Is this the ultimate CD/SACD player?

[Accudazed]

Hi

Looking around the net I came across this:

http://www.accuphase.com/model/dc-901.html

Some of the figures are so OTT I can't help but foam at the mouth:

Weight - 112lbs
16 DACs
4 BIG transformers
18 beefy capacitors
10.7kg transport chassis
32 bit

etc, etc.

I MUST hear this player before I die! Does anyone on the forum have one or know someone who does? If so, please get in touch. Pretty please! Happy to travel any where in the UK (and possibly abroad).

Thanks!

Right, time for a lie down...

Steve

[MartinT]

But... it's not a player, it's a DAC.

Ah, you meant to include the DP-900?

[Mr. C]

Superbly built, smooth as silk, wide open sound, lovely timbre, also nice trailing note decay.
However not the most involving sound available think of it as a Japanese DCS with more texture.

[jandl100]

"smooth as silk" - the Accuphase players I've heard go a bit too far in that direction, for me.

I've not heard the Big Muthas on this thread, though.

[Spectral Morn]

Not heard one or any Accuphase but Esoteric make some very high end SACD transports and DAC combinations with dual XLR or Firewire data transfer for DSD and the DACS will process DVDA too.

Lovely looking kit that Accuphase, reminds me of the early 80s highend and mid market Jap CD players with lovely brushed metal fascias and wood end cheeks.


Regards Neil

[MartinT]

I'd love to put it up against my Ayre.

[Mr. C]

Jerry

Hits the nail on the head, they head into the real pipe and slippers territory was serious vigor (or should that be sloth like movement)

Mike

Your Ayre would sound as rough as a badgers in comparison very few can approach the Accuphase delicacy and sweetness, however it does possess significantly more life and vitality.

Esoteric's are the other way, slam, dynamics, bass and that polished Phil Spector wall of sound ability, using an atomic clock smooths them out as well as giving superb spatial information and serious bass.

Accuphase is one of those brands that tends to get overlooked in the high end in the UK, spot on for Jazz, light classical and choral music connoisseurs.

Worth an audition if you like your music with a sense of beautiful polish.

[MartinT]

Who's Mike?

The Ayre definitely leans towards the 'big and bold' sound of the Esoterics but without losing delicacy and soundstaging.

[Accudazed]

All the ingredients appear to be there for creating the worlds finest CD/SACD player, well, ever?

The thing is, are there any in the UK?

Judging by the general avoidance of Accuphase by the UK's high end community (does that sound rude? ) I suspect there is not a single example of their flagship two box jobbie in good old blighty.

It's looking like I will never get to hear one.

For me, that IS a real pisser.

Steve

UNLESS SOMEONE CAN HELP

[MartinT]

Well, it does cost $65,000 so how many would you expect there to be in the UK?