Esoteric Grandioso K1 Unboxing

[Mike]

I have to say, the Berk REF 2 vs the Grandioso K1 is two I compare a lot. I still have to give the nod to the Berk REF2. It has more meat on the bones and sounds a little more organic (especially with the Alpha USB). The Grandioso K1 has more detail and a slightly bigger sound. But, they are very very close and very system dependent.

[Ritmo]

Ok, let's see what this big boy does in the AG system.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Looking forward to your comments on the Grandioso with your home system. Also, nice CD! I really like Lindsey.

[mdp632]

What's interesting is that the K1 and less expensive D05X DAC share this latest and greatest AKM chipset. However, the high end DACs do not.

[Mike]

What's interesting is that the K1 and less expensive D05X DAC share this latest and greatest AKM chipset. However, the high end DACs do not.

Those higher end Esoteric DAC's are getting a little long in the tooth. Hopefully they will get an upgrade soon.

The D-05x looks interesting.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mike]

Of course, if it's a digital master, wouldn't digital be closest to the master? Hmmm....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Alpinist]

What's interesting is that the K1 and less expensive D05X DAC share this latest and greatest AKM chipset. However, the high end DACs do not.

The chips from oldest to newest are AKM 4495, 4490 and 4497. The K1 Grandioso has 4497, the D-02X has 4490 and the K-01X and the Grandioso stack have 4495. Esoteric uses the latest AKM chip available at the time of development.

Ken

[justubes]

Would add a smoother sounding cabling like the siltech cables etc. bring the k-01x sounding similar in smoothness to the K1 or is there other fundamental differences in the presentation of both players.

A clock certainly add so much smothness and banishing any glare mated with the k-01x i cannot imagine how the sound can be improved.

[Mike]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Phishphan]

Mike - what power cord are you using with your K1?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mike]

Mike - what power cord are you using with your K1?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Shunyata Alpha Digital. I'll be getting a Sigma for it soon.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Phishphan]

Shunyata Alpha Digital. I'll be getting a Sigma for it soon.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Whew! That’s a spendy power cord.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mike]

Whew! That’s a spendy power cord.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's a spendy player.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Phishphan]

My K1 will be here on Tuesday. I’m pumped!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mike]

My K1 will be here on Tuesday. I’m pumped!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Awesome!!

[Phishphan]

Awesome!!

Mike - you’re a hell of a dealer. Even though I didn’t purchase the unit from you, you’ve been nothing but supportive and happy for me regarding my acquisition.

I did not get that reception elsewhere in the blog community.

I’m happy to be a member of Audio shark and would encourage more people to become active here.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mike]

Mike - you’re a hell of a dealer. Even though I didn’t purchase the unit from you, you’ve been nothing but supportive and happy for me regarding my acquisition.

I did not get that reception elsewhere in the blog community.

I’m happy to be a member of Audio shark and would encourage more people to become active here.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Of course I'm happy for you! Remember, I'm always a crazy, nutty audiophile first.

As for being a dealer, I learned early on that it's a marathon, not a sprint. One day, there maybe a brand or product I sell that you're interested in. If I'm lucky enough, we will do business. If not, then I will remain blessed with so many amazing customers already. Let me tell you, this is a very special industry. As you may or may not know, I also own several IT software implementation companies and have for the past 25 years. Still to this day, we implement SAP and ORACLE on the ERP side, a variety of Big Data/BI software, I have a special team that manages biotech/pharma software implementations like LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems), CTMS (Clinical Trial Management Systems), FDA Regulatory Systems and more. Lastly, I also own a staffing company that focuses on everything from light industrial work, administration, etc. I have a full staff here in the U.S. and an office and an entire development team in Noida India.

Why did I become an audio dealer? To turn a large fortune into a small one! All kidding aside, losing both my parents was a wake up call for me. I didn't want to do what I don't love anymore. The IT world isn't fun anymore. In most big companies, Procurement/Purchasing groups call the shots. Lowest price wins, regardless of approach, methodology, depth of team, etc. It isn't about building relationships anymore, it's now a situation of "here is your username and password to our RFP portal, now F off, just give us the lowest price and don't call us." So after losing my parents in the previous year, three years ago, I started Suncoast Audio.

Why am I telling you all this? Perspective. You know, I have met hundreds of people in the IT world. I have been invited and participated in corporate golf events for companies with over $35 billion in revenue. I have managed software implementation teams of 20+ people. I have taken numerous Fortune 500 executives for dinner. I have worked on Government military IT projects for 20 years (yes, 20 years). And do you know what? In the three years I've been a dealer I have made more friends, met some incredibly talented people and have a renewed appreciation for a relationship business. I have had many Suncoast Audio clients so pleased with me, they have given me gifts, bottles of wine, gift baskets and albums from Acoustic Sounds will just show up at my house. I'm flattered. Completely flattered. You know, when hurricane Irma hit, I had such an outpouring of concern from the audio Manufacturers, Distributors and clients, that I was overwhelmed. It took me almost two weeks to return all the calls and emails. NOT ONE PERSON from my 25 years in the IT world bothered to even drop me an email. Trust me, these things don't go unnoticed. To a buyer at a $35 billion company, I'm just a number. To my Suncoast Audio customers, I'm someone. It may sound corny, but it's true.

Last but not least, I'm very happy that you are a member here too and I'm very excited to hear how you like your new Esoteric Grandioso K1. Congrats again.

[apdoc2004]

Mike,
That is beautifully said! I wish you & Suncoast audio all the success!

Anshul

[Alpinist]

Mike,

That was a wonderful post! It is clear that Audio Shark and Suncoast Audio are so much more than a business for you, they are a labor of love.

Thank you for your friendship, advice, all you do here and for making AudioShark the most fun place to be on the internet and Suncoast Audio the best place to shop!

Wishing you continued success!
Ken

[asiufy]

Of course I'm happy for you! Remember, I'm always a crazy, nutty audiophile first.

As for being a dealer, I learned early on that it's a marathon, not a sprint. One day, there maybe a brand or product I sell that you're interested in. If I'm lucky enough, we will do business. If not, then I will remain blessed with so many amazing customers already. Let me tell you, this is a very special industry. As you may or may not know, I also own several IT software implementation companies and have for the past 25 years. Still to this day, we implement SAP and ORACLE on the ERP side, a variety of Big Data/BI software, I have a special team that manages biotech/pharma software implementations like LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems), CTMS (Clinical Trial Management Systems), FDA Regulatory Systems and more. Lastly, I also own a staffing company that focuses on everything from light industrial work, administration, etc. I have a full staff here in the U.S. and an office and an entire development team in Noida India.

Why did I become an audio dealer? To turn a large fortune into a small one! All kidding aside, losing both my parents was a wake up call for me. I didn't want to do what I don't love anymore. The IT world isn't fun anymore. In most big companies, Procurement/Purchasing groups call the shots. Lowest price wins, regardless of approach, methodology, depth of team, etc. It isn't about building relationships anymore, it's now a situation of "here is your username and password to our RFP portal, now F off, just give us the lowest price and don't call us." So after losing my parents in the previous year, three years ago, I started Suncoast Audio.

Why am I telling you all this? Perspective. You know, I have met hundreds of people in the IT world. I have been invited and participated in corporate golf events for companies with over $35 billion in revenue. I have managed software implementation teams of 20+ people. I have taken numerous Fortune 500 executives for dinner. I have worked on Government military IT projects for 20 years (yes, 20 years). And do you know what? In the three years I've been a dealer I have made more friends, met some incredibly talented people and have a renewed appreciation for a relationship business. I have had many Suncoast Audio clients so pleased with me, they have given me gifts, bottles of wine, gift baskets and albums from Acoustic Sounds will just show up at my house. I'm flattered. Completely flattered. You know, when hurricane Irma hit, I had such an outpouring of concern from the audio Manufacturers, Distributors and clients, that I was overwhelmed. It took me almost two weeks to return all the calls and emails. NOT ONE PERSON from my 25 years in the IT world bothered to even drop me an email. Trust me, these things don't go unnoticed. To a buyer at a $35 billion company, I'm just a number. To my Suncoast Audio customers, I'm someone. It may sound corny, but it's true.

Last but not least, I'm very happy that you are a member here too and I'm very excited to hear how you like your new Esoteric Grandioso K1. Congrats again.

+1, great post!

I was also in IT in a "previous life", although not in such high places But if it really came down to what you describe, it's indeed a sad state of affairs. The relationship sales game (of which I was part of) didn't always result in the best solution winning, but at least odds of that happening were greater than the "may the lowest bid wins" scenario you're describing... Nothing good can come out of that, for none of the parties involved...

[Ritmo]

Well said Mike. I think of life as a book with many chapters. It's up to each of us to decide when it's time to finish a chapter and start another. It's not easy and it takes a lot of courage. I'm glad for you and I know it hasn't been easy my friend.

[sharkmouth]

Well said Mike. I think of life as a book with many chapters. It's up to each of us to decide when it's time to finish a chapter and start another. It's not easy and it takes a lot of courage. I'm glad for you and I know it hasn't been easy my friend.

Thats another part of the industry. Guys think the dealers have an absolutely easy time & just carry on like a money exchange. I know many guys in the industry in Oz & everything is anything but plain sailing for them. They have to be nice to the guys that forget to take their meds too

[Phishphan]

Just checked my tracker. It’s in MN, so I’m hoping I take delivery a day early. I’m super excited.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Mike]

Just checked my tracker. It’s in MN, so I’m hoping I take delivery a day early. I’m super excited.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I remember the anticipation all too well! Very excited for you. It's heavy as heck, built like a tank and sounds great out of the box and just gets better and better and ....

It's really gorgeous. People come into the store and point at it and say, "that's a beautiful piece, what is it?"

[Phishphan]

I remember the anticipation all too well! Very excited for you. It's heavy as heck, built like a tank and sounds great out of the box and just gets better and better and ....

It's really gorgeous. People come into the store and point at it and say, "that's a beautiful piece, what is it?"

I have time to get it installed tomorrow if it comes. If not it won’t be until the weekend. If I get it hooked up, I’ll put together a playlist on the N10 and just keep it playing all week.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[jdandy]

I have time to get it installed tomorrow if it comes. If not it won’t be until the weekend. If I get it hooked up, I’ll put together a playlist on the N10 and just keep it playing all week.

Kyle.......You may as well take a few vacation days. Once you sit in the sweet spot you will be hard pressed to move.

[Phishphan]

I think that’s Japanese for Badass




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jdandy]

Kyle.......Don't forget how much we like photos.

[Phishphan]

I left the office a few hours early. She’s hooked up. I’ve completely run out of room and have my Aurender N10 sitting on a 28b3.. which will be moved shortly. My 9bsst2 is below the K1, which may need to be relocated.

This thing is no joke. It weighs as much as a Honda Civic and it’s built like a tank.

I hooked everything up and was getting no sound. Unplugged everything, hooked it back up.. nothing. Well I was so excited I forgot to turn my amps on

I spun a couple tracks off The Allman Brothers Eat A Peach SACD.

First impression is that it’s less forceful with the sound compared to the BDA3. Don’t get me wrong the BDA3 is a hell of a DAC, but out of the box this blows it out of the water.

The level of detail is just out of this world.

I just put on Norah Jones - Cold Cold Heart DSD. And there’s a slight little flick of the bass string I’ve never heard before and I’ve listened to this song 100 times.

The bass has more authority and bite. Roberta Flack - Killing Me Softly (24/96 FLAC) bass drum kicks hard.

The sound is SO unbelievably life like. The pianos the guitars.. holy crap this is the way everyone should hear music.

I have my SP3 7-8 notches higher at “normal” listening levels. Which is interesting, can’t explain that one.

While I know the sound stage will open up more, I’d say it’s taller sounding than the BDA3 already. I’m hearing voices... and this is the only place I can say that without being locked in a bit house.. I’m hearing voices from near the top of my TV, which has never been the case before.

My one complaint.. this remote does nothing. 28k for a CD player and I’m getting up to change modes? The only thing it appears to do is change tracks and I can adjust the dimmer.


Ok.. could ramble for another hour. Time to listen.






Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Phishphan]

24 hours of continuous play and it is sounding better and better. I have it set to XLR2 output and 8F digital filter. I like 8F and DSD the best so far.

I can’t believe how good this sounds. The sound is so nuanced it’s hard to put into words. It’s like an acid trip. It’s impossible to really explain, it just needs to be experienced.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Mike]

24 hours of continuous play and it is sounding better and better. I have it set to XLR2 output and 8F digital filter. I like 8F and DSD the best so far.

I can’t believe how good this sounds. The sound is so nuanced it’s hard to put into words. It’s like an acid trip. It’s impossible to really explain, it just needs to be experienced.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

It really is. You describe it well. And it keeps getting better and better and better.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[apdoc2004]

Mike,

Given the profuse praise, this Esoteric player and DAC seems like a significant upgrade over previous top of the line Esoteric players. How would you compare the sound of the Esoteric Grandioso K1 to the performance of the Berkeley Reference and Chord DAVE dacs?

Thanks,
Anshul

It really is. You describe it well. And it keeps getting better and better and better.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mdp632]

24 hours of continuous play and it is sounding better and better. I have it set to XLR2 output and 8F digital filter. I like 8F and DSD the best so far.

I can’t believe how good this sounds. The sound is so nuanced it’s hard to put into words. It’s like an acid trip. It’s impossible to really explain, it just needs to be experienced.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

This is a very expensive player but amazing player! and I assume you didn't pay retail. But, still did you audition and or compare other players in this range? If so , what models? For example, the EMM XDS1V2 and DCS Rossini I believe are also a one box transport and DAC that would compete with this in terms of features. Although I don't think the Rossini plays SACDs. You must have a large SACD/CD collection. Enjoy!

[Mike]

Mike,

Given the profuse praise, this Esoteric player and DAC seems like a significant upgrade over previous top of the line Esoteric players. How would you compare the sound of the Esoteric Grandioso K1 to the performance of the Berkeley Reference and Chord DAVE dacs?

Thanks,
Anshul

I've done a lot of comparisons between the three. The Chord DAVE is the undisputed 3D champion. Using proprietary filters, the Chord DAVE really achieves amazing spatial 3D qualities. The Grandioso K1 and Berk REF 2 are close in performance and it would ultimately come down to listener preference. The Grandioso K1 really raises the performance of the Esoteric digital hubs.

[Mike]

Anshul - are you coming to RMAF? We need to hang out again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Alpinist]

Mike,

Given the profuse praise, this Esoteric player and DAC seems like a significant upgrade over previous top of the line Esoteric players. How would you compare the sound of the Esoteric Grandioso K1 to the performance of the Berkeley Reference and Chord DAVE dacs?

Thanks,
Anshul

Hi Anshul,

I agree with Mike that the overall performance of the Berkeley Reference 2 DAC and the Esoteric Grandioso K1 are very close. Both DACs give you a high level of detail and nuance, incredible ease without any hint of digital artifacts, and outstanding midrange density.

The Berkeley is a bit warmer and more delicate in the midrange, and more textured in the bass. It is very tube-like in its presentation but without being colored or euphonic. The Esoteric provides a bigger soundstage and more precise imaging. It is also more neutral, has greater speed and dynamics, and has tighter bass.

You cannot go wrong with either one.

Best,
Ken

[apdoc2004]

Hi Anshul,

I agree with Mike that the overall performance of the Berkeley Reference 2 DAC and the Esoteric Grandioso K1 are very close. Both DACs give you a high level of detail and nuance, incredible ease without any hint of digital artifacts, and outstanding midrange density. The Berkeley is a bit warmer and more delicate in the midrange, and more textured in the bass. It is very tube-like in its presentation but without being colored or euphonic. The Esoteric provides a bigger soundstage and more precise imaging. It is also more neutral, has greater speed and dynamics.

You cannot go wrong with either one.

Best,
Ken

Hi Ken,
Thank you for your feedback on the 2 DACs. Your description of the attributes makes it a hard choice -- it almost sounds like one has to own both the DACs!!
Anshul

[apdoc2004]

Mike,

Unfortunately, I just could not get my act together in time for this year's RMAF. I would have loved to hang out. I think I need to plan a trip to Florida to sample all the delicious audio fare that you have in your showroom!
Have a blast at RMAF!

Anshul

Anshul - are you coming to RMAF? We need to hang out again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mike]

Mike,

Unfortunately, I just could not get my act together in time for this year's RMAF. I would have loved to hang out. I think I need to plan a trip to Florida to sample all the delicious audio fare that you have in your showroom!
Have a blast at RMAF!

Anshul

Yes! Any time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Alpinist]

Hi Ken,
Thank you for your feedback on the 2 DACs. Your description of the attributes makes it a hard choice -- it almost sounds like one has to own both the DACs!!
Anshul

Hi Anshul,

Certainly either one of these DACs will give you all you need in performance but they are different enough that having both gives you two different flavors in presentation. This is one of the reasons I purchased both. The other reason is I wanted a spinner for my SACDs and CDs in the K1 and a DAC in the Berkeley that can do full MQA from Tidal's rapidly growing MQA catalog.

I'm extremely happy with both components and they truly complement each other. The Berkeley does a wonderful job of scratching the itch for tube lovers as it provides all the positives of a tube presentation without the negatives or hassle. The K1 has all the best qualities of solid state but without any digital edge whatsoever. The bottom line is both are extremely musical.

Best,
Ken

[Phishphan]

Hi Anshul,

The Esoteric provides a bigger soundstage and more precise imaging. It is also more neutral, has greater speed and dynamics, and has tighter bass.


Best,
Ken

It is the most fluid sound I’ve ever heard. The bass is so well defined but never boomy. It’s just rock solid. I’m incredibly happy with mine about 100 or so hours in.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Alpinist]

Hi Ken,
Thank you for your feedback on the 2 DACs. Your description of the attributes makes it a hard choice -- it almost sounds like one has to own both the DACs!!
Anshul

Hi Anshul,

I'd like to say that the addition of an Esoteric rubidium master clock significantly improves the sound quality of the Esoteric Grandioso K1 in terms of overall realism and expansion of the soundstage. With the Esoteric rubidium master clock in place, in my opinion, the Grandioso K1 is in a class by itself compared to the other DACs previously mentioned.

Best,
Ken

[apdoc2004]

Ken,
Thank you for the feedback. It must be something pretty amazing if it beats the Berkeley Reference II Dac. I will be on the lookout for any used Esoteric Grandioso K1 that might show up on the pre-owned market.
Did you ever get a chance to try the Chord DAVE in your system?
Thanks,
Anshul

Hi Anshul,

I'd like to say that the addition of an Esoteric rubidium master clock significantly improves the sound quality of the Esoteric Grandioso K1 in terms of overall realism and expansion of the soundstage. With the Esoteric rubidium master clock in place, in my opinion, the Grandioso K1 is in a class by itself compared to the other DACs previously mentioned.

Best,
Ken

[Alpinist]

Ken,
Thank you for the feedback. It must be something pretty amazing if it beats the Berkeley Reference II Dac. I will be on the lookout for any used Esoteric Grandioso K1 that might show up on the pre-owned market.
Did you ever get a chance to try the Chord DAVE in your system?
Thanks,
Anshul

Hi Anshul,

I've listened to the Chord Dave several times but have never had the opportunity to try it in my own system. It is an outstanding DAC, plus you can add the Chord transport if you want to spin CDs. Mike has done the direct comparison many times in his system, although I don't think he has the Esoteric master clock.

Best,
Ken

[Phishphan]

I haven’t spun cds in years, but the K1 sound so good it’s hard not to. CDs truly sound as good as SACD on most players. SACDs sound otherworldly


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[bmichels]

Look Amazing. But....I wonder if, for NAS/TIDAL/QOBUZ streaming the K1 is as good as the dedicated N-01 which I believe uses the same DAC Chip ?

Indeed, HD/Streaming is my main priority, but since I also owe Cds, I might as well get a K1 instead of "a N-01 + a CD transport"... if (and only IF) the K1 is as good as the N-01 for streaming.

Also, can the streaming/High-res playback application used with the N-01 also be used with the K1, or... does the K1 can only use a more rudimentry player ?

[Mike]

Look Amazing. But....I wonder if, for NAS/TIDAL/QOBUZ streaming the K1 is as good as the dedicated N-01 which I believe uses the same DAC Chip ?

Indeed, HD/Streaming is my main priority, but since I also owe Cds, I might as well get a K1 instead of "a N-01 + a CD transport"... if (and only IF) the K1 is as good as the N-01 for streaming.

Also, can the streaming/High-res playback application used with the N-01 also be used with the K1, or... does the K1 can only use a more rudimentry player ?

I have a Grandioso K1 for sale. .

[brodricj]

... if (and only IF) the K1 is as good as the N-01 for streaming.

I would also like to know the answer to that.

K1 can't do DSD512, and you need another box for your streaming source. So I think whether you go for N-01 + CD transport or K1 + streaming source is really two flavors of good.

[brodricj]

I have a Grandioso K1 for sale.

When was K1 first released? I'm hoping for some Esoteric new product announcements soon. Hopefully there will be a new D1X.

[SCAudiophile]

When was K1 first released? I'm hoping for some Esoteric new product announcements soon. Hopefully there will be a new D1X.

+1 on the note about the D1X (and P1X)!

I think the K1 has been out about 1.5 years in the US but not 100% certain...

[brodricj]

I can buy a new P1 or K1 for about the same price. What should I do, P1 and plug it into my N-01 via AES/EBU, or K1 direct to my pre-amp via XLR? (note: I'm currently using PS Audio DirectStream Memory Player for disc spinning).

And...

Would you bother clocking a P1 or K1 with a G-02X?