In side by side sound comparisons, I believe the DCP 501's Tripath amplification produces the cleanest sound on the market. While THD, at .1% for 2 x 100 or .9% at 5 x 100 from 20-20Khz reflects one aspect, sine wave generation is not necessarily synonymous with musical accuracy. This amp is FAST. It produces a richness of sound, an immediacy and sonic purity reflective of its purely digital design. In fact, when a another source is connected via its optical connections, it produces its finest output, unfettered by internal circuitry. Digital amplification is the future. Here are the DCP 501's strengths:
1.) T-Class amplification
2.) DVD/CD player built-in
3.) DCT2000 Digital Cable receiver (analog/digital hybrid
4.) Dolby Digital, Pro Logic II, Pro Logic & DTS decoders
5.) Multiple connections, Toslink & coaxial.

1.) Subject to going "offline" due to electrical anomalies (brown outs, surges, etc.)
2.) AM/FM tuner needs a strong signal or signal booster.
3.) Complexity (simple for the audio/computer geek, hard for the uninitiated/impatient.) The system displays setup onscreen (tv) which is nice.

When Motorola launched the DCP-501 Digital Convergence platform into the audio market in 2002, they incorporated several groundbreaking technologies unmatched by any audio manufacturer before or since. They are: 1.) Cable TV connectivity; 2.) T-Class amplification and a 3.) Built-in DVD/CD player with MP3 functionality. Tragically, an undocumented glitch killed the unit's sales in the marketplace causing Motorola to recall the unit, then ship them to re-sellers for liquidation at wholesale prices. The problems were due in large part to a eeprom issue where electrical anomalies could cause the unit to appear as if it had failed. What most consumers didn't know was that an undocumented three-button system re-set would instantly fix the problem. I purchased two of them on the strength of one feature alone: Tripath Ampliification -- the first new amplification technology in decades. Unfortunately Tripath went bankrupt due to financial mistakes and mismanagment. This unit is a perfect example of a paradigm shifting A/V receiver failing due to a combination of system complexity and poor marketing.
The Tripath amplification produces the audio fidelity of Class-AB and the power efficiency of Class-D amplifiers in a small configuration. At 100 WPC in a 5.1 setup, the DCP 501 features overload protection and DSP soundfields. Out of production for several years now, one can find them on Ebay and perhaps Amazon.com. For those reveling in the audio experience of Denon, Yamaha, Rotel or any other high-end A/V receiver or even tube amplifier, I welcome you to the 21st century with the Tripath digital amplifier.

Customer Service

Out of Warranty, no longer serviced by Motorola.

Similar Products Used:

Sony, JVC, Onkyo Integra, Sherwood.