so not a true universal (minor complaint)

3. No multi-channel capability for SACD or DVD-A.

My dealer will have one by this weekend and I will be sure to audition it. Interestingly enough, Ayre has an Esoteric X01 in their engineering department which they use for comparision purposes. If they go after a sonic prowess on the level or higher than the X01 then things could get very interesting.

711 has contacted me and we're all set for face off tomorrow. The problem is we're expecting 4-6 inches of snow tomorro and that will pose serious traffic issues for me.

I'keep everyone posted!
711smilin
513 posts
 
No go, no show for the shootout, guys, my players TROUNCED the DV-50, AA Capitole, MF Tri Vista, where the heck are you
going with this search. For the money, or even 3-5 times the money, there are NO players better, only different. I know this by putting my $$$ where my mouth is. I am getting off this bandwagon. If you wanna hear the best, email me and bring with whatever you have, and we will have some fun.

Enjoy the search, but, more importantly, enjoy the MUSIC.

I AM, heh heh heh
More to discover