Esoteric SA-50 SACD player, Is it for me?

Hi guys, a few comments in relation to the above posts. Very interesting discussion by the way!

Dob, I had the unit at home on dealer demo and am embarrassed to say I didnt take any notes on which settings I used. I did not play around too much though as it was busy enough doing A/B testing of various tracks with my current cdp. Maybe you are right on the use of CD upconversion.

Cerrot, I have sent the SA 50 back to the dealers, but he is going to let me listen again after it has had more break-in time. In the meantime I am listening to a Sim Audio SuperNova as the next home demo. I also run balanced throughout (amp is fully balanced). I used Acoustic Zen Matrix Ref2 with the SA-50.

Gsherwood53. Ha, I have a Marantz SA11s1 as well. Let me know what differences you hear between the two players. My comments above were generally formed by my A/B testing between the SA50 and the Marantz. YMMV.

Anyway, it's not quite game set and match yet. As I said, I really wanted to like this player, especially given it's flexibility. We'll see what the next round of testing brings.

Well I certainly will run both Bal'd and SE'd when I get my SA50. With the SA11S1 into JRDG Capri, I used Kimber Hero XLR's and Furutech Evo I's for SE'd. Most of my cables are Furutech, but I bought the Kimber Heros mostly because TAS always says they are the best buy, sonically and price wise.

Would appreciate any comments on my use of KK Hero XLR's.

I will report on the SA50 vs. the SA11S1, but with upwards of 1000 hours needed for best sonics, it will be a while.

I know this thread is rather old, but the SA-50 is on my shortlist. I'd be using a SB Touch as a transport and connect the SA-50 directly to my Gryphon amp. Has anyone hear had any experience with Esoteric-Gryphon?
Glenn and Genkides: how did your auditioning go?
Best regards
André

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