Esoteric RZ-1 Integrated Music System

Neil Gader has posted a review of the Esoteric RZ-1 Integrated Music System ($6000) at AVGuide. His conclusions:

I listened to a variety of SACD and compact discs including the Brahms Symphony No. 4 and in every case came away impressed with the width, depth, and imaging precision of this combi-amp. The RZ-1 does reduce the overall scale of images and the ambient environment containing them, but it won’t flatten space or shorten soundstage depth. Symphony orchestra reproduction is uncongested and individual sections are well layered. Its ability to resolve delicate interior instrumentation and low-level performance details was excellent for a component in this segment. SACD sources like the Brahms maintained the characteristic tight bass control, low-level dynamic ease, and upper-frequency effortlessness that defines the format.

Esoteric has carved a unique niche with the RZ-1. Cast as an ideal den component, it will certainly curry the favor of discriminating enthusiasts looking to complete a well-dressed Esoteric household. But I think Esoteric got it wrong when it promoted the RZ-1 as a component for casual listening. Fact is, you’re going to enjoy giving the RZ-1 your undivided attention.

You can read the full review here.