Thread: Esoteric N-01XD

Originally Posted by transaminasi

Update: I have Mutec Ref 10 since 2 months. I had ear infection after covid and for this I can't try before Mutec. Now I healed and I tried very well new purchase. I connect it to N01XD with Shunyata Sigma 2 bnc 50 Ohm. In my set-up it's impossible not to hear difference. And after get used, it become impossible don't connect Mutec. I tried with my friend to make blind test. I can say easily if Mutec is connect or not connect. Also without Mutec you have a very good performance, but with Ref 10 you have a clear improvment.
I sold Melco N1A and in the future I would like buy new Melco N50. In the meantime I will use a Samsung T7 1 Tb. Now I must buy a usb cable a-c and I not decided yet what model.
@adol290
Did you try to compare your Nordost Frey 2 with normal usb cable a-c?

Good for you! Glad it worked out for you. As I said in my post you quoted, I was pissed my ears were not sophisticated enough to hear any difference, but it is what it is. We all hear differently. For me, the master clock is a closed chapter. For you: enjoy!

Originally Posted by thyname

..For me, the master clock is a closed chapter...

Yes, I think so with N01XD. N01XD has the new Grandioso Custom VCXO II high-precision clock. You really need a G1X or the top Cybershaft and a top spec clock cable to make it worth the effort, and that is a lot of $$$.

Originally Posted by thyname

Good for you! Glad it worked out for you. As I said in my post you quoted, I was pissed my ears were not sophisticated enough to hear any difference, but it is what it is. We all hear differently. For me, the master clock is a closed chapter. For you: enjoy!

I’m going to ask a silly question, but just to be sure, did go into the menu of the device and engage clock sync? Some folks think you just connect the clock and it works, but you must go into the menu and engage clock sync.


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Originally Posted by Mike

I’m going to ask a silly question, but just to be sure, did go into the menu of the device and engage clock sync? Some folks think you just connect the clock and it works, but you must go into the menu and engage clock sync.


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Yes. I already answered this question on this thread. Post #234

In your opinion how much time need to arrive a new version of current N01XD? I seem it launched about 4 years ago...

Originally Posted by Notdead

I have the feeling that all Esoterics with the Master Sound Discret Dacs and due their software updates will delay the appearance of new versions. K1X was launched even before the N01XD, and nothing has been announced yet.
In my case was a strong decision point to eventually get into de XD series.

Ok.
My strong decision point was Master Sound Discrete. With old normal chip I never bought an Esoteric source.

Let me just say this about Master Sound Discrete. Be careful what you wish for.

It's stunning.
It's incredible.
And it's terrifying.

All at the same time.

I'm hearing the best sound I've ever heard...it's just stunning, it's incredible, and it's terrifying.

OK, so it's a Grandioso stack, but I reckon a clocked N-01XD would be close.

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question: for those who stream (something like qobuz), do you still need an external streamer (a good one, thinking aurender n20) if you have the n01xd? --it sure would be nice to have an all in one box solution that is not compromised.

im thinking next steps for my rig, and while n01xd would be a big budget buster, its not so big when ancillaries get removed from a 2nd box.

The N-01XD is all in one. This means it’s a streamer as well as a DAC. It accepts digital signals via a number of inputs including Ethernet, USB, RCA. It outputs in analog and digital. So no need to purchase an Aurender or a Lumin.

It does not have internal storage. But, you can use the LUMIN L1 seamlessly or a Qnap or Synology properly configured.

Lastly, it has easy connect to both Tidal and Qobuz.

Highly recommended as it is super easy to setup. And, sound wonderful. I have one and would buy it again (maybe I’m a little biased! ).

No. The N-01XD is a DAC/streamer. You don't need another box.

....argh....Ritmo beat me to it. Yeah, do yourself a favor and buy N-01XD. You won't regret it.

ok people i understand the misinterpretation of my question. my bad. allow me to restate:

do you need an external streamer for good sound quality or is the one in the n01xd on par w/ the aurender higher end stuff?