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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
aplhifi
515 posts
 
Avguru, the currently offered mod for DV-50 is all solid state, no tubes inside. The intro price is $1495. While the unit was here, I figured that I can install the tube mod in it as well. The thing is that the tube has to be exposed on the top of the player. I can mange to hide it inside, but in that case ventilation holes are must. If DV-50 owners agree with the above conditions and want to go for the reference tube mod, then yes, it will cost $3200 as for the Denon.

I was inspired by the killer bass performance of the DV-50 which surpassed the Denon. Of course, I have quickly figured why is that and the Denon has been already updated. Yes, it has the same bass as DV-50 now...:-)

The DV-50 mod is for owners who like the appearance of the unit and other features and would like to take its performance level to new heights. For those who don't care about appearance or are on a budget, the 3910 would be the better option. I am not convinced that fully modded DV-50 will outperform fully modded 3910. I like Sony DSP which is used by the Denon while the Teac uses Pioneer DSP.

Regards,
Alex
reb1208
518 posts
 
One of the main reasons I sold my DV-50 was due to the bass. I found it to be ill defined, and up several db from what is on the recording. Flat frequency response is what I look for in a source component. The APL Denon having "the same bass as DV-50 now"- I'm not sure what that really means. Was the APL Denon bass deficient? I'm sorry for being such an SOB. But cloning the bass response of a DV-50 is not an "upgrade". Improving bass control, definition, detail, accuracy, separation, freq response would be.

GC- Apology accepted.
aplhifi
515 posts
 
Reb1208, I listened to the stock DV-50 very shortly as it was not to my taste either - very artificial. What you are saying is right, but it is not caused by ill bass, it is caused by ill midrange and highs in the stock DV-50. After I completely disabled the upsampling, DACs and Analog stage in the machine and installed my components, the sound became magical. It came very close to the Denon in terms of soundstaging, imaging, mids and highs clarity and overall musicality. What really impressed me (after the mods) was the stunning bass performance of the Teac which, again, surpassed the Denon bass. I figured why is that and have updated the Denon which now has the same or better bass than the modded DV-50.

Absolutelly, I am also looking for true reproduction with flat response over the frequency range. The modded DV-50 and Denon 3910 are flat from 20Hz to 20kHz / + - 0.5db.

Regards,
Alex
reb1208
518 posts
 
Alex, I think you are a really talented technician. With excellent hearing skills. Like many of us, I am very frustrated deciding on a source component. And, at this "mature" stage in my audiophile life, I have burned way too much cash. No longer can I spend 5K or more on a machine. I wish that you could find some way to bring the price down on your player. Surely there must be away to souce the Dennon DSP/transport. Then put that into a more economical box.
Regards
Bob
la45
242 posts
 

Alex, I am inclined to agree with Bob on this one. In reading this thread I thought of the same question, why is Alex not selling his own player? For me and others, it sometimes does not make good sense to pay for a brand new unit and the basic operating elements is gutted out.

I would probably not mind getting the Denon 3910 but what hurts is paying a high price for the player plus mod and losing in the end on the resale. My investment money is better spent on you Alex and not Denon.

Alex you are one of the best talents around and I know how you like challenges! I doubt you will have a problem finding financing if you need it.

Your friend,

Lou
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