Pioneer NC-50DAB

The Pioneer PD-50 is one of the few CD players on the market that supports SACD and DSD files, costing around $1,000.

SACD support is the main advantage

The manufacturer calls the PD-50 a super audio CD player because it plays Super Audio CDs (SACDs) and copies of them — DSD files (on DVD-R/RW discs). This sets it apart from other models. The player also plays music from the iPhone, iPod and iPad (while charging gadgets) or from flash drives. However, the capabilities of flash media are much worse — only “compressed” MP3, WMA and AAC formats are available. It's good that the PD-50 has a function to enhance the sound of such recordings.

The player is equipped with coaxial and optical inputs. For example, one of them can be used to connect a media player to improve the sound of movies and concerts. Pioneer does not have network functions.

Matching pair for PD-50

The potential of the player is best revealed when working with a compatible component of good quality. The PD-50, along with the Pioneer A-70 amplifier, won the 2013-2014 EISA "Best Stereo" award. According to reviewers of several Hi-Fi publications, the sound quality and capabilities of these devices correspond to their price. By the way, the Pioneer A-70, unlike the PD-50, can work as a USB DAC with a computer.

If you have a lot of SACD discs in your collection and you already appreciate the sound quality of DSD files, the Pioneer PD-50 may be a good buy. Provided that you do not plan to connect the player to network sources.