Lumin has specifically added support for native DSD512 of K-01XD. If you choose to use another brand of streamer, better check whether they support Roon Ready and whether they have already added support for K-01XD DSD512 - this usually does not "work" automatically until some firmware change is done to the streamer.
Esoteric XD Series
- Thread starter Mike
- Start date
Lumin has specifically added support for native DSD512 of K-01XD. If you choose to use another brand of streamer, better check whether they support Roon Ready and whether they have already added support for K-01XD DSD512 - this usually does not "work" automatically until some firmware change is done to the streamer.
aardvarkbark
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Thank you, Jerry Seh. All information and observations are helpful. I appreciate it.
Several questions on esoteric:
Who now distributes and services esoteric in US? The only thing that stops me from buying new k-01xd is that within last several years, the Esoteric Japan became very aggressive in releasing new models. Two years may not been enough to sort out all bags.
Did anybody actually hear new XD models, how do they sound in compare with previous ones?
Thank you.
Who now distributes and services esoteric in US? The only thing that stops me from buying new k-01xd is that within last several years, the Esoteric Japan became very aggressive in releasing new models. Two years may not been enough to sort out all bags.
Did anybody actually hear new XD models, how do they sound in compare with previous ones?
Thank you.
- Thread Author
- #44
Great questions!
1. Esoteric has chosen a route of distribution through “rep firms”. This is becoming VERY common since these manufacturers have realized that traditional distributors are not all created equal. What is a rep firm? Well, they basically handle a shit load of brands (think like 100) and they range in product from outdoor rock speakers to home theater screens to amps and CD players. They are not “distributors” in the classic sense of the word. It’s unlikely you would see them put together a system of brands they represent and display them at an audio trade show or push for products to get reviewed. Those responsibilities are still on the manufacturer. I personally don’t mind the rep firms. They are harmless and they will never try to steal your customers or sell direct. Never. They are about volume and more about working with SI’s (System Integrators) and CI’s (Custom integrators). That being said, Rep Firms still rely heavily on the main manufacturer for product info, etc. and the relationship between dealer and manufacturer remains tight. If we must have a middle man, I prefer a rep firm (I guarantee they take less $$) or a “manufactures rep” (a person who is the face for the company to the dealers, manages the reviews, runs the rooms at the trade show). Manufacturer reps can handle multiple firms. For example, my Roon rep is also my Hegel rep. Great guy by the way.
2. The new series of in-house FPGA chips developed by Esoteric for their electronics are stunning. I will honestly say, it’s a bit of a departure from the sound we heard with AKM’s. It’s much more organic and natural sounding, but still retains the detail and resolutions.
Mike, thank you for a great info on esoteric. So with all that, in case of any issues with the esoteric unit, who and were will service it? I heard stories on a_gon that people had to send them in Japan to service transport issues.
Thank you!
Thank you!
- Thread Author
- #46
It goes back to Esoteric USA and if needed, back to Japan. Basically, if they can’t fix it here.
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aardvarkbark
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According to Support | ESOTERIC:Japan high-end audio manufacturer | エソテリック
US service and parts available from
Tap Electronics Company
6920 Hermosa Circle
Buena Park, CA 90620
Tel: (714) 562-7400
Fax: (714) 562-7405
Jack
Active member
But if Tap can't fix it they have to send it on to Japan and the shipping is extra on out of warranty units.
Rob181
New member
How is that any different to any other Hi Fi equipment manufactured in another country.
- Thread Author
- #50
These two beauties arrived today. I brought the K-03XD home to break in and really evaluate. I’m on my second CD and can’t believe how good this K-03XD sounds
This isn’t your Father’s Esoteric!
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That is a good point. I have been contemplating changing from N-01 to N-03T + D1X, but the N-01XD might cause me to rethink that.
- Thread Author
- #53
Ok, 6 discs in now. Color me VERY impressed. “Natural” is the word for this new XD series. Gone is the bite, digital sound of old Esoteric. It doesn’t have the “analogness” (if that’s a word) of Luxman, but what it has is dynamics, punch, detail, separation, bass is tight as hell, amazing vocals and an amazing “naturalness” that has zero fatigue. It’s kind of strange, but it truly resembles “live”. PRAT.
It’s so incredibly “composed”. I am throwing some complex music at it and it’s handling everything with ease and control.
I do have the filters set to 4FS. Have not played too much with the other filters.
It’s so incredibly “composed”. I am throwing some complex music at it and it’s handling everything with ease and control.
I do have the filters set to 4FS. Have not played too much with the other filters.
- Thread Author
- #55
But at $14K this is a “sweet spot” for those wanting a world class spinner. I would have gone for the K-01XD, but worried that cracking that $20K barrier (it’s $22K) would be too much for some. The $14K is more achievable and still delivers this incredible level of performance.
When T+A spinners were under $20k, we sold them like crazy. When they had their big price increase (April 2018) and went way over $20K, it made things much more challenging.
Have you tried setting it to DSD?
- Thread Author
- #57
I have. Yes.
GSOphile
Member
Mike, please comment on the sound stage - width, depth, layering. (Although I recognize that with your MBL home system (?), this aspect may not be representative of what a typical user might experience?)
- Thread Author
- #59
After warm up, I noticed soundstage wide to be one of the strong points. As good as anything I’ve tried. As the evening went on, soundstage depth, especially during a couple of live recordings, was superb. Definitely great layering as well. I am completely blown away by this new Esoteric sound. In a word: “live”.
aardvarkbark
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What do you consider "old Esoteric"? Are you comparing K-03-XD to K-03 or K-03X?
What are the optional filters and on the XD? I have two K-03-X and '4FS' is not an option. What are the upsampling options?