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  1. #1
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    Esoteric K-03 on the way!

    Somebody had to initiate the Esoteric forum, so I just ordered a K-03 so I could be the first one

    Can't wait to hear what this beast sounds like
    Main Speakers: Revel Salon 2
    Center: Revel Voice 2
    Side Surrounds: B&W DS7
    Back Surrounds: B&W XT4
    Sub: Velodyne Optimum 12
    Amps: McIntosh MC452, Sunfire TGA5200
    Preamp/Processor: Krell S-1200
    Sources: Esoteric K-03, Oppo BDP-95, Sonos
    Wires: Various low end Audioquest ICs,SC
    Power cables: Shunyata Venom3 on amp, preamp, CDP, BDP
    Power Conditioners: Furman Elite-15pfi, Furman Elite-15-dmi
    Rack: Salamander quad 20 with custom raised center

  2. #2
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    Wow congrats Jeff!!! We need lots of pics when you get a chance..
    Dewey,

    "If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking." - George S. Patton

  3. #3
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    Congratulations Jeff!
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  4. #4
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    Cool Jeff, I've heard lots of good things about that player.
    ~ Bob ~
    "And it Stoned me to my Soul" Van Morrison
    ClickAudiophile Audition
    Snoopy as the Red Baron attack
    Avatar = The Alan Parsons Project - Eye in the Sky (1982 - orbiting)

  5. #5
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    Excellent Jeff!!
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  6. #6
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    Jeff, a huge congrats!
    Now the painful but sweet waiting can start...
    Vivid Audio - Burmester - Hegel - Marantz - Oppo - Pioneer 60" - Wireworld

  7. #7
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    I've also read somewhere that it comes on a crate, and that you need a forklift to transport it!
    ~ Bob ~
    "And it Stoned me to my Soul" Van Morrison
    ClickAudiophile Audition
    Snoopy as the Red Baron attack
    Avatar = The Alan Parsons Project - Eye in the Sky (1982 - orbiting)

  8. #8
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    Congrats Jeff.....can't wait for the pics.

  9. #9
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    Congrats Jeff...look forward for some feedback.

  10. #10
    Congratulation Jeff, I'm hoping to listen to the K-01 and/or the K-03 next week. I'm looking forward to your impressions.
    Colin

    Vivid Audio Giya G2s. Shunyata Sigma speaker cables.
    Devialet 1000Pro CI. Shunyata Sigma NRv2 cables
    Taiko Extreme. Sablon Audio Evo USB cable. Shunyata Sigma NRv2 cable.
    Shunyata Everest. Shunyata Sigma XC cable.
    Shunyata Omega ethernet cable.
    Quadraspire X-Reference racks.

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tremayne View Post
    Congratulation Jeff, I'm hoping to listen to the K-01 and/or the K-03 next week. I'm looking forward to your impressions.
    Colin,

    I look forward to your feedback on the Esoteric. I know what rocky a road the past year or so has been. Please keep us posted.
    Last edited by joeinid; April 19, 2013 at 12:59 PM.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tremayne View Post
    Congratulation Jeff, I'm hoping to listen to the K-01 and/or the K-03 next week. I'm looking forward to your impressions.
    Great Colin, I'm looking forward to your impressions too.
    And if possible, compare them to the 089 Burmester.
    Thank you!
    Vivid Audio - Burmester - Hegel - Marantz - Oppo - Pioneer 60" - Wireworld

  13. #13
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    Congratulations Jeff Methinks you're gonna be very happy
    Bob

    Heroes don't wear capes, they wear dogtags.

  14. #14
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    Thanks everyone. I can't believe how fortunate I am to be able to make this investment, and i never lose sight of how blessed i am, and we all are. (Sorry for getting a little mushy. The recent tragic events have made me quite reflective). My system has, in a short years time, catapulted from good to great, and this will complete a full revamp from speakers to amp to preamp and now source. Funny thing is, as I type, I'm listening to my system with my mightily little Oppo BDP95 and wondering how does it get much better than this??? The sound is really incredible and I question why I'm even needing to make this last upgrade. Guess I will know next week, plus another 500 hours of break-in, lol.

    PS- on a side note, the Krell S-1200 is unbelievably good as a preamp. Krell has taken a bit of a beating over the past few years, but they clearly still know how to make great sounding equipment.
    Main Speakers: Revel Salon 2
    Center: Revel Voice 2
    Side Surrounds: B&W DS7
    Back Surrounds: B&W XT4
    Sub: Velodyne Optimum 12
    Amps: McIntosh MC452, Sunfire TGA5200
    Preamp/Processor: Krell S-1200
    Sources: Esoteric K-03, Oppo BDP-95, Sonos
    Wires: Various low end Audioquest ICs,SC
    Power cables: Shunyata Venom3 on amp, preamp, CDP, BDP
    Power Conditioners: Furman Elite-15pfi, Furman Elite-15-dmi
    Rack: Salamander quad 20 with custom raised center

  15. #15
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    Jeff,

    Yes, we are all very lucky to have what we have and more importantly share this fun hobby with each other. Thanks for all your valuable input.



    Quote Originally Posted by Jeffkad View Post
    Thanks everyone. I can't believe how fortunate I am to be able to make this investment, and i never lose sight of how blessed i am, and we all are. (Sorry for getting a little mushy. The recent tragic events have made me quite reflective). My system has, in a short years time, catapulted from good to great, and this will complete a full revamp from speakers to amp to preamp and now source. Funny thing is, as I type, I'm listening to my system with my mightily little Oppo BDP95 and wondering how does it get much better than this??? The sound is really incredible and I question why I'm even needing to make this last upgrade. Guess I will know next week, plus another 500 hours of break-in, lol.

    PS- on a side note, the Krell S-1200 is unbelievably good as a preamp. Krell has taken a bit of a beating over the past few years, but they clearly still know how to make great sounding equipment.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  16. #16
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    Can't wait for your 'verite' impressions and comparisons.
    ~ Bob ~
    "And it Stoned me to my Soul" Van Morrison
    ClickAudiophile Audition
    Snoopy as the Red Baron attack
    Avatar = The Alan Parsons Project - Eye in the Sky (1982 - orbiting)

  17. #17
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    Jeff... Congratulations on your new Esoteric player!!! Will be looking forward to your reviews and pictures.
    __________________________________________________ _____________________________________________

    Jeff

    AMP: McIntosh MC402 PRE: McIntosh C2300 Digital: Gold Note DS-10 & PSU-10 EVO TURNTABLE: Dr. Feickert Blackbird PHONO STAGE: Gold Note PH-10 & PSU-10 SPEAKERS: Aerial Acoustics Model 8B’s

    “The more you tighten your grip Tarkin the more star systems will slip through your fingers”

  18. #18
    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    Colin,

    I look forward to your feedback on the Esoteric. I know what rocky a road the past year or so has been. Please keep us posted.
    Will do Joe, thanks.

    Quote Originally Posted by bart View Post
    Great Colin, I'm looking forward to your impressions too.
    And if possible, compare them to the 089 Burmester.
    Thank you!
    Yes Bart, the 089 is also on the list, as is the Gryphon Mikado Signature / Diablo. However with a 6hr drive to the dealers and back, I think that listening to all four options in one visit will probably be too much. I'll let you know how it goes.
    Colin

    Vivid Audio Giya G2s. Shunyata Sigma speaker cables.
    Devialet 1000Pro CI. Shunyata Sigma NRv2 cables
    Taiko Extreme. Sablon Audio Evo USB cable. Shunyata Sigma NRv2 cable.
    Shunyata Everest. Shunyata Sigma XC cable.
    Shunyata Omega ethernet cable.
    Quadraspire X-Reference racks.

  19. #19
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    Belgium
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tremayne View Post
    Yes Bart, the 089 is also on the list, as is the Gryphon Mikado Signature / Diablo. However with a 6hr drive to the dealers and back, I think that listening to all four options in one visit will probably be too much. I'll let you know how it goes.
    Thank you!
    Vivid Audio - Burmester - Hegel - Marantz - Oppo - Pioneer 60" - Wireworld

  20. #20
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    Re: Esoteric K-03 on the way!

    So, due to scheduling conflicts, my K-03 will not get here till end of next week at earliest. Once again, I'm sitting here listening to my Oppo BDP95 as CD player and it sounds amazing. I really am wondering how much better this can get? The Krell as a preamp just took everything to a whole new level, but I knew that it was possible because I could tell what I was missing (bass depth, detail, soundstage depth/width, etc). The Krell put it all back, in spades. I'm really not sure what to expect with the Esoteric. I also hope I don't have to actually wait 500 hours for break-in to get me where I want to go (and not even sure where that is, as I don't know what can improve). I'm actually a little worried and having some buyers remorse
    Main Speakers: Revel Salon 2
    Center: Revel Voice 2
    Side Surrounds: B&W DS7
    Back Surrounds: B&W XT4
    Sub: Velodyne Optimum 12
    Amps: McIntosh MC452, Sunfire TGA5200
    Preamp/Processor: Krell S-1200
    Sources: Esoteric K-03, Oppo BDP-95, Sonos
    Wires: Various low end Audioquest ICs,SC
    Power cables: Shunyata Venom3 on amp, preamp, CDP, BDP
    Power Conditioners: Furman Elite-15pfi, Furman Elite-15-dmi
    Rack: Salamander quad 20 with custom raised center

  21. #21
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    Re: Esoteric K-03 on the way!

    Jeff,
    Forget about the remorse you hear and be patient. The K-03 is a bad ass player, better than many High End players out there. I tell you a real fact I encounter and maybe because I was one of the first that got it and probably got an old batch or something, as more than 40 sold after me. My first K-03 reached 500 hours by playing the unit nonstop with the burn in disc they supply. After connecting to the audio system I notice the player had a noisy transport, so I contact Esoteric and got a replacement. This showed me that there was something wrong with the first player, the 2nd new sealed K-03 is quiet and I hear more detail out of the box with only 40-50 hours of use and no break in disc. The techs at Esoteric said that maybe it was the bearing but the unit audio checked fine. About 3 weeks ago I wanted the K0-1 only because I was thinking the Red Book will be the ultimate and so will be the SACD. Only now to understand that with great cables, speakers and amplification is hard to say that you will want something better. Funny with not even 50 hours I want to part again with the K-03 and this is because the analog in me with 3000 records or so say sell it in the for sell section to finance my dream analog rotation device. So pay no attention of being an inferior player, because the truth is that if far from that.
    Enjoy it,
    Angel

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