2. digital
  3. 1236469223

Esoteric DV-50 or Meridian G-08.2 CD Player??

I just sold my krell kav 280 cd player and will be upgrading my digital source. I was originally looking for the esoteric X-03 or X-03SE but these are few and far between, and a bit out of my price range. I do not have any sacd's but have heard that the esoteric DV-50 is a good alternative for a cd player. Should I get the DV-50, or the well acclaimed Meridian G-08.2? I am also considering possibly an accuphase player. My budget is $2500. My system consists of the following:

Amp: Pass Labs X-250.5
Power Conditioner - BPT 2.5 Ultra Signature
Preamp- Krell Kav280P
Speakers- Totem Forest
Cables- Audiopath Custom Eight wire Silver (by Tom Hills at Hudson Audio)
CD Player - see thread... looking to upgrade esoteric, meridian or accuphase.

Any thoughts or recommendations is appreciated. Thanks.
roor
xti16
1,525 posts
 
I agree with Kennyt. I had demoed the Esoteric sa-10 and found that poorly recorded cds sounded terrible but the good recordings were great. I think that's why Kennyt has both players. Me I went and bought the G08 (can't afford both but wish I could). To me the Meridian is a lot more musical but still has a good amount of detail and better 'prat'. The G08.2 wasn't out when I got the G08. Both are great players but different. If possible try to demo both yourself. I have never demoed the accuphase so I cant comment there.
klaudio
113 posts
 
I have had both players (Esoteric DV-50s & Meridian G-08)
First of all you cannot go wrong with either.

They both ran through Mcintosh equipment.
The nod goes to the Esoteric for two channel DVD
concert playback. The best I have heard. Naturally the Meridian does not play dvd's. And I do think the upgrade in
picture quality is worth it for the "s" version. Like the above posters stated, the Esoteric is tremendous on SACD
and has outstanding build quality.

For redbook cd playback it is hard to beat the Meridian
until you go mega bucks. Yes the PRAT and musicality
are all there. It does not have the finite detail I have had on other players. Do not get me wrong, the detail is
good. But the seperation of instruments and total music
presentation is outstanding.
It is FUN to listen to.
It took the "I AM A CD PLAYER CRITIC"
out of the picture and let you listen to the music.
I have had quite a few cd players under $4500.

For concert video/SACD......ESOTERIC.
For redbook......MERIDIAN.
roor OP
35 posts
 
Thanks, KL audio. Is the Esoteric X-03 or X-03SE a better sounding red book player than the G-08.2? I'm wondering if saving more and waiting for the X-03 or X-03SE would be a better choice. I'm not crazy about the huge remote on the meridian. Thanks again, Greg
Post removed 
roor OP
35 posts
 
thanks, jab. I have heard the G-08.2 sounds somewhat overfiltered at times. I'm strongly considering waiting until I have all the funds to purchase an esoteric X-03SE. I've decided not to get the DV-50 as I will be using it for red book only. I also dislike the huge meridian remote and am starting to question the multi filter aspect. I'm leaning towards to x-03 or x-03se.Thanks!
More to discover