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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
bearman3
8 posts
 
Guru I haven't heard the 3910 yet so I really can't make an informed comment.

On the 2900 the areas I heard "better" than the "50 were in the soundstage and throughout the midrange, where the 2900 was more lifelike, especially in it's presentation of vocals and flute. (I hear a lot of both live at home from a professional musician)If there is a weakness it's in the detail area. I'm still not convinced that detail isn't overdone as an area where real music lies though. I'll take correct pace and tonality any day.
My listening room at home is where I A/B'd them and it was a borrowed "50 I used. The room is quite neutral and well set up as a dedicated listening room. I have a small computer desk in one back corner but it's shut down during listening sessions and each wall plug is a dedicated 20 amp line. (4 of them).
irish65
170 posts
 
711smilin
Well said and keep smilin.
avguru OP
116 posts
 
Bearman3,

Thanks for your response. My listening session with the 3910 was similar to yours with the 2900...only the sonic differences were of a greater magnitude. I really just wanted to compare notes and make sure what I am hearing is what others (outside of us crazy Chicago guys) are also hearing.

AVGURU
avguru OP
116 posts
 
Due to a hectic work schedule and family committments I couldn't keep up my end of the deal to pick up the X01 on behalf of 711 Smillin. Sorry guys as 711 went though all the time and trouble to purchase the unit. We were to have a long and glorious shoot-out this evening between the APL, Exemplar and X01. Would have been better than 4th of July fireworks!

Tonight was the best night for all involved since 711 has a host of business committments that will keep him busy all of next week. Same with me.

We will have to reschedule this grand event for another day...but please be assured it will happen! The quest for the best and most musical digital cdp must (and will) go on!

AVGURU
henryhk
648 posts
 
Try Meitner gear transport CSDC plus DAC6 (mutilchannel) or DCC2 (2 channel DAC + pre-amp). Though u have specified one box solutions the combined cost is not out of whack compared to some of the pricer one box players like Burmester, mbl etc..even cheaper. The DCC2 also has by pass mode if you wish ( I use the preamp, very neutral). This set up play SACD and will also convert PCM (CD) to DSD but no DVD-A Incredible transparency, extended highs, decays that linger in your mind, excellent transients, clear mid range, image depth excellent. I have compared it to the DV-50, no contest. But admit no experience in the Sony Mod versions (pre-mod Sony definetely inferior) or the X01.
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