Has anyone compared one of the new Esoteric SE model DAC/PLayers with its featured "Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player" with and without an external master clock generator attached? Using a quality external clock with an Esoteric player used to be highly recommended? Should one still expect a big uplift in performance? As significant as with models prior to the SE models? Please describe how the sound is enhanced.
I compared the Esoteric K-05XD, K03XD SE and K01XD SE with and without the G-05 clock. Amps were N05XD and S-05, speakers Sonus Faber Amati latest version, cables from Audioquest.
Note, that the amps and the clock are the cheapest series within Esoteric's program.
The K-05XD benefited the most from the presence of the G-05 clock, which was to be expected.
Even with the K01XD SE, the clock gave more space and quietness and a more powerful display, but using the more expensive G-01XD here is more obvious.
Better imaging, more space around, more powerful sound in general were the most obvious differences.
The salesman and I sometimes heard little or no difference between the K03XD SE with the G-05 clock and the K01XD SE without the clock.
That's why I bought the K03XD SE, especially with the intention of buying a separate clock.
I'm going to listen again later to the differences between the G-05 and the more expensive G-01XD clock, which was not available now.
I expect a lot from the G-01XD, especially also with the use of a better clock cable, e.g. the Shunyata Sigma V2 clock 50 cable, which received much praise here.
The representative from Esoteric said the following about the G-01XD and G1X:
Let me say that the G-01XD is really a beautiful product that will lead to a significant and very audible improvement with a K-03XD-SE.
Sonically, the Grandioso G1X provides just a little more peace and a stronger solid 'bubble' of sound that surrounds the listening position.
In terms of detail and sound signature, there is not really a big difference between the two. It's just the way and the ease with which the sound is presented in the space.
The G1X clearly takes it a step further.
Overall, it was a very enjoyable set to listen to, so much so that I am also considering purchasing the amplifier set, preferably higher up the chain.
So I would like to hear more experiences of the Grandioso C1X solo and the Grandioso S1X, also a very beautiful set indeed.