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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
kana813
956 posts
 
"let's try 2 get back 2 the topic at hand.."

Henryhk- it would great if someone like you with EMM Labs
gear could borrow one of these modified Denon 3910s and a DV50S and finally report how they compare.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Kana, although it was the EMM modification of the Phillips sacd 1000 with the DAC6 which I had, I did do the comparison you suggest with both the Allen Wright Level 4 Sony CDP3000 and the Exemplar 2900, not the much better Exemplar 3910.

Initially, I was very happy with the EMM, but when the Allen Wright unit came in, it was very difficult to identify which unit was playing. Given that my investment in the Sony was much less, I placed the EMM on Audiogon and sold it immediately, ironically to a moder.

When the Exemplar without the Siltech wiring came in, I was shocked at how much it had improved over the earlier version. It was more dynamic and quieter with an exceptional soundstage. Especially on redbook, it outperformed the Allen Wright unit, which again sold quickly.

Later, the Exemplar was very greatly improved using Siltech connection wire. Later still I got the Exemplar 3910 which was greatly superior to the 2900, especially playing sacds.

I never had the Meitner transport, but it has to be more satisfying than the troublesome Phillips. I doubt, however, whether it helps the overall sound of the EMM enough to close the gap with the best modified units, either in sound or prices.

I have not had the Reimyo CDP777 in my system, but others tell me it is exceptional with it special K2 chip. Were money of no concern, I would buy the Reimyo just to play my cds.
kana813
956 posts
 
Tbg- Mahalo for the feedback. From what I've read(TAS)the EMM Labs CDSD transport is greatly superior to the "troublesome Phillips." Your point about the Reimyo is well taken. Some people are not intested in SACD, and are still looking for a great Redbook machine.
henryhk
648 posts
 
I wld luv to try the modded units but where I live (Hong Kong) they r difficult to come by. Hey, I was told I was the first non-professional in Asia to purchase the DDC2 (with CDSD)...I did compare the Phillips transport to the CDSD: no comparison. CDSD is vastly superior.
letch
105 posts
 
Tgun,

I know this is late but I missed some days. I've been suffering through a protracted illness and have been listless and tired, a relative is dying and my brother's hooked on drugs(too much PrAT from his Linn 'table). However your modding post had me laughing out loud and forgetting my problems. Thanks, you're right after 850 posts this whole thread is a little punch drunk and a little levity was definitely needed!
This whole thread has paralyzed me for any digital upgrade. Why in a few months the latest and greatest will be replaced and the differences won't be subtle, they'll be like night and day, blacker backgounds and sound exactly like the mastertape. The good thing is this crippling paralysis means that digitalis upgrade-itis won't interfere with my upcoming turntable purchase. After all analog is more holographic, warmer, more accurate and detailed with blacker backgrounds and sounds exactly like the mastertape and the difference is like night and day, like a veil had been lifted and the nakedness of music was exposed.
As soon as I get my analog situation squared away I'm coming back for that $69 special!
I just know that it'll be more.....have better....and more extended.......and the differences? Well, they won't be subtle.......
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