Bits

ESOTERIC: Has the time come? Is there finally a truly universal machine that answers our prayers for a single-box solution to digital? What follows may well convince you.
          After many years away from the high-end audio market, TEAC has reintroduced the respected Esoteric name. The goal is to release products that will firmly ensconce the Esoteric badge as a premier high-end line. With over fifty years of experience under their belt, TEAC has the ability to do just that.
        TEAC manufactures what is felt by many to be the finest CD transport mechanism available. Their massive VRDS drive uses a proprietary clamping system that corrects for disc warp while reducing jitter-inducing vibration. The incredibly tight manufacturing tolerances of the mechanism are said to be an order of magnitude beyond any drive used for audio applications. The impressive VRDS drive is but one of the scores of features to be found inside the massive chassis of their latest release, the Esoteric DV-50 universal disc player.
         Yes, I did say universal. The DV-50 plays just about any format that can be burned onto a CD or DVD, including, CD, DVD Video, DVD Audio, SACD, MP-3, CR-R and CD-RW. At $5500, the DV-50 isn’t exactly cheap, but its ability to play all formats coupled with superb construction and outstanding sound quality clearly makes it a bargain.
           This line is a very new addition for us, so I won’t be able to give you my personal impressions of this machine just yet. However, an exceptionally complimentary review has just appeared in the pages of the respected on-line audio publication Soundstage!
            Their noted reviewer,  Marc Mickelson,  took the DV-50 through its paces and writes: “If you've waited longingly for a universal A/V player that offers true high-end sound, the DV-50 is for you. It's always enjoyable to listen to, and when you push its capabilities with SACDs and DVD-As, it will stun you with the sound it can produce. Its build quality is better than that of most components double its cost, and its rich feature set allows it to be equally at home in a two-channel system and a home-theater rig. And it's way cool to just plunk a disc into its drawer and watch the player sort out playback for you.
          Audiophiles rejoice -- your wait is over. The Esoteric DV-50 is a jack of all digital trades that does a masterful job with them all.”
          Mr. Mickelson employs an exceptionally accurate system for review, easily able to fully expose the character of any component under review. “I used the Esoteric DV-50 initially in my reference system, which consists of Wilson Audio WATT/Puppy 7 speakers, Lamm ML2 amplifiers, and Lamm L2 Reference preamp. Interconnects and speaker cables were from Shunyata Research (Aries and Andromeda), MIT (Oracle v2.1), or Stereovox (SEI-600 and LSP-600). All power cords were from Shunyata Research (Taipan and Anaconda Vx), as was power conditioning (Hydra with Anaconda Vx power cord). I also used Sound Application's XE-12S power-conditioner with a 20A Elrod power cord. To make comparisons between the DV-50's balanced and single-ended outputs as well as hear it in another context, I also used the player in my second system: Magnepan MG1.6/QR speakers and Mark Levinson No.383 integrated amp. Cables here were Analysis Plus Solo Crystal Oval, with Shunyata power cords and Hydra power conditioner again in use. For CD comparison, I had on hand a Mark Levinson No.390S CD player as well as the mighty Zanden Model 5000 Mk III DAC, which I used with a Mark Levinson No.37 transport.
           You can see yet another sparkling review of the Esoteric DV-50 in the August 2003 issue of Stereophile magazine, this one by Paul Bolin. I'll let you discover his thoughts about the machine for yourself, but I will tempt you with the final word of the review: "Bravo!"

SHANLING: Following on the heels of the Company’s well-received CDT-100 CD player, Shanling’s offering looks like another winner. The SCD-T200 SACD/CD incorporates the tube output circuitry and stunning good looks that drew folks to the CDT-100. More than just a pretty face, the sonic abilities of the SCDT-200  will keep you in your seat for extended jaunts with this player. This player has been a great match with the Company's new SP-80 full tube monobloc amplifiers (mentioned on page two in this issue). $2695.

GAMUT: Great reviews of the CD-1 CD player have made this machine our most popular CD player in the price range. Not willing to rest on their laurels,  the active minds at Gamut have come up with further improvements to an already outstanding CD player.
          The new CD-1R incorporates a host of upgrades focusing mainly on the power supply and tuning of the signal paths. Though I do not have the previous model hand , and therefore am unable to do an A/B, my sonic memory suggests the “R” is indeed an improved machine. $3495

Analog

MICHELL: New from this prominent British analog firm, the TecnoDec. Haven’t heard of the Company? Then a little background is in order.
          J.A. Michell Engineering is a small family-run enterprise situated in Hertforshire just north of London, England and has been active in turntable design and manufacture for over 40 years. In the early sixties founder John Michell created his precision engineering company to serve the needs of nearby film, motorcar and aircraft industries. Having done a good deal of high profile work, (e.g. spacecraft models in "2001 - A Space Odyssey" and later Star Wars props), Michell Engineering officially launched into hi-fi when they took over the manufacturing of the Hydraulic Reference turntable (seen in "A Clockwork Orange") from then-neighboring Transcriptors Ltd.
          Their recent offerings have been exceptionally well received and have been the recipient of many reviews from the press. The TecnoDec continues that tradition, offering great sound and excellent value. 

TecnoDec Features:

Same massive, damped acrylic platter as used on the GyroDec · Rega RB-300 Tonearm · Oil-pumping inverted bearing ·  High-quality European-made DC motor (as used on the GyroDec) in a stand alone housing · High-quality European-made DC motor (as used on the GyroDec) in a stand alone housing · Finished in black acrylic with silver anodized aluminum parts · Accepts the optional Michell record clamp · Optional Unicover dust cover available · Optional Rega VTA adjuster base available · Optional upgrade power supply available · Three year warranty · Priced at just $1795 w/Rega RB-300

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