Digital Drive

Choose between: Esoteric DV-50, EMM Labs DAC6, DCS Delius

4.158.156.5

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Thread: Display Email Next ] [ Digital Drive ]

neergan

(A)

Currently I use an extensively modded Pioneer DV-525, for redbook CDs through headphones. But, I think something out there must be better. I list these because of favorable feedback/reviews, and in my prce range. Should I retire the 525 and just go with the DV-50? Or, keep the 525 as a transport, and get a better DAC?
Thanks much for any suggestions.

Follow Ups:

Re: Choose between: Esoteric DV-50, EMM Labs DAC6, DCS Delius - PAR 01:31:14 01/04/07 (0)
I'd guess that I would have to go with the DV-50 route. I have used a highly hot-rodded (by Trichord) Pioneet dedicated CD transport which was probably way superior for redbook to the DVD player that you are using. However playing it with a dCS Elgar and then substituting a better transport (a Verdi) demonstrated clearly that the performance that the dCS gear is capable of can only be achieved with this DAC being fed with the best source. I therefore think you may find that the DVD player into a Delius works O.K. but will not be all that inspiring. From my brief experience with EMM Labs I think similar considerations will apply.
BTW, if you do go with the Delius route remember that you will be able to save money by finding one without the optional DSD interface as the Pioneer can't use this. If you do want SACD with this DAC you will have to buy a dCS Verdi or Verdi Encore as the DSD interface data is encoded. And that combination gets a trifle expensive.
well .. . . . - lazarus28 14:19:03 01/02/07 (0)
I've owned the Pioneer 525, the DV-50 and (currently) the EMM CDSD/DAC6 combo and a Denon 3910 modded by Alex Peychev.
Firstly, the Pioneer is not a particularly good CD player, but it was never touted to be one. It was a good DVD player, though. The Esoteric will play all formats well and will be a MAJOR step up in sound. And the thing is nearly impossible to break. The DVD-A playback is suberp and the multiple filters really come in handy, but SACD isn't quite as smooth as SACD should be. It really sounds amazing, though, and I miss the little guy sometimes. It's an excellent product.
The EMM gear, though, is an entirely different world! SACD sounds more real than the highest-quality vinyl without the euphonic colorizations that vinyl adds to the music. And CD playback is just unbelievable. It's as close to original as I think you can get at home. If you are listening via heaphones, though, I'd go with the CDSD/DCC2, which is the 2-channel version with a 2-channel preamp built in. The preamp is based on the Switchman design which is the best preamp I've ever used, as well.
Also be sure to look at Alex Peychev's modded Denons. They'll give you performance in between the Meitner and the Esoteric, for a price that's pretty reasonable. It's not as easy to use as the Esoteric, but does SACD a bit better.
Also, I'd look at the Resolution Audio Opus 21. It's simply an amazing CD player that can be found used for $2500. Worth every penny!
Re: Choose between: Esoteric DV-50, EMM Labs DAC6, DCS Delius - Ted Smith 14:14:22 01/02/07 (0)
Howdy
To my ear these all sound non-trivially different. I think you'll have to audition for yourself :) Since I have the DAC6e you can guess my bias. I've been there for A/B's with other systems in this price range and seen different people have interestingly different opinions on the sound. FWIW the difference is cost is also non-trivial when you consider that (to my ears) the EMM CDSD transport also adds a lot over other transports with the DAC6e. To me it was worth it, but I can see others making different choices.
-Ted
Re: Choose between: Esoteric DV-50, EMM Labs DAC6, DCS Delius - neergan 13:29:24 01/02/07 (2)
Maybe the Apogee Rosetta 200? The price is very attractive, also has good reviews.
- Re: Choose between: Esoteric DV-50, EMM Labs DAC6, DCS Delius - fmak 15:32:44 01/02/07 (1)
  The apogees sound lean.
  Try the all class a analog stage ua 2192 with no coupling caps. Sounds really good and non digital. Fair price too. I have one.
  - Re: Choose between: Esoteric DV-50, EMM Labs DAC6, DCS Delius - neergan 16:10:00 01/03/07 (0)
    I had never heard of Universal Audio. Surfing Google, everything I found was very positive. Today I ordered a 2192, as it's also the most cost effective approach. If I hear no difference, do I then assume the "el-cheapo" DV-525 transport is the weak link? That would seem unlikely, though, as it sounds as good as my Cary CD 306/200. What would you recommend as a capable transport for the 2192?

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Amplified Parts

You can not post to an archived thread.