Audio and / or Video Upgrades

ESOTERIC announces the availability of the DV-50 upgrade to current owners of the highly acclaimed ESOTERIC DV-50. This upgrade converts an original DV-50 to the same specifications and features of an Esoteric DV-50S.

WHAT IS A DV-50 UPGRADE KIT?

The kit includes improved Video Digital to Analog converters (DACs). The original Analog Devices 12-bit, 108 mHz, 6-channel DAC is replaced with the new Analog Devices 14-bit, 216 mHz, 6-channel DAC.

The kit also includes the addition of a DVI-D jack on the rear panel so the DV50 can be connected to a HDCP compliant digital High Definition TV using a DVI cable.

There are no changes to the audio circuits.

WHY DO THE UPGRADE?

The original DV-50 up sampled to a maximum of 8X for interlaced and 4X for progressive scanning. The new DAC improves the up sampling to 16X for interlaced and 8X for progressive scanning. This significantly improves the video playback quality on all the analog video output connections.

If you own a High Definition television with an HDCP compliant DVI input, you can now feed a digital video signal directly to your digital television.

WHAT IS THE COST OF THE UPGRADE?

Kit cost is subject to change.

$778.19 for the upgrade kit - (Plus any applicable taxes for your region.) This includes all new metal work, circuit cards, harnesses and components.

$240.00 Labor to install the upgrade

$50.00 for freight (an approximation and subject to change depending on service level and shipping distance)

Total = $978.19


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Where can the upgrade be done?

The upgrade can only be done at our Factory Service Group in Montebello, California. This upgrade involves replacing circuit cards and the complete back panel while adding a new custom wiring harness and connectors. A special computer is used to upgrade the internal firmware of your DV-50.

How long will I be without my unit?

ESOTERIC commits to completing your upgrade within 3 business days of receipt at our facility. We will return the unit FEDEX saver (3-day) unless requested to use a different service.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes, an appointment is required to ensure quick turnaround.

What if I don't have the original carton?

Contact parts at (323) 727-4840 to order.

If I only use my DV50 for audio, do I need to have the upgrade done?

No, this upgrade only effects video playback.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept VISA, MasterCard or American Express.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO GET THIS UPGRADE?

Step 1: Call us at (323) 726-0303 and punch in extension 617. Tell our Representative you are interested in the DV-50 upgrade. If you need a shipping container, go to step two - if NOT, skip step 2 and go to step 3.

Step 2: If you need a shipping carton, contact parts at (323) 727-4840 to order. Wait for the arrival of the carton and then call us back to schedule an appointment.

Step 3: We will give you an "appointment window" or approximate date for the service to be performed. This reserves your upgrade kit and allows us to guarantee the 3 business day turnaround. At this time, we will take your credit card information for later billing.

Step 4: Inside the box, please include a note or letter that gives us your Name, Address, telephone number, FAX number and email address (if available).

Step 5: Pack your DV-50 and address the outside of the box as follows:

TEAC AMERICA, INC. :
Attention: ESOTERIC DV-50 Upgrade
7733 Telegraph Road
Montebello, CA 90640

Step 6: Ship your unit to arrive on or near your appointment date.

Step 7: Once we receive the machine, we will contact you to confirm the total invoice amount and credit card authorization.

Step 8: Within 3 business days, your unit will be on its way back to you.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to either call or email us at: Esoteric_info@teac.com

Upgrade Announcement - Available immediately

Upgrade kits for models X-01, UX-1, UX-3

ESOTERIC Company, a division of TEAC AMERICA, INC. is pleased to announce the availability of upgrade kits for the above referenced models. These upgrade kits include technology updates which transform the player into a designated "Limited" Edition version. An optional video upgrades is available for the UX3SE that adds HDMI v1.3 output connections and provide HD resolutions up to 1080p, from your existing DVDs, without having to buy new software. The video upgrade uses evolutionary technology provided by Anchor Bay Technologies and Esoteric. Esoteric's exclusive HDMI "EXP" feature also enhances video output with added black level detail.

These technology upgrades are optional and incremental to an already outstanding audio or video product and allow you to take advantage of evolutions in technology, without having to purchase a new player.

What do the audio upgrades consist of?
The upgrades includes changing several components and modifying circuits in the DAC and analog output section of the player. These components and circuit changes were selected during the development of the Flagship ESOTERIC P-01/D-01 products. After hours of listening tests, we feel the upgraded machines have superior ambiance and "presence". These improvements also allow a more "natural impact," greater transparency and a deeper soundstage or depth of field.

In addition to the circuit and component changes, the unbalanced audio output jacks as well as the digital audio output jacks are upgraded to WBT "NextGen" connectors. These new connectors offer much higher performance primarily in the elimination of "Eddy currents" and the resultant noise. These new connectors also allow for true 75 ohm impedance matching from the digital output.

Internal wiring is upgraded to 6N copper class wiring. This wiring was jointly developed with Mitsubishi Cable Industries and Acro Japan Ltd. (This wiring is 99.999% pure copper).

What does the kit do to the sound I'll hear?
There are subtle but audible improvements in the "openness" of the audio. As mentioned above, presence, transparency and ambiance of the source recording becomes more defined.

What is done mechanically to the player in an audio upgrade?
Our factory trained technicians will replace components within your player. These are predominantly capacitors and resistors but also include some hardware changes like pure copper grounding screws. Some of the actual audio wiring is changed and the main wiring harness is upgraded to new 6N copper class. The back panel connectors are changed to WBT-0210Cu RCA style connectors and a gold badge indicating either "Limited" version" is affixed to the top cover.

What is the "Pi" universal player upgrade?
The "Pi upgrade," installs new technology that allows video output through a HDMI v1.3 connection. This connection replaces the DVI output connection found on the UX-3SE. With this optional and incremental upgrade, video resolution output from standard DVDs improves beyond 720p/1080i to include 1080p "HD resolution," while maintaining our "EXP" enhancement. Esoteric's "EXP mode" adds black level detail. The 1080p video output board includes the Anchor Bay scan conversion chipset and our 14 bit video processing. This upgrade also allows the HDMI connection to carry audio signals to your video display or pre-amp/processor (if so equipped).

How much do these kits cost to install?
The kits typically require 8 full hours of technician time to install. For our United States and Canadian customers, these upgrades can only be installed by ESOTERIC/TEAC AMERICA, INC. in California. (ESOTERIC owners in other countries should check with their local dealers or distributors for this service).

KIT TYPE	Kit Cost	Labor	Freight	TOTAL
X-01 to X-01 LTD.	$770.40	$500.00	$75.00*	$1345.40
UX-1 to UX-1 LTD.	$770.40	$500.00	$75.00*	$1,345.40
UX-3 SE to UX-3Pi	$1424.85	$500.00	$75.00*	$1999.85

* Kit costs are subject to change.
* Freight is an approximation and subject to change depending on service level and shipping distance.

What steps do I need to do to have my unit upgraded?
First thing is to call our offices at (323) 727-7617 and we'll discuss with you, availability and scheduling for the kit installation. Because this process is so labor intensive, we must schedule the technician's time accordingly. This ensures the fastest turnaround time and therefore minimizes the downtime for you.

If you require packaging materials, contact parts at (323) 727-4840. New packaging is available for a fee.

Once you have your appointment (and packaging), pack up your player and ship it to arrive on or about the day of your appointment.

It will ship to:

TEAC AMERICA, INC.
Attention: ESOTERIC Upgrade
7733 Telegraph Road
Montebello, CA . 90640
(323) 726-0303

For additional information, email Esoteric_info@teac.com or call our Technical Support line at (323) 727-7617.