Esoteric DV-50 vs. Accuphase DP-75V

I had a brief session with the Esoteric and although it’s a decent machine capable of playing different formats, the Wadia 861 walked all over it on redbook CDs. In direct comparison the Wadia was more relaxed, smoother and way more refined; simply in an entirely different league. A few months back I had a chance to compare the mentioned Wadia with the Accuphase DP-75V and let me tell you, the Accuphase is in a league of its own: even more refined than the Wadia, more detailed, harmonically rich and very, very analog-like sounding. It’s my reference for redbook CDs and will probably remain so for a long time.

It is not a like with like comparison. DV-50 shall lose to DP-75v in redbook CD performance as it is a universal player which offers every aspect of music format access:
SACD Stereo/Multi;CD;24/192;DVD-V;DVD-A;MP3,etc

Perhaps you can try SACD format comparison with other SACD players in market. Not that far in difference.

About the DV-50- in audio- it is all about the driver that is controlling the hardware. A skilled driver will achieve A+ performance with the DV-50. An average driver will dismiss the player as "decent".