Thread: Esoteric K-05XD

Any experience with the new K-05XD?
How does it compare to other similarly priced cd-players?

Mike, I wonder if it actually exceeds the K-03XD since it's a newer release with potential "lessons learned" and improvements implemented from upper level models (just some feedback I have heard)? I still don't get the Esoteric pricing model to have two units about $3,000 dollars apart and then jump to the K-01XD at $24,000.

Has anyone compared the Esoteric players to similarly priced Luxmans?

Mike would be the best to weigh in on your question since he carries both brands.

Originally Posted by Mike

We have one in the store and it’s really fantastic at the right price. Comes quite close to the K-03XD in performance.


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Mike, could you please tell me If the bass is on the lean side of neutral or has this changed with the new XD-models? The older Esoteric cdp’s could often be described as thin/lean and analytical sounding, What about the K-05XD? 🤔🙏

Originally Posted by gadawg

Had a friend bring over his K-05XD today with his G-05 clock and took a good listen. Certainly not thin or lean at all. I thought the tonal qualities of the unit were absolutely beautiful. Very rich and may I dare say with a nice bit or warmth. Had very good detail as well. Where it wasn’t as good was soundstage size … It seemed rather small in all directions compared to my older D-02X dac which to be fair was at a much higher price range. I’ve heard a K-01XD also and its soundstage was quite a bit larger in all directions than the K-05XD to my ears but that comes at a price to be sure. For the money it’s an awesome sounding CD Player and I would recommend highly at that price point if you are still spinning those little silver disc’s like I do. Best bet is to get it in your system and listen as system synergy is always important but a contender to be sure.

George

Many Thanks George 🙏
Great to hear that it is not thin and analytical sounding like some older cdp’s from Eso sometimes can be described.
I’m sure the more expensive models are slightly better but I don’t think I’m willing to spend more than the price for the K-05XD and it is also available in black. A great match with my Diablo 300 👌…..and with my Maggie 3.7’s I hope the soundstage will be large enough 😊

I note that the Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player feature announced with much fanfare in the new K1X SE, D1X SE, P1X SE, and N-10XD SE offerings made its first rather understated appearance in the K-05XD.

That's actually a very good point.
I guess the next ones to come are the rest of the K series; K01XD and K03XD

Esoteric K-05XD - Fidelity Magazine

https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/esoteric-k-05xd

Esoteric K-05XD review: exceptional high-end CD/SACD player with impressively pristine sonic presentation | What Hi-Fi?

Hi guys,

I have the pre N-05XD and a Teac Cd Transport… any obvious gain if i was using this K-05XD or could be the case of only a side step?

Thanks

Originally Posted by beckzito

Hi guys,

I have the pre N-05XD and a Teac Cd Transport… any obvious gain if i was using this K-05XD or could be the case of only a side step?

Thanks

Yeah, you could play SACDs.