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

Ken, I can only say that I find the SA-50 sonically superior to the M-L. BTW, I also listen to classical.Having said this, I do find the Esoteric somewhat "dry"... as a matter of fact, all teac machines sound dry to me. Despite their typically extended frequency response.

Frankly I don't know of other cdp's to consider -- the Linn Akurate cdp sounds very good, but does not offer the Esoteric's inputs & flexibility. in this day & age, you'd probably be considering h-disks instead:)!

The Esoterics take an incredibly long time to break in, easilly over 500 hours and some, over 1,000 hours. They may not sound dry after break in (mine doesn't). Also, power cable and IC matching a must. They do sound better using balanced out.

"Does anyone know how the variable output on the SA-10 is implemented? Analog like the ML or digitally? "

Digitally. However, if its true that they use 32 bit D/A then you have plenty bits to sacrifice before you may "hear" anything at all.

I use Joule-Electra LA-300 preamp which, I believe is the best preamp in the world and sound directly from Digital Player is lean, has luck of body not vivid and thus luck any life likeness I appreciate so much in the listening or recorded music

Good Luck
Rafael

Turns out that the Esoteric is not for me.

The lack of a fire wire input, and the 16/44 limitation on the USB input make the SA-50 unsuitable for exploring High Resolution audio.

There is no way to properly connect to a computer for HiRez.

Hello Kenyonbm,

It is your decision, of course. However, your logic seems to me strange a bit.

I bought SA-50 and have it for two weeks - extraordinary sound, particularly highs and midrange. Bass is a bit shy but is inmproving everyday so in 500 hours or so I will have better opinion.

Next, technical specs. Its S/PDIF inputs are of highest resolution matched only by $8K Cary Pro 306 (but I can't stand Cary sound and its personal) and next level is at $15k - a few SACD Players there.

Regarding USB you wrote:

"the 16/44 limitation on the USB input make the SA-50 unsuitable for exploring High Resolution audio"

Well, its depends on the definition of "High Resolution Audio" If its "24/96" then yes, you can find Ayre and Wavelengh DAC's which accept them ( but then why to ask about SACD Player if you are looking for DAC with very specific requirment).

"24/96" is not the HighEST Resolution Audio available to consumer, today. Reference Recording, Chesky, 2L etc produce 24/176 and 24/192 software and no USB today is capable to accept it (Ayre promised it by the end of this year - but we are not there yet). You could nicely use Weiss DAC-2 which accept firewire as a part of your music server and then send true hi-res info to your SACD Player capable of accepting it. If there is no money for DAC-2 then RME sound card and if too expensive as well then Lynx.

At any rate, good luck with your choice.

Rafael