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
Brians missing CD was one of the outstanding recordings there. It's a little hard to find in stores and I had to order mine from Amazon. It is: Nils Lofgren, Acoustic Live. One of the others that made the Soundlabs "sing" was a SACD release on Proprius, Cantate Domino. Some of the selections others are now out of print, so I won't mention them.
In defense of 711...As far as meeting him for the first time, I found him to be a cool guy. He spoke his mind ,was funny, and brought some great wine that we all enjoyed. I never heard a detrimental thing from him during the entire session. I'm sure his initial comparison between a stock DV-50 and the Denon drove the comments to AVGURU. Although I would never descibe a stock DV-50 as a toy, the difference would make you excited about receiving an APL Denon. This was evident by the shootout. Can't speak for him regarding the argument, I just didn't find him to be mean-spirited.
Wow,
After reading these last few posts, I myself, have lost faith in 711 smilin.
He built his up his APL modded Denon DVD-3910 like it could beat almost any player out there, and he threw some pretty insulting remarks at AVGURU and his system in this thread.
I would be EXTREMELY UPSET if such remarks were thrown at me and my system. I buy what I can afford, and if my system pleases me that is all that matters.
This shoot-out just proves what I posted in my last thread on this post. [go back and read it]. There is NO BEST SOUNDING player out there. Its all a matter of personal taste and system synergy.
AVGURU is a very nice guy and gives excellent advice. I have chatted with him via email several times and enjoyed his very detailed responses.
I commend him for starting an excellent thread and trying to keep everyone in line. Great thread, Charles!
I have gathered alot of helpful and informative information from this thread over the last 2 or 3 months.
But, after reading some of the latter remarks and insults, I agree with Audio_girl. I don't blame AVGURU for "washing his hands clean" of this thread. And I have to agree that it did seem to be too APL oriented at times.
Great shoot-out though, Brian! Bravo!
Just proves that there is no BEST player out there!
I think that all the modders out there should be commended for there excellent work and effort. Richard Kern, Dan Wright, Kyle and Doug at RAM, Walter at Underwood, Ric Shultz, Steve Nugent, and all others, should all be respected and considered for their excellent work and for making such vast improvements to stock machines. I feel that ANY of these guys could do mods to players that could make them rival, or surpass, ANY players out there, regardless of price or reputation!
Hey Audio_girl, are you a female or are you a male?
Just curious.
I would like to make a Couple comments about what has been
said about my friend AVGURU's system.
First,I have listen to AVGURU's system on many occasions
and each time I have enjoyed myself.
Second, I thought the DV-50 sounded great in his system lots of deatil and tight bass.
Third,I am APPALLED by the name Calling of a certain Individual(you know who you are)!!!!!!!!!
This is not KINDERGARDEN!!!!!!!!!
Fourth, I think an APOLOGY should be given to AVGURU!!!
Last but not Least,Lets all sit back and ENJOY THE MUSIC!!!
Cheers,
ALPHA3
Audio_girl, speaking of uncalled for remarks, you might take a look at yours. While I had a _slight_ preference for the modded DV-50 based upon limited listening well off center, that's what it was - slight. I could happily live with any of the three. I would prefer to let the others weigh in with their opinions, as they have more experience with them.

And yes, I agree with Kerry - let's post the list of CDs and cuts played. I don't have the list but know several of you wrote them down.

Brian