Pioneer PD-50AE (Black) is rated
out of
5 by
1.
Pioneer PD-50AE (Black)
SACD Player
£1,399
Much more than just a CD player, the Pioneer PD-50AE plays SACDs and can even be used as a MQA compatible DAC.
Versatile player
The Pioneer PD-50AE is a reference grade CD player that also functions as a digital hub. With the facility to play SACDs and even MQA encoded discs, the emphasis is on the highest resolution sound. Even when playing standard CDs, however, such is the quality and integrity of this Pioneer SACD player, you’re guaranteed stunning results.
Super Audio CDs
The Pioneer PD-50AE can playback SACDs. These Direct-Stream Digital (DSD) discs offer a far higher resolution than ordinary CDs and are similar in resolution to 24-bit music files. The result is a more natural sound, revealing subtle detail and texture in the music. When combined with ESS ES9026PRO DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor), the results are remarkably fluid and dynamic.
Use as a standalone USB DAC
Featuring a USB-B digital input, the PD-50AE’s premium DAC can also be put to good use in processing a digital audio signal from your computer. Supporting both Windows 10 and Mac OS X operating systems, the input works with the vast majority of PCs, laptops and Macs. Once connected, stream your stored or streaming music favourites and make the most of the ESS DAC’s superb processing power.
MQA playback – including disc based
Compatible with Meridian's MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) technology, the Pioneer PD50AE delivers High Resolution audio up to studio standard 384kHz/24-bit quality via its DAC. Although studio master quality, the beauty of MQA is that files are small enough to easily stream and don't take up so much storage space. The PD50AE also supports MQA encoded on both CD and DVD-R discs, making this a truly versatile Hi-Res playback device.
Premium construction
Every element of the PD50AE’s construction is honed to perfection. The SACD/CD drive mechanism uses a damped, honeycomb mechanism for disc isolation. Double-layered, aluminium side and top panels suppress vibrations for reduced distortion. This is further enhanced by the standing wave insulators.
As much a digital hub as a CD player, the Pioneer PD50AE is a player of many talents.
Versatile player
The Pioneer PD-50AE is a reference grade CD player that also functions as a digital hub. With the facility to play SACDs and even MQA encoded discs, the emphasis is on the highest resolution sound. Even when playing standard CDs, however, such is the quality and integrity of this Pioneer SACD player, you’re guaranteed stunning results.
Super Audio CDs
The Pioneer PD-50AE can playback SACDs. These Direct-Stream Digital (DSD) discs offer a far higher resolution than ordinary CDs and are similar in resolution to 24-bit music files. The result is a more natural sound, revealing subtle detail and texture in the music. When combined with ESS ES9026PRO DAC (Digital to Analogue Convertor), the results are remarkably fluid and dynamic.
Use as a standalone USB DAC
Featuring a USB-B digital input, the PD-50AE’s premium DAC can also be put to good use in processing a digital audio signal from your computer. Supporting both Windows 10 and Mac OS X operating systems, the input works with the vast majority of PCs, laptops and Macs. Once connected, stream your stored or streaming music favourites and make the most of the ESS DAC’s superb processing power.
MQA playback – including disc based
Compatible with Meridian's MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) technology, the Pioneer PD50AE delivers High Resolution audio up to studio standard 384kHz/24-bit quality via its DAC. Although studio master quality, the beauty of MQA is that files are small enough to easily stream and don't take up so much storage space. The PD50AE also supports MQA encoded on both CD and DVD-R discs, making this a truly versatile Hi-Res playback device.
Premium construction
Every element of the PD50AE’s construction is honed to perfection. The SACD/CD drive mechanism uses a damped, honeycomb mechanism for disc isolation. Double-layered, aluminium side and top panels suppress vibrations for reduced distortion. This is further enhanced by the standing wave insulators.
As much a digital hub as a CD player, the Pioneer PD50AE is a player of many talents.
Connectivity
Analogue Audio Output
Yes
Coaxial Digital Output
Yes
Digital Audio Output
Yes - 1 x Optical, 1 x Coaxial
USB
Yes
General
Manufacturer's Warranty
2 years
Audio
High Resolution Audio
Yes
Features
Audio Formats
WAV,FLAC,AIFF,ALAC,MP3,WMA,AAC,DFF,DSF,MQA
Cd Memory
Yes
Cd Number Of Discs
1
Cd Text
Yes
Cdrw Playback Compatible
Yes
Gapless Playback
Yes
Energy Consumption
Power Consumption - Normal Use (W)
43W
Power Consumption - Standby
0.3W
Dimensions
Dimensions WxHxD (mm)
435 x 138 x 413
Weight
Weight (KG)
13.1
Accessories
Remote Control
Yes
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Present from
Wide compatibility, superb sound
I have been enjoying this SACD player for just over a week now. It plays CDs, SACDs and MQA-CDs (new to me) and files via USB. I don't think you could ask for much more in terms of compatibility.
Technically, the disc operation is smooth and silent, a result of the sub-chassis being securely mounted in a floating construction - it's very heavy! It has separate digital and analog circuits and digital files can be upsampled to 384kHz. There is also a lock range adjuster, if needed, to fine tune jitter reduction.
The only function I could have done without is the DAC digital filter which offers three sound characteristics: 'Slow' - soft and warm, 'Sharp' - strong and dense and 'Short' for more dynamic sound. Sharp is the default and what I could call closest to neutral, but why couldn't Pioneer have simply offered a bypass?
Given that, the sound is superb, offering tremendous clarity on all types of recordings, real depth to instruments and voices and a capacious soundstage. I continue to enjoy CDs and SACD recordings so I was looking for a player that offered many years ahead of future proofed listening. The Pioneer PD-50AE is a perfect fit.
Date published: 2022-04-23
