Price Paid:  $250.00 from AudioEden

Summary:
At this point, the 1050 CD is the best audio source in my system. The sound of brass and wood winds are amazing. I agree from earlier posts that the low end is lighter than desired, that the soundstage is vast and build quality of the transport as well as looks are excellent. One other comment on the design is that the play control is in an odd place and looks like a on/off button which is on the other side, but this is a nit. What is new to add to the conversation is the ability to control this unit by other JVC equipment such as a RX-DP20VBK receiver is excellent. JVC Compulink networking does work flawlessly with this unit, which I cannot say for all components that JVC has produced. This CD is one of the components that does not have standby capability for on and off, but I do not fault the older CD player for not having more modern energy efficient related functions. The JVC-centric system is now sounding much better than most who frequent AudioReview would ever expect. And performance of the present system is due to concentrating on aqquiring the better components that JVC has produced over the years such as from the 1050 line. Another important consideration in buying a 1990's CD player is to have access to a great electronics repair shop!

Strengths:
build quility, smooth vinyl like sound, nice professinal look, perfect integration with other JVC components, inexpensive today for its performance

Weaknesses:
low end of the frequency band, patience waiting for another XL-Z1050 to become available that is in good shape

Similar Products Used:
this is my first dedicated CD player

Price Paid:  $150.00 from ebay

Summary:
I will try not to make this too long. But I feel the reviewers down below may not know much about technology and how newer is not always better. This particular Jvc has K2 technology which extends the frequency range, smooths out the treble, and reduces jitter components. All of which contribute to better sound. It's transport is silky smooth and competent. Its build quality, while not a solid as a sony es product, is still a mighty beast at 17lbs, feels solid and well damped too. No complaints there. Its error correction is not up there with the best, but this is minor as my cd collection is in good shape. I currently use the Variable outs directly into my Nad C-270 power amp using Nordost Black NIght interconnects. Clean, Pure and simple. I then have Nordost Super Flatlilne Gold MK11 to connect to my reference Sony SS-M7's(made in Denmark using high quality peerless drivers and a unique 8 sided sealed enclosure second to none. I can send pics to those interested in sound that rivals 60k systems. I have used many cd players and found that smooth and musical is important, but not at the sacrifice of sheer lucid clarity, in otherwords, what is imbedded on the cd in every pit without sounding analytical or sterile. Jvc uses this K2 technology in cutting lp's and cd's from original masters. Have you heard any of the professional recordings? They sound better than SACD ! I did my research on this technology and from a technical standpoint, it does away with the need for upsampling or the need to use an external DAC. Why bother coloring the sound when you can use the variable outs directly into a power amp . There is only a resister in the way ! Not 50 circuits !! The truth is here, and it comes from this cd player in the form of a musical wonder. One that brings you so close to the day of that actual recording in the studio, that you feel an emotional bond with that singer. Stereophile gave this cd player high marks and put in on the Recommended Components list back in 1994 and they were smart to do so. One player that beat the jvc out on the recommended components list was the Sony X707es. I had that 3K cd player and guess what ? It abilitys fall far short of the Jvc K2 magic. The new highly rewarded, giant killer Nad C-541i ? No comparison. The Nad is musical, but lacks that spark of clarity. I have only heard cd players that were 5k plus that even began to compare. Hear one for your self. That's the proof. Peace.

Strengths:
Sweet and clean treble. Accurate and open midrange. Bass has excellent resolution with superb weight. Clarity, clarity and more clarity. Wants for nothing.

Weaknesses:
Ugly Remote.

Similar Products Used:
Nad C-541i, Sony XA7es, Sony XA707es, Music Hall Cd-25, ect..

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Price Paid:  $350.00 from Private party

Summary:
For a ten year old model from JVC, this CDP delivers an amazingly high-end sound. I'm using it as a transport through a Monarchy 22B DAC and 24/96 DIP. Haven't even checked the sound using the JVC's internal DAC (analog out)because it sounds so fantastic as a transport.
The JVC has replaced a Harmon Kardon 5 disc player, and the following changes are anything but subtle:
- much deeper sound, especially bass
- beautiful timbre, crystal midrange and highs
- soundstage grew about 50%
- detail that I had never heard on my CDs
I'll admit that I haven't auditioned a lot of CDP's, but this one is here to stay. At $350 it's a clear 5 star.

Associated equipment:
LAT int'l digital cable to Monarchy 22B
Monarchy digital cable to Monarchy DIP
Pure Silver Sound interonnects to Sim Audio I-5080 inte-grated amp
Analysis Plus speaker cables to Soliloquy 5.3s.

Strengths:
extreme resolution, huge soundstage, plays CDRs

Weaknesses:
No SACD, non-detachable power cord

Summary:
Just a marvelous player, highly recommended if you can find one on the used market. My old Mission player ruled the roost until I bought this baby used, modified with Burr Brown op amps et all. Sounds great alone, superb as a transport (using Museatex Melior DAC). I have not noticed the weak bass mentioned by others at all. The "Titanic" disc had my house shaking all over! The only weak area is error correction on unperfect disc. It will skip and repeat
on discs with smudges or dirt. Careful cleaning stops 90% of this. I am primarily an Lp man, but when the time calls for cd's this baby is up to the task! Audio snobs: don't be turned off by the JVC moniker. They made a great product here! Reviewed in The Absolute Sound very favorably.
E-mail me with any questions...keep listening...

Strengths:
Superb midrange, sweet highs, non fatigue digital

Weaknesses:
Error correction

Similar Products Used:
Mission, California Audio Labs, Magnavox/Phillips mods

Price Paid:  $500.00 from Shoppers Advantage

Summary:
I have had my JVC 1050 for about 10 years now, and other than the new 96Khz/24Bit revolution, nothing has come close in this price range. This player can resolve anything on a cd. For example, at the very end of Dark Side of The Moon by Pink Floyd, as the drum faids out, you can here the some music that was left over ie not part of the DSOM. It is very low in volume, and you need excellent headphone gear to resolve it ( I used Koss 950 electrostatics). I can not pick it up on most other players, and if I do, it is more garbled.
The sound stagiing is vaery good, not the best in the world, but very good. I have listened to some 10k plus cd play back gear, and this is a stonne throw away from the best in this area.
The bass is lacking, not mia but weak. Other than that, I can say it is a very good value for the money.
Some tricks and mods, use ferrite cores on the power and anaolog out, even smooths it out further! If you can find one, the iris that fits over the laser will help a touch. And one last tip, I found tha putting technicians conducting fom insdie the case helps, but make sure you put something between it and the componets that does not conduct, like cardboard. This helps a little as well.

Strengths:
Excellent resolving capability! Lush midrange. Well Built

Weaknesses:
Bass is not it's strong point.

Similar Products Used:
Various Pioneers, Marantz and Dennon Player's