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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
avguru OP
116 posts
 
Eldon & Flye (aka Richard & Kyle),

I understand your frustration and your points of contention have been duly noted. There are many on this thread who are aware of the excellent mods you have provided over the years. And most people here are also bright enough to differentiate between those who are trying to further their own agenda and those who are still interested in seeking the musical truth. People who do that in the long run lose all of their credibility and objectivity and are no longer viewed as being impartial contrary to what they may say publicly.

Again, there is no need to make personal attacks on individuals...and I'm especially disappointed that you did that after my rather long post asking everyone not to engage in that activity any more.

I will be in touch with you guys shortly (after CES). I want everyone to have a fair shot at getting the truth known about their product. By the way, I have never heard Alex (who I have spoken to on several occassions)say anything negative about RAM or your mods. I just thought you should know that.

AVGURU (MODERATOR)
avguru OP
116 posts
 
Audiojoy 4,

Did you not read my post in regards to making agressive overtures and "sales pitches" towards Alex's or any other modders or individuals products on this thread? What part of my post did you not understand?

If you want to be a spokesperson for Alex's product in the UK contact him privately (not via my thread) and negotiate your deal with him on your own time. That is not the purpose of this thread and I would hope not to have this conversation with you again!

AVGURU (MODERATOR)
711smilin
513 posts
 
I just bought the Modwright 3910 Dan was showing at the CES, I hope it's great. See guys, this is a nutty hobby, quite obsessive, huh?. BTW I will be taking these units to a fellow who has the Meitner gear for a comparison, and to decide if I would rather own those, anyone interested?
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,205 posts
 
Oldpet, I agree,I am one of the Chicago gang as my
friend Guido, refer to us.There will be a final
shootout.Brian is on the CES.We are waiting for
Him,He knows the guy who owns the Sonymod Richard
Kern, and the owner of Meitner.The APL of 711 is
in Vegas.Let us all be patient, no fighting please,
Thanks Enjoy the music and the Shootout.After
all like Dolfan and 1Markr benefited from this
shootout, WHY CANT YOU.
phil_l
14 posts
 
Giudo, others, perhaps it is time to return to our regularly scheduled program, or move the much needed DAC analysis elsehwere. But, before we do, I'd like to consider a few of the signs, since many here continue to suffer:

Have you ever considered the possibility of changing the power receptacle of an appliance to IEC so that you could either make that appliance quieter or to more quickly break in a new power cord? You got the DAC.

Have you ever placed padding around various parts of your body to change the high fequencies of your system? DAC is present.

Have you ever thought that NASA is hiding the fact that matter transmitters do exist during a time you really wanted quick delivery of a new tweak or gear? You have had a DAC attack.

Have you ever wondered why your favorite audio rag doesn't have a pull out for the amplifier of the month? DAC has you in its grip.

Have you ever considered, even for a short time, the possibility of selling a vital internal organ, either your own or that of your children, in order to have the resources to purchase the newest, hotest, amplifier or other piece of gear. You got it bad.

Hey, I know from experience it is rough. My wife became an enabler and is buying me an aplhifi mod for my birthday (they are the best! OK, just kidding). Yes, your wife can talk to my wife, but it's gonna cost you plenty. If this unit allows me to reach audio nirvana, I promise to report back.

Phil
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