The PD-50AE SACD player is compatible with a wide range of media and formats, including MQA. Benefiting from Pioneer's extensive optical disc expertise, it is equipped with original pickup control technologies and a silent, anti-vibration drive mechanism. And thanks to the ESS DAC and discrete analog/digital power supply, the PD-50AE can deliver high-fidelity, studio-quality reproduction.
It works as a USB D/A converter
In addition to being an SACD/CD player, the PD-50AE also functions as a USB D/A converter to deliver excellent sound. The carefully designed build quality brings out the full potential of the high-performance ESS DAC, allowing you to enjoy stable sound full of rich details from your connected USB devices.
Analog/Digital Discrete power supply circuit
Digital and analog circuits each have separate power supplies. The PD-50AE is designed with the shortest and most optimal power stage and audio signal path to provide clear and rich sound reproduction.
Silent SACD/CD unit with cellular design and excellent damping
Pioneer's extensive optical pickup control expertise gained over its long history has equipped the PD-50AE with an unrivaled level of disc playback accuracy.
A honeycomb structure around the drive mechanism, like that used to cover the mechanical components of Pioneer's famous PD-70AE, helps shield the DAC and other electronics, while the PD-50AE also features a new float mount structure for the drive.
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated)
MQA is an award-winning British technology that reproduces the sound of the original master recording. The main MQA file is fully certified and is small enough to stream or download.
With high-fidelity streaming service TIDAL now supporting MQA as part of its top-tier HiFi Masters catalogue, the push for wider adoption of this new technology is growing. The music catalogs of some of the biggest studios are being converted to MQA. The PD-50AE includes a full MQA decoder that will decompress the file to deliver the highest possible sound quality. At this playback level you hear what the artists created in the studio.
MQA-CD
In addition to enjoying mobile streaming services, the discerning music lover can purchase MQA-encoded content on physical media to enjoy at home.
The PD-50AE is a CD player that can recognize an MQA-CD. The built-in MQA decoder will automatically restore the high-resolution signal heard in the studio and confirm it, using the authentication signature. In addition, the PD-50AE also supports playback of MQA files stored on DVD-R.
Custom electrolytic capacitors for high quality sound
A custom electrolytic capacitor for high-quality sound has been selected through repeated testing in SACD and CD audio listening. The capacitor brings out the best in audio discs, allowing you to enjoy consistent performance of powerful and dynamic sound.
Lock range adjustment function
The function allows you to make fine adjustments to the DAC's locking range to reduce jitter in the input signal. Adjustments can be made in six steps, with the default setting at Range 6. Ranges 1 to 3 are intended for detail by experienced users, with an increased frequency of audio clipping.
Digital filter
The digital filter allows you to enjoy three types of sound characteristics by changing the DAC—“Slow” for soft and warm, “Sharp” for firm and tight, and “Short” for fast and forward sound.
Up-sampling
Up-sampling technology raises CD audio quality to high-resolution levels, resulting in a more natural, dynamic sound.
Anti-Standing Wave Insulator
The Anti-Standing Wave Insulator has been developed through repeated listening tests, with a special shape without parallel sides on the inside to prevent cavity resonance. This makes the localization, pitch and scale of the sound clearer, while also improving the response to fast sound.
Characteristics:
AUDIO CODECS & FORMATS
CD formats:
- CD
- CD-R
- CD-RW
- SACD
- MQA-CD
AUDIO INPUTS
- USB-B:1
ENERGY MANAGEMENT
- Power consumption (standby): 0.3W
- Power consumption: 43W
AUDIO OUTPUTS
- Coaxial: 1
- Output level & impedance coaxial: 0.5 Vp-p / 75Ω
- Optical/Toslink: 1
- Output level optical: -14 to -21 dBm / 660 nm
- RCA: 1
- Output level & impedance RCA: 2.3 Vrms (1 kHz 0 dB) / 100 Ω
AMPLIFICATION
- HD: 0.002
- S/N ratio: 116dB
CONTROL METHODS
- On Device
- Remote Control
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
- Product height: 13.8cm
- Product width: 43.5cm
- Product length: 41.3cm
- Product weight: 13.1kg
- Pack size height: 27.5cm
- Pack size width: 57.6cm
- Pack size length: 53.3cm
- Packaged weight: 16.2kg