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  1. #101
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    The K-03XD is fully broken in now and is a wrap around massive soundstage product. It has incredible transparency and detail. It too plays MQA CD’s and plays the MQA later. It offers filtering options as well. The new remote is dual sided.

    I have posted videos on my YouTube channel comparing the Esoteric K-03XD to the Luxman D-10x. Both are similar in price. For the videos we used the exact same cables and CD and volume matching. It’s very interesting and they are totally different (but both in a good way).


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    Thanks for posting videos Mike! I watched both, but could not tell which one is best. They both sounded crap from my iPad speakers 😂😂

    What did YOU think? Any preference one way or another?

    Also I believe price wise, the Luxman D-10x ($16,500) is smacked down the middle the K-03xd ($14,000) and K-01xd ($23,000)

  2. #102
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    Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by thyname View Post
    Thanks for posting videos Mike! I watched both, but could not tell which one is best. They both sounded crap from my iPad speakers Esoteric XD SeriesEsoteric XD Series

    What did YOU think? Any preference one way or another?

    Also I believe price wise, the Luxman D-10x ($16,500) is smacked down the middle the K-03xd ($14,000) and K-01xd ($23,000)
    This new Master Sound Discrete DAC is the real deal. THE REAL DEAL!!!! The sound wraps around your head. I mean, I’m looking left and looking right. The level of detail and transparency is perfection for those craving details, details and more details. The king of transparency. BUT, on top, it never gets brittle or edgy or hashy. It in fact, is sweet, while staying detailed and the XD series has more meat on the bones than the previous series. This new path for Esoteric is really really awesome. Bye bye AKM for them.

    BUT, when I play the Luxman, it’s so musically engaging and I can take my crappiest recorded CD and it sounds very very listenable and enjoyable.

    I would have a hard time choosing. If your CD collection is mostly of stellar recordings, the Esoteric would work. If you’re listening to some less than stellar jazz, rock, etc recordings, the Luxman will never let you down and provide a very musical evening, one that goes into the wee hours of the morning.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    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.

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  3. #103
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Well, I watched the Luxman D-10X videos in Croatian and Japanese, so I guess I can watch Mike's Lux/Esoteric video in Floridian. One of these days, I'll have to buy something.

  4. #104
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    I have one on order!!!


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    Did you get the N-01XD yet Mike?

  5. #105
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by thyname View Post
    Did you get the N-01XD yet Mike?
    Nope. Still telling me “soon”!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    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.

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  6. #106
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    My brother ordered the Esoteric K-01xd. He’s letting me break it in for him. I hopefully will hear it in a few weeks. It’ll give me another frame of reference compared to the MSB Discrete.

    I was originally thinking about the D-10x or MSB Discrete. I was never a big fan or early Esoteric players but Mike says the new XD series is awesome. Being able to live with the K-01xd will be fun. I loved the Discrete. I hope the Esoteric is wonderful. I would love a great player/dac but it’s not critical.
    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.

  7. #107
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    I loved the Discrete. .
    What happened to your Discrete?

  8. #108
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by thyname View Post
    What happened to your Discrete?
    Nothing really. It was a demo from Mike. Before I actually commit and buy it, I wanted to experience other high end dacs/players.

    I'm eager to hear the Esoteric and will see if it can unseat the Discrete. That's number 1 right now. I don't want to second guess my choice if I have the chance to try other new gear.
    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.

  9. #109
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    Nothing really. It was a demo from Mike. Before I actually commit and buy it, I wanted to experience other high end dacs/players.

    I'm eager to hear the Esoteric and will see if it can unseat the Discrete. That's number 1 right now. I don't want to second guess my choice if I have the chance to try other new gear.
    As for the K-01XD, for more than double the price, it should (on paper) outperform the Discrete. IMO a fairer comparison is with the MSB Premier

  10. #110
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    Esoteric XD Series

    My Esoteric Rep sent me this slide show on the new Master Sound DAC. I thought you guys might find this interesting.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
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    "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.

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  11. #111
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by thyname View Post
    As for the K-01XD, for more than double the price, it should (on paper) outperform the Discrete. IMO a fairer comparison is with the MSB Premier
    I agree that the Discrete vs K-01XD comparison is not totally equal. With a little more savings, the K-01XD is probably reachable but the Premier, for me, is out of the question. At least hearing the current generation Esoteric players will let me know pretty quickly what tickles my fancy and what I want in a digital source.

    Thank you Mike for the above post. Very cool!
    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. #112

    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Anyone hear about the potential for a new D-02XD??

    George
    Wilson Audio Alexx|Pair of Rel No25’s
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    VAC Statement 452 Monoblocks
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    Esoteric D-02X|Esoteric P-02X|Aurender W20SE
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  13. #113
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by gadawg View Post
    Anyone hear about the potential for a new D-02XD??

    George
    Not that I’ve heard George.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    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.

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  14. #114
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by thyname View Post
    As for the K-01XD, for more than double the price, it should (on paper) outperform the Discrete. IMO a fairer comparison is with the MSB Premier
    Actually I think this comparison is fairly equal from a DAC standpoint. Surely at least half the
    cost of the K-01XD is in its world class transport mechanism and associated electronics, with equivalent function not present in the MSB Discrete.

  15. #115
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by GSOphile View Post
    Actually I think this comparison is fairly equal from a DAC standpoint. Surely at least half the
    cost of the K-01XD is in its world class transport mechanism and associated electronics, with equivalent function not present in the MSB Discrete.
    Fair! I get the transport part. But, how about the N-01XD? No transport, and it retails for $20,000. Just DAC with network Bridge built in. Equivalent to the MSB Discrete DAC + Renderer module ($11,500 MSRP), or Premier + Renderer volume ($21,500). You see where I am getting at?

  16. #116
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    Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by thyname View Post
    Fair! I get the transport part. But, how about the N-01XD? No transport, and it retails for $20,000. Just DAC with network Bridge built in. Equivalent to the MSB Discrete DAC + Renderer module ($11,500 MSRP), or Premier + Renderer volume ($21,500). You see where I am getting at?
    I have one on order. Really looking forward to it. It will have the exact same specs (Master Discrete DAC’s, power supplies, etc.) as the K-01XD.

    My take as a dealer is that the MSB and Esoteric are COMPLETELY different sounds. I know this is hard for some people to accept, but it’s never an all out winner for everyone. Every person and every system is different. I think I can speak with a fair amount of real world experience when I tell you the MSB buyer is very different from the Esoteric buyer. If I have someone walk in the store (real example) and tell me: “I have a $$$$$$$ turntable setup at home and I just had hip surgery and I will be having two knee surgeries later this year, so I want to put together a world class digital rig which will make listening to music easier” - I will be putting them into an MSB ALL DAY LONG. If I have a customer who was born and raised on R2R and Analog, I will be putting them in an MSB ALL DAY LONG. But, for that customer that has been into digital since the 90’s, has gone through a bunch of CD players and loves to talk about converting their Ethernet to fiber and such, I will likely be putting them in an Esoteric or EMM.

    I know this is hard to believe, but ears are trained and we like the sounds we like and are accustomed to. If someone has been an all digital guy for 30 years, yeah, chances are, they will love the detail, transparency, resolution, etc. of the Esoteric or EMM. If someone is an analog guy, and has that sound in their brain as a reference, they will go for an MSB.

    Of course there are exceptions to the rule, but this is what I have found to be almost universally true (90%) of the time after doing hundreds of demos in the store.

    And one last thing, the overall resolution of the system also plays a huge role IMO. My MBL’s are so smooth, so incredibly smooth, I prefer the Esoteric and will personally be buying a K1X + PS1. But when I had the Avantgarde’s at home, I would lean more towards the MSB. Smooth, but still resolute with meat on them bones. Never fatiguing and oh so analog like. And this is the one variable that can throw a wrinkle in the whole mix!!

    In the store, I am loving the MSB/Pass system on the Magico’s. Just HEAVEN! In the other room, the super smooth diamond tweeter of the Estelon’s benefits from the additional resolution from the Esoteric.

    Have fun!
    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.

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  17. #117
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    well written mike.
    i grew up with tape decks 90% and tt 10% and a lot of radio. as a teeny cd got mixed in.
    what type am i now? i belive we are not stucked from what we are used and our ears and brain will learn and enjoy new things. they are all faulty concepts after all in some ways compared to the natural happening.
    to me it comes down to as what mike described as the "one last thing", the synergy from your source with the amp/speaker.

  18. #118
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    actually. looking forward for a n-01 xd myself.
    everything in there what i would like to see.....multiple ps/supercaps....streamer and dac in the same house.

  19. #119
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Mike, any hunch if Esoteric are going to do an XD or Grandioso version of N-03T? They usually announce new stuff towards the end of the year during the Tokyo show.
    Speakers: Magico M3, ACC, S-SUB | Electronics: Esoteric Grandioso stack | Amplification: Halcro |
    Analog cables: Crystal Cable | Digital cables: Shunyata Sigma | Rack: YG Acoustics Rack 1.8
    | Source: Kaleidescape Premiere (4 x 6TB) | Power: Shunyata Typhon-QR, Everest and Denali

  20. #120
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by brodricj View Post
    Mike, any hunch if Esoteric are going to do an XD or Grandioso version of N-03T? They usually announce new stuff towards the end of the year during the Tokyo show.
    No word yet.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    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.

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  21. #121
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by brodricj View Post
    Mike, any hunch if Esoteric are going to do an XD or Grandioso version of N-03T? They usually announce new stuff towards the end of the year during the Tokyo show.
    No word yet.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    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.

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  22. #122
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    very nice post, mike -- i have probably gained more from it than i have from reading audiophile press reviews over the past two years.

    last december, i heard one of the esoteric dacs (with accuphase and QLN) ...to my ears anyway, very authoritative and rich; not at all thin or or lacking in heft (digital?). based the contrasts drawn in your post, maybe it is time to hear MSB.

    t+a dacs are certainly my best reference point... where would you put them on the esoteric / MSB spectrum that you articulated in the post?
    viking acoustics berlin r mk2 | air tight atc-5 + atm-300r | clearaudio concept + virtuoso v2 MM | t+a dac8 dsd + kanjiroba diy transport + roon rock
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  23. #123
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by aKnyght View Post
    very nice post, mike -- i have probably gained more from it than i have from reading "professional" reviews over the past two years.

    last december, i heard one of the esoteric dacs (with accuphase and QLN) ...to my ears anyway, very authoritative and rich; not at all thin or or lacking in heft (digital?). based the contrasts drawn in your post, maybe it is time to hear MSB.

    t+a dacs are certainly my best reference point... where would you put them on the esoteric / MSB spectrum that you articulated in the post?
    Thanks for the kind words. That’s a great question about T+A. Their sound has changed over the years. Their PDP3000HV and MP3000HV had very different sounds from current offerings like the MP3100HV. The older T+A sound (including DAC8DSD) was more fuller, organic like MSB. The newer sound is more like older Esoteric. Lots of detail and transparency. The newer Esoteric is so different, it’s hard to accurately articulate. The soundstage is MASSIVE. I mean, you are seriously looking left and right. It manages to peel away the onion to it’s core and expose so much more information in recordings, especially live recordings with subtle nuances from the venue, but at the same time, not sound digital. It gets a good dose of organic sounds.

    I was writing all of these observations before I got a chance to sit down and read the slide show my Esoteric Rep sent me late last week. In that slide show, it describes the new Master Sound Discrete DAC as “a DAC that expresses 100% of Musical Power with Emotion which a chipset cannot achieve; and ultimately a whole new reference point for DAC technology.”
    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.

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  24. #124
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by brodricj View Post
    Mike, any hunch if Esoteric are going to do an XD or Grandioso version of N-03T? They usually announce new stuff towards the end of the year during the Tokyo show.
    Would you consider N-01XD to be an XD version of N-03T? If not, why not (other than lacking digital outputs)?
    Peter Lie
    LUMIN Firmware Lead

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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    No. Because if I owned D1X then it wouldn't make sense to have N-01XD. You would want N-03T, or a Grandioso version of it. I have just received an offer for my N-01/G-02X which, if I accept it, replacing it would be a tough choice between D1X and N-01XD. Obviously a big price difference between those two choices. I think I would settle on D1X, but without a clock, and use an old MacBook for streaming Spotify instead of N-03T. Until such time as there was a Grandioso version of the N-03T. Simply because of the eye candy appeal. Eventually I would buy a Cybershaft as a better value proposition over G1.
    Speakers: Magico M3, ACC, S-SUB | Electronics: Esoteric Grandioso stack | Amplification: Halcro |
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Why? A built in network bridge to a most recent, FPGA, in-house built, brand new DAC does not appeal to you? That network bridge also being brand new, with its own linear power supply

  27. #127
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    N-01XD does appeal to me. A lot. I'm very happy with N-01 and if N-01XD was even better I'd be totally stoked. However I bought three Shunyata Sigma Clock-50 cables in anticipation of D1X so if I was to go for N-01X instead of D1X then one of those Clock-50 cables would be of no use to me. If I didn't have those three clock cables and a Sigma AES-EBU I'd just buy N-01XD, not use a clock, and connect my Grandioso P1 with a bog standard HDMI cable. I think that would get very close in performance to a clocked D1X but at a fraction of the price. With the money saved I'd put towards a new Range Rover Velar. Spotify Premium sounds great on the N-01. A MacBook running Spotify wouldn't come close. But the way I use Spotify is to discover new music I like, I then buy the CD and spin it on my Grandioso P1. Or if I'm feeling lazy, or not inclined for critical listening, I'll just play it from my Kaleidescape player.
    Speakers: Magico M3, ACC, S-SUB | Electronics: Esoteric Grandioso stack | Amplification: Halcro |
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  28. #128

    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Those are all good problems to have! I just spoke to a fella to whom $200 made all the difference in the world.

  29. #129
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Are earlier versions of the Esoteric players upgradable to XD specs?
    Room: Gik Acoustics | Vibration: Townshend pods | Power: Shunyata Omega XC + Everest + Sigma NR v2 + Sigma ground cables | Source: Mojo Audio DejaVu EVO linux server running Roon core (Raat) | Ethernet: Sonore Optical module + Melco S10 with dedicated LPS + Shunyata Omega Ethernet x 2| Synchronous digital (preferred signal path): Mutec MC-3 + USB (Paul Hynes LPS) + Cybershaft OP21A | Dac/Pre/Amplification: Devialet D1000 Pro CI (Chord Sarum T RCA-RCA link) | Speakers: Chord Sarum T + Wilson Benesch Act One Evolution P1

  30. #130
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    Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by bernardl View Post
    Are earlier versions of the Esoteric players upgradable to XD specs?
    No. XD specs are a complete departure from anything they’ve done in the past.


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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Thanks Mike.
    Room: Gik Acoustics | Vibration: Townshend pods | Power: Shunyata Omega XC + Everest + Sigma NR v2 + Sigma ground cables | Source: Mojo Audio DejaVu EVO linux server running Roon core (Raat) | Ethernet: Sonore Optical module + Melco S10 with dedicated LPS + Shunyata Omega Ethernet x 2| Synchronous digital (preferred signal path): Mutec MC-3 + USB (Paul Hynes LPS) + Cybershaft OP21A | Dac/Pre/Amplification: Devialet D1000 Pro CI (Chord Sarum T RCA-RCA link) | Speakers: Chord Sarum T + Wilson Benesch Act One Evolution P1

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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Another question about the XD series.

    Can they be configured as a D2D converter or reclocker? For instance converting the USB input to aes/ebu digital output?

    If the answer is yes, I assume that if one uses an external clock such as a Cybershaft to clock the Esoterci then the D2D reclocking from USB to ars/ebu would benefit from the external clock?

    Thank you.

    Regards,
    Bernard

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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by bernardl View Post
    Another question about the XD series.

    Can they be configured as a D2D converter? For instance converting the USB input to aes/ebu digital output?

    Thank you.

    Regards,
    Bernard
    No.


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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Thanks Mike.

    That’s too bad because this capability would further increase their potential as the single core hub of a digital source baaed system.

    Many have been using Mutec reclockers and the Esoteric has the potential to do the same but much better.

    It looks like a capability Esoteric could very easily implement by firmware uograde.

    Anyway thanks for the super fast answer.

  35. #135

    Re: Esoteric XD Series


  36. #136
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Just to clear up one point in that review. With the (discontinued) N-01, native DSD playback is supported with Esoteric transports via AES/EBU. You don't need ES-Link, which the N-01XD has but the N-01 doesn't have.
    Speakers: Magico M3, ACC, S-SUB | Electronics: Esoteric Grandioso stack | Amplification: Halcro |
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  37. #137
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by brodricj View Post
    Just to clear up one point in that review. With the (discontinued) N-01, native DSD playback is supported with Esoteric transports via AES/EBU. You don't need ES-Link, which the N-01XD has but the N-01 doesn't have.
    Double AES/EBU cables connection, or single?

  38. #138
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by thyname View Post
    Double AES/EBU cables connection, or single?
    From a glance at the rear panel on the Esoteric website, single.

  39. #139
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by GSOphile View Post
    From a glance at the rear panel on the Esoteric website, single.
    That's correct when you look at the back of the N-01XD. You are right. What is confusing to me is when looking at the back of the Esoteric transports, like the P-02x or P-05x. They have dual digital XLRs outputs marked as Right and Left.

  40. #140
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by thyname View Post
    ...They have dual digital XLRs outputs marked as Right and Left.
    That's right, they are configurable via MENU on the front panel. One XLR digital output can be configured as stereo, or both XLR digital outputs can each be configured as mono.
    Speakers: Magico M3, ACC, S-SUB | Electronics: Esoteric Grandioso stack | Amplification: Halcro |
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  41. #141
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    I have one on order. Really looking forward to it. It will have the exact same specs (Master Discrete DAC’s, power supplies, etc.) as the K-01XD.

    My take as a dealer is that the MSB and Esoteric are COMPLETELY different sounds. I know this is hard for some people to accept, but it’s never an all out winner for everyone. Every person and every system is different. I think I can speak with a fair amount of real world experience when I tell you the MSB buyer is very different from the Esoteric buyer. If I have someone walk in the store (real example) and tell me: “I have a $$$$$$$ turntable setup at home and I just had hip surgery and I will be having two knee surgeries later this year, so I want to put together a world class digital rig which will make listening to music easier” - I will be putting them into an MSB ALL DAY LONG. If I have a customer who was born and raised on R2R and Analog, I will be putting them in an MSB ALL DAY LONG. But, for that customer that has been into digital since the 90’s, has gone through a bunch of CD players and loves to talk about converting their Ethernet to fiber and such, I will likely be putting them in an Esoteric or EMM.

    I know this is hard to believe, but ears are trained and we like the sounds we like and are accustomed to. If someone has been an all digital guy for 30 years, yeah, chances are, they will love the detail, transparency, resolution, etc. of the Esoteric or EMM. If someone is an analog guy, and has that sound in their brain as a reference, they will go for an MSB.

    Of course there are exceptions to the rule, but this is what I have found to be almost universally true (90%) of the time after doing hundreds of demos in the store.

    And one last thing, the overall resolution of the system also plays a huge role IMO. My MBL’s are so smooth, so incredibly smooth, I prefer the Esoteric and will personally be buying a K1X + PS1. But when I had the Avantgarde’s at home, I would lean more towards the MSB. Smooth, but still resolute with meat on them bones. Never fatiguing and oh so analog like. And this is the one variable that can throw a wrinkle in the whole mix!!

    In the store, I am loving the MSB/Pass system on the Magico’s. Just HEAVEN! In the other room, the super smooth diamond tweeter of the Estelon’s benefits from the additional resolution from the Esoteric.

    Have fun!
    Mike,

    I agree with your post if you substitute the word “analytical” for “detailed”. I owned three Esoteric players (one a Grandioso) and a Grandioso Master Clock, and my MSB Select 2 with Renderer V2 module has substantially more detail than any of them. The difference in sound to my ears is the Select 2 leans more towards organic and the Esoteric leans more towards analytical. In my opinion, this is attributable more to the attack and decay than the amount of resolution. No tomatoes please.

    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
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    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  42. #142
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Since the sound of a player is probably mostly determined by its DAC and power supply is it reasonable to say the XD series changes very significantly the Esoteric sound compared to earlier generations?

    Cheers,
    Bernard

  43. #143
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by bernardl View Post
    Since the sound of a player is probably mostly determined by its DAC and power supply is it reasonable to say the XD series changes very significantly the Esoteric sound compared to earlier generations?

    Cheers,
    Bernard
    Yes


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  44. #144
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by bernardl View Post
    Since the sound of a player is probably mostly determined by its DAC and power supply is it reasonable to say the XD series changes very significantly the Esoteric sound compared to earlier generations?

    Cheers,
    Bernard
    Hi Bernard,

    It’s possible the XD is a dramatic departure from Esoteric’s scores of previous models. To me, a customized Delta Sigma chip isn’t exactly groundbreaking. Other companies have done the same. I find it hard to believe this new chip would catapult the XD Series beyond industry leading reference models in terms of resolution. I’ll keep an open mind and give it a listen at a semi-local dealer and report back here.

    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
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  45. #145
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by Alpinist View Post
    Hi Bernard,

    It’s possible the XD is a dramatic departure from Esoteric’s scores of previous models. To me, a customized Delta Sigma chip isn’t exactly groundbreaking. Other companies have done the same. I find it hard to believe this new chip would catapult the XD Series beyond industry leading reference models in terms of resolution. I’ll keep an open mind and give it a listen at a semi-local dealer and report back here.

    Ken
    The DAC in the XD models is not implemented via a DAC chip but by discrete components (32 per channel).

  46. #146
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by GSOphile View Post
    The DAC in the XD models is not implemented via a DAC chip but by discrete components (32 per channel).
    “This is the most cutting-edge DAC architecture available today— 64 bit / 512 Fs delta-sigma modulator independently designed for PCM and DSD processing.”

    Is this not a delta-sigma chip? Or is it a R2R Ladder DAC? Hybrid? Please elaborate.

    Thanks,
    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
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  47. #147
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    Quote Originally Posted by Alpinist View Post
    “This is the most cutting-edge DAC architecture available today— 64 bit / 512 Fs delta-sigma modulator independently designed for PCM and DSD processing.”

    Is this not a delta-sigma chip? Or is it a R2R Ladder DAC? Hybrid? Please elaborate.

    Thanks,
    Ken
    As far as I can gather, it's not a DAC chip. I am unable to put it in any of the two categories you mentioned above. However:

    From the Tone Publication recent review: "Now using FPGA circuitry instead of individual DAC chips" further ... "As with our Aqua Audio, dCS, and PS Audio DACs, an FPGA configuration is easy to upgrade when the time comes. With a DAC based on a chipset, you’re at the end of the road"

    From the Esoteric website: "Our goal was to assemble a careful selection of rigorously tested discrete components into a complete circuit that could perfectly reproduce all the dynamics and energy of music, which is simply unattainable using ordinary integrated chips."

    If I were to put MY words into this: delta/sigma modulator (no R2R / ladder / multibit), FPGA based / capable, no off-the-shelf DAC chip

  48. #148
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    It’s different than chip or R2R. Very unique.


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  49. #149
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series

    When I look closely at the photos, there appears to be rows of resistors that you would normally see in a ladder DAC. Maybe this is used in conjunction with customized digital processing to achieve a unique sound. In other words, I’m thinking it may be a hybrid design.

    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  50. #150
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    Re: Esoteric XD Series







    I’ve ordered this configuration for demo.


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    "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.

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