Esoteric SA50

[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by Stillone

For Naim prices I would either go with the Zanden's or the MBL 1622 & 1611F

The MBL and Zanden are terrific but they are even more expensive!

I wouldn't say no to an all MBL reference system with 101Fs 9011 monoblocks, 6010 preamp and the 1622 + 1611F

[JSCC]

Originally Posted by howiebrou

I wouldn't say no to an all MBL reference system with 101Fs 9011 monoblocks, 6010 preamp and the 1622 + 1611F

Bro, who could resist an all Reference MBL setup? Over here, thats the equal to an all McIntosh Reference system, dollar for dollar. If Serge had not mention it, I would not have agreed for more. Indeed, you do seemingly have an affection for British stuff, but then, some like the Naim, I would not touch. I would beg to differ on their degree of performance.

Having said that, I am now inclined to German stuff, after having savor Lange 1, IWC Portuguese (watches), BM and MB (cars - and of course, Porsche ... yummy if I could afford), Acapellas (speakers) MBL (hifi). ASR (amps). Somehow, McIntosh still have a hold on me.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by howiebrou

Honestly, I wasn't being patriotic Some of their stuff is just damn decent!

Did I mention Church's shoes, Billingham camera bags.......

btw, I think DCS stuff is quite awful

Yeah, you're right.. You also have a Swiss phono stage.

[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Yeah, you're right.. You also have a Swiss phono stage.

with Dutch ICs

[salmtpa]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Don't know about the SA50 but the P05/D05 is a rich, full bodied sounding pair with resolution, transparency and bass slam to spare.

That's what I am starting to be real curious about, how similar the SA50 and P05/D05 may sound since they are the only two (for now I would guess) in the Esoteric line using those 32 bit DACs. I may have to make a special trip to hear the Esoteric and Wadia players.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by salmtpa

That's what I am starting to be real curious about, how similar the SA50 and P05/D05 may sound since they are the only two (for now I would guess) in the Esoteric line using those 32 bit DACs. I may have to make a special trip to hear the Esoteric and Wadia players.

Always the best approach. Let me know what you find. It's been a while since I've heard a Wadia.

[Audio 1]

I am very interested in the SA-50 and I can't imagine it sounding less than stellar. I think going forward digital inputs are going to become much more commonplace.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by Audio 1

I am very interested in the SA-50 and I can't imagine it sounding less than stellar. I think going forward digital inputs are going to become much more commonplace.

I don't think anyone here is knocking Esoteric, many of us have had their product and liked it. In general we are talking about having to spend big dollars for small or incremental improvements in sound. You are 100% correct about digital inputs going forward. Having access to the MCD-500's DAC's is a big plus and for those who have the MDA-1000 they have a lot of flexibility.

[Audio 1]

Stillone,

I did not mean to imply that anyone was knocking Esoteric. I think they make marvelous products, but I know some of their digital products in the past have been more on the analytical side. I have been told by a dealer of the product that the DAC's in the SA-50 are not that way at all. Having recently heard the C-03 pre-amp I would have no reason to doubt him as it was amazing and smooth as silk.

[Audio 1]

I ordered an Esoteric SA-50 and actually received it yesterday. The first thing that you realize when unpacking the unit is just how much attention to detail this company puts into everything. The unit is triple boxed with two protective wraps around the unit itself. Fit and finish of the product is just amazing as is the quality of the transport, display and remote control.

I am using the digital input for my Bolder modified Squeezebox Duet. It is very easy to select the digital input from the remote and makes it very easy to change between one of the digital inputs or the CD player.

I will be able to make better judgements on the sound quality when the unit gets some break-in time on it. I am told that it needs quite a few hours to sound its best, but initially it shows a lot of promise. The soundstaging seems particularily good and it seems to be very good at bass articulation and detail overall.