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
I haven't visited here in a long time but I must say, I've been living with my APL SS modified DV50 since last November. I couldn't be anymore satisfied than I am at the moment. This was the first Esoteric unit Alex had a chance to view under the hood and work his magic on. The results are stunning,, the only similiarity with the stock version is the faceplate and cover. Sonically this unit is up their with the very best offered in digital IMHO. Wonderfully transparent,,, velvety image float, high frequency's have lost their digital "edge", mids are smooth and liquid, and bottom end has a new found slam and punch not heard in the dv50 stock version. The APL modified DV50 has "soul" and throws a holigraphic soundscape. The APL "new and improved" seems to be the "poor man's" EmmLabs machine at a fraction of the $$, for which I am completely floored. I'm using a SS/Tube integrated for the last word in "tube magic" and its a home run! A ten on sonic delivery, a 12 on the value-performance ratio scale!
Well 711 Smilin, we are waiting for your response to the shoot-out at Mr. Walsh's!
Bet it was a rather humbling experience, especially considering that Mr. Walsh and Tgun5 thought that Tguns SLIGHTLY MODDED Esoteric DV-50 sounded better than your FULLY MODDED APL Denon DVD-3910! And there was NO clear overall winner! And this was on a multi-thousand dollar AUDIOPHILE SYSTEM as you are fond of telling AVGURU.
I figured by the way that you were always bragging on Alex and his APL Denon DVD-3910, and insulting and cutting down other peoples systems and players, that your APL Denon would absolutely walk all over and destroy these other players!Apparently that did not happen at all!
For example you said that AVGURU's system sounded like Radio Shack, and his former DV-50 sounded like a toy, etc.
He also called him a "HORSES ASS".
Those kinds of remarks are totally uncalled for!
I don't blame AVGURU for leaving this thread. Your arrogance over your APL Denon, your system, and yourself is, [or was], obnoxious. This thread should have been 711's, and should have been titled:"APL MODDED DENON DVD-3910:Any cdp's Significantly better"!!
And Alex of APL, whats your response over the shoot-out?
Just curious.
If I have offended anyone..too bad..I tell it like I see it!
OK time to lighten up! Let Talk Music First!
I want everyones vote for the Best CDs at this and previous shootouts!
Artist, Album, Label catalog number and cut(s) where appropriate.
And yes it can be your disc.

Kerry

C'mon, audio girl, you are rehashing issues that have been resolved long ago. The "sounds like a rat shack system" comment was made a while ago by a clearly over exuberant 711, who has long since stated he was simply excited about his player and spoke rashly. I think it is obvious in all of this that 711 is only trying to find the best player for him, and I'm certain that when he finds one better than the apl, the cycle will start over.

I don't think audio girl you have offended anyone, but you just got in the discussion WAY late and brought up settled issues as if you were the first to discover them.

That being said, I WOULD love to hear 711's thoughts.

Jason If I have offended anyone, I tell it...and all that other nonsense that people like to say that doesn't have much meaning.

"You know what pisses me off? When people who ask what time it is constantly tap on their wrist while asking. I know where my damn watch is. I don't point to my crotch when asking where the restrooms are.