Esoteric DV-50S


Yep more on this player. Have read the mega thread (or most of it)and most of the professional reviews. Would like to move up from my Jolida 100 to a universal player that also does cds better than the Jolida. The Jolida is about as tweaked out as I want to get it - level one mods, NOS tubes, Herbies tube dampers, neuance custom board, and ceraball footers. It sounds good. But like concept of all in one box that provides enhanced dvd video and ability to play sacd and others. Question for me is whether the cd will be improved quality over my Jolida, or will it be a saw off, or definately not interested worse sounding for the $3,000 + for a used unit. I live in a place where I can't audition so left to internet information to base purchase. By the way there are currently 6 units listed for sale on Audiogon. Thanks for your thoughts.

David
ladavid
David, I have two friends who bought the DV 50S and had them modded by The Upgrade Co. and both of them are thrilled with how they sound. You may want to call David Shulte at the Upgrade Company and talk to him. He has a great reputation in the mod world.
Thanks for response Husk.

Maybe I should broaden out my question. I am looking to move to a Universal that does great redbook cd - better than my current modded Jolida which realistically is going to compete with a $2,000 cd player at best. I also don't want to spend a lot more than $3,000 so probably a used dv50s that then gets modded for another $1000 is going to be out of my league. Is this possible and guess questions are: 1) is a used Esoteric a good bet for this 2) are there others that are in the price range that will do as well or better or 3) universals in this price range will struggle to keep up with my current cd player.

I have over 500 cds and watch a movie or two every week. Thanks again.
DV-50 will be replaced by Dv 60 in 2006 and they are coming out with SZ-1 for SACD and UZ-1 for Universal
"I am looking to move to a Universal that does great redbook cd - better than my current modded Jolida which realistically is going to compete with a $2,000 cd player at best."

David - You should take a hard look at the McCormack UDP-1. A great universal that does outstanding redbook playback.