Looks like an R2R DAC to me, or at least, the functional equivalent of one.
All the Esoteric disc players I've were sound just fabulous; very musical and engaging.
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Absolutely gorgeous.
Looks like an R2R DAC to me, or at least, the functional equivalent of one.
All the Esoteric disc players I've heard sounded just fabulous; very musical and engaging. Maybe someday...
From what I've heard those Cybershaft clocks are amazing, too.
Is there a savvy Electrical Engineer on this forum that can read the Esoteric literature and examine the photos, and give us a lucid explanation of what the Master Sound Discrete DAC is exactly? We need to leverage some of the talent around here. :)
Thanks,
Ken
The fundamental difference is it's built around a re-programmable FPGA microchip that can be recoded via software updates to fix bugs, improve performance and provide new features. The AKM chips used previously were hardwired internally and could not be updated.
The D1X block diagram shows 4 x 8 element discrete DAC's. You can see the resistors in the marketing photo.
So, if I’m following correctly, customized digital processing is completed by a re-programmable FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) microchip modulator. The digital signal then moves to the Discrete Ladder DACs, where it is converted to an analog waveform and voltage gain is achieved.
Ken
I’m really enjoying my K01-XD along with Cybershaft Clock , very nice combo
I’m not sure how to describe it but right off the bat, the K-01xd just sounded better, more musical and a little more relaxed. Granted the esoteric is more money. I absolutely enjoyed the Discrete but something was holding me back from placing the order. Thank goodness. Once the esoteric warmed up a little it absolutely got better and now, WOW! I love it. It’s already at the top of my budget but I’ll be able to use it for a few more months before my brother takes it off my hands.
I NEVER liked pre XD esoteric gear but this is a whole new sound. Old esoteric was dry, a little sterile and generally boring to my ears. I’m not a golden ear but damn, it fell right into place with the new K-01xd. I love it. No way I can even think about the top two MSB dacs so I either get the K-01xd or N-01xd network version and maybe eventually try the clock. I’ll be ecstatic.
There is VERY limited supply of BLACK K-01XD and K-03XD. Like 2 left.
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Beautiful!
If I only had the free cash ....
Mike, does Esoteric charge a premium for the black?
i would assume that the sound difference between the XD and pre-XD models has to do with the new "master sound discrete DAC" in the XD ...and, given that the XD DAC is an R2R converter, i wonder if this moves the esoteric XD DACs into the realm of analog sounding DACs like those from MSB?
No idea why esoteric doesn’t offer black on a permanent basis. They obviously can manufacture a gorgeous looking all black player without charging extra. I sold my K01X 4 years ago and one factor was that it stuck out like a sore thumb in my all black component system. I too felt it was a little boring sounding as Joe eloquently stated. The XD sounds like a winner.
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ahhh -- yes, i see it is delta sigma...
"The N-01XD includes ESOTERIC’s exclusive Delta-Sigma (ΔΣ) modulator supporting 64-bit/512Fs audio frequency sampling. To perform D/A conversion on par with its excellent DSD and PCM characteristics, separate FPGA* digital processing algorithms were developed for each conversion process."
thanks for correcting -- pictures of DAC module had lead me far astray here.
You might not want to see this :D
K-01XD Black Edition | OVERVIEW | ESOTERIC:Japan high-end audio manufacturer | エソテリック
I’m wondering if converting USB to optical on the K01 XD would be a good move ?
Not toslink that would limit you are correct
The review I've been eagerly awaiting 12+ months for is P1X/D1X. I haven't seen a single review on these units yet. Nor do I know of any owners yet. I suspect they are out there, just not writing about it.
Gotcha ... I currently have the D-02X DAC that I'm going to end up upgrading probably this time next year based on what I'm reading about the new discrete DACS ... Hopefully they will come out with a D-02XD as that would likely be the most cost effective route for me since I have the P-02X transport and have no current intensions of upgrading the transport. If they don't then I'll have to decide if the K1X is better than my P-02X/D-02X combo(most likely K1X will win?) OR do I really need to go for the D1X to get what I'm looking for. Once the world gets back to normal I can get out and take a listen to these great new players and DACS.
Thanks and Happy Holidays everyone! Stay safe!
George
Has anyone compared the K01 XD to Lumin X1
I’ve listened to the N-01XD in my system as I own the Lumin X1. I found the musical presentation of the N-01X to better the X1. Better pace, rhythm and more organic presentation. Now, keep in mind the Esoteric costs 30% more!
BTW, I still own and enjoy the Lumin X1.
George, you may want to get a clock first, because that is a big upgrade for any Esoteric player, and even if you do end up getting a new dac or combo player, you'll still want that. I have the N-01XD and my G-02x is a nice enhancement to the sound of the N-01XD.
Even though I do like the G-02x, I'm considering getting a cybershaft because of all the testimonials I'm reading. Must be pretty great.
If it were me, I would purchase the Cybershaft clock. I owned the Grandioso K1 Player two years ago and I loved the sound it produced. I added the Grandioso G1 Master Clock and the magic was gone. More detail and accuracy but a major decline in musicality. One of my biggest disappointments. Plus the Cybershaft Clock is significantly less expensive.
Ken
Did you try a Cybershaft on the K1 to compare with the G1? same clock cables?
I have a customer who has compared them all. There is also a member here who is well versed. The new G1X clock (coming soon) is the unknown in this battle.
I had Sigma Clock Cables (V1) and I’m using all Omega clock cables now (75 and 50 ohm) and clocking both the Grandioso K1X and the W20SE. It will be interesting to see the specs on the new Grandioso G1X clock coming. This Cybershaft Clock (with external PSU) elevated the K1X to a whole new level.
Last 2020 delivery - Esoteric K-03XD
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Congratulations Marcin, the packaging is outstanding as usual for Esoteric. Can’t wait for your thoughts.
That's right. Whether Grandisoso or something less, everything gets Grandioso level packaging.