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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
 
Boa2,

I agree that the wait is much too long and I wish I could speed things up. Unfortunately, we are waiting on a bevy of players to arrive before we do the shoot-out.

Here is the anticipated line up of players and the personnel who will bring them:

AVGURU (ME)- Esoteric UX1, Classe CDP 100 (new series), Marantz SA 14, Exemplar 2900, Meridan G08. I either own or have access to all of these units whenever I need them. I sold my DV-50.

Jactoy- Modwright Sony 9000ES.

711 Smilin- Will soon have both the Modwright 3910 and the APL 3910.

1Markr- Will soon have the Modwright Sony 999ES. He also owns the Audio Aero Capitole DAC.

Additionally, there are a couple of people we know who own the Meitner but no committments yet on whether or not they'll participate.

I honestly believe it will be another 2-3 three weeks before 711 and 1Markr have their units in hand. Once they do, we will arrange the shoot-out (if everyone's schedules permits) for the following week...preferably a Saturday.

I think the group of players listed above represents a wide sampling of some of the best tube and stock players on the market today. Having the Meitner would be the icing on the cake.

Facing these units off in a system that is as neutral as possible would at least give everyone an idea of the strenghts/weaknesses of each player. That's all any shoot-out can realistically hope to accomplsih as the ultimate performance of any player is system dependent.

If anyone has any other players they would like to see included (assuming we have access to them)please let us know. Just keep in mind that we will only have so much time.

AVGURU
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
AVGURU, the new AIR CX-5 would be an interesting player to add to the mix.
A friend of mine heard it at CES and found it to be marvellous. If you could replace UX-1 with X-01 it may be a good idea, because X-01 has twice the DACs on its two channel outputs.
bpwalsh
1,207 posts
 
Avguru et al.: How about a week from Saturday (Jan 29), here?
Brian
boa2's avatar
boa2
1,551 posts
 
Wish I could be there.

My request is that before you render your individual and/or consensus evaluation, would each of you please answer the following questions:

1) What kind of music do you predominantly listen to?
2) What do you listen for while evaluating a component? In other words, are you listening primarily with an ear for critical analysis? Is the best player the one that is the most accurate? Or do you listen perhaps for an overall immersion into the music? I find this is key in knowing what sonic pyramid that person is climbing.
3) How long have you been into high end audio?
4) How long do you expect to have your next player before scouting for another?

Thanks for considering these (and other) pieces of background information, all which is helpful in knowing more about the person who is evaluating the product.

Have fun listening, guys!
avguru OP
116 posts
 
Guido,

I meant to say the X01 instead of the UX1. Regarding the Ayre, someone also at the show told me it sounded very "clinical" but I love Ayre prodcuts and will certainly try to get it. My local dealer still doesn't have one yet but is expecting one any day.

AVGURU
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