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Review: Esoteric DV-50 CD Player

Category: Digital

I find myself writing this review inspired partially by the number of used DV-50's currently on Audiogon. This is a review of the CD portion only, as I have owned one for over a year and have never used the DVD video section.

At a range of $3400-3900 used, the DV-50 is quite simply, the best buy in a CD/SACD/DVDa player currently available. The build quality is fantastic. The transport is world-class. The overall sound quality is outstanding.

I have owned a Sony, Marantz SA-1, Musical Fidelity NuVista, and TriVista in that order before auditioning the Esoteric. The Esoteric is sonically superior to the group and these are all very good units. Superior in inner detail, openness, with an analogue type sound quality. Its 3 separate upsampling choices allow fine tuning of different recordings. I have found this to be invaluable.

The DV-50 does require the finest in associated equipment to do it's magic. My intention was not to sit down and write a full-blown review on this piece. It is, rather, to create at least one positive short review of the DV-50 for people thinking about purchasing one. Mine is not for sale, and I don't know anyone currently listing theirs, so this is not the motive.

Anyone who wants more detailed sonic information may email me. As I find the time, I will write a more extensive review of this unit. Until then, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the Esoteric DV-50

Associated gear
Aesthetix Calypso, Sierra Audio Denali Monoblocks, Magnepan 3.6, Kimber Select Cabling. Richard Gray 600

Similar products
Sony SCD1, Marantz SA1, Musical Fidelity TriVista, Musical Fidelity NuVista, Lector, Proceed, etc.
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Showing 1 response by jfrech

jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Thanks, I am real close to buying a new DV50. I'm curious if you or anyone else reading this has compared the DV50 to the Arcam 27a. I realize the Arcam does not do SACD. My dealer is giving my a deal on either one. Basically it works out that the DV50 is about double the money for me.

Unlike you, I (read my family) will primarily use this player for DVD duties, however, when I listen to music, I want close to the best. So, does the Arcam have better or similar video? Better or ? on redbook? Same question for DVD-A.

I'm a analog junkie, however, I feel I'm missing some good music that's only on digital.

Any comments from anyone I'd appreciate. Thank you
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