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Is my Esoteric DV-50S a keeper?

Just wanting to share my thoughts to my audiogon members. I'm thinking about selling my DV-50S player to purchase a Power conditioner(which I don't have) and another CD player for the same amount of money I get from the Esoteric (around 3,000 bucks). Currently I'm using the Esoteric for CD/SACD only, no video at all. My system currently consists of ....

Esoteric DV-50S
Pass Labs X150.5 amp
Pass Aleph P pre-amp
Audes Blues Speakers
Analysis Plus interconnects and speaker cables
NO power Conditioning
2 20A dedicated circuits with oyaide SWO XXX outlets

So my question is can I get another CD player that will compare in sound with my current player and also purchase a Power conditioner for the money I get from the Esoteric DV-50S. Just wanted to add I'm very happy with my current system. Money is very tight right now. I thought a power conditioner was important to protect my system. I was leaning towards Audio Magic conditioners. (suggestions anyone?) Now for the CD/SACD player. Basically one with comparable sound as the Esoteric.
Thanks Ziggy
ziggy333a
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,213 posts
 
see if you can swing it for a used Shunyata Hydra 2 or Shunyata Guardian 2 or PS Audio Ultimate Outlet to stay on the cheaper side of power conditioners.....for your pre and cdp.

Your Pass amp has built-in protection and AC line filtering and does not need power conditioner or a surge protector. All you need is the cond unit with 2 outlets for your source and pre.

IMO, keep your Esoteric. You will sacrifice on sound quality if you think you can get both the power cond and cdp for the price of Esoteric.
ziggy333a OP
46 posts
 
Ziggy back,
I'v finally had a chance to get back to my computor. Just wanted to thank everyone for their opinions and advice. Sounds like everyone but audiooracle agrees on keeping the Esoteric.
I would like to know from audiooracle which CD player do you recommend in the same price range as the Esoteric. So for now I'll save some $$$ and get one of the PC's that Audiophile 1 suggested or the Audio Magic.
ZIGGY
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Oracle very seldom recommends a product he doesn't sell.

So, if and when he responds, take it with a grain of salt as it will undoubtedly contain a financial interest.
jim_swantko
301 posts
 
Keep the DV-50.

I replaced a Unidisk 1.1 which was MUCH more expensive with one and it more than holds it own against it.

My plan is to eventually mod the DV-50 - but right now I'm very happy with it bone stock.
sdatch
204 posts
 
Keep the Esoteric, and save for a power conditioner down the road. The Esoteric has a lot of good things going for it - obviously the sound quality, but also the fact that they built their own transport, not a potentially flawed off the shelf OEM unit, they are reliable (see threads about sertain other SACD players), and Esoteric is a division of TEAC, which means they'll probably still be around 5 years from now if you need a part, or want to upgrade within the line. Wen you find something that combines usability, true high-end sound, and reliability in this hobby, cling to it like grim death to paraphrase Seinfeld.
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