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Thread: Esoteric XD Series
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December 31, 2020, 11:27 AM #201
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
Congratulations Marcin! Very nice. Looking forward how it sounds in your system.
It seems that the new X/XD series are the ways to go, rather than even the K1, now discontinued.
There is a new revieuw of the K01XD on High Fidelity Pl. Very positive, as expected.
(I can't post links here until 10 posts)
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December 31, 2020, 11:49 AM #202
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
Here ya go:
High Fidelity
Use Google and their translate feature.
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December 31, 2020, 12:04 PM #203
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
Or view the English language version:
High FidelityChristian
south: Mark Levinson No. 52 pre, Bricasti M28 amps, Lumin A1, Oppo BDP-205, Pioneer CT-43, Sony SS-AR1 Speakers, Audioquest PCs, Audioquest speaker cables, Audioquest & Iconoclast interconnects, HB Power Design Powerslave Star Galaxy power distributor
north: Vitus SIA-030, Luxman D-10X, Sony TC-KA3ES, Harbeth 40.2, Siltech cables
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December 31, 2020, 04:07 PM #204
Re: Esoteric XD Series
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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December 31, 2020, 06:29 PM #205
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
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December 31, 2020, 06:43 PM #206
Re: Esoteric XD Series
That’s cool. I found this paragraph very interesting as I found the same thing. I settled on 4fs. I just went back to native and yup, I think I prefer 4fs. 8fs was a little too much of a good thing for my ears. I’ll try 16fs as Wojciech suggests since I really never did.
“The Esoteric player offers user digital filters to choose from as well as a choice of the type of upsampling. I listened to it for a long time with the PCM signal upsampled to DSD, but I gave it up. Converting PCM to DSD in this case results in a warmer, darker sound, which, however, does not have the dynamics of the original, nor its resolution. So in the end I listened to music with PCM max upsampling (16 fs). For PCM I chose M3 filter and for DSD the FLT2 one.”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.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
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December 31, 2020, 09:10 PM #207
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
I run my Grandioso transport at 88.2 upsampling when playing CD's....dispensed with any experimentation on that, just accept it for what it is. Obviously, when playing SACD's it's native DSD.
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
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January 14, 2021, 08:14 AM #208
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
Can anyone tell something about the differences in SQ between K03 XD and K01 XD, especially is the K01 XD much better or is it rather marginal.
Can stretch both, but saving some money is also fine.
Bought last year already a K1, but the seller turned out to be a scammer (through Hifi Shark, so beware). Luckily, in the end I got all my money back, thanks to my lawyer.
Thanks
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January 14, 2021, 08:34 AM #209
Re: Esoteric XD Series
So much of that going on with the used market right now. It’s really annoying.
The historically speaking there wasn’t always a major difference between the K1 and K3. But with the XD series, there is a significant difference between the K-01XD and K-03XD. I believe the K-01XD carries triple the number of delta-sigma chips over the K-03XD. Sonically, there is greater layering and a smoother presentation with the K-01XD. That being said, the K-03XD is a super performer at $14k and it’s the product that got me hooked.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProMy 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.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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January 14, 2021, 09:07 AM #210
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
Thanks a lot Mike. I'll have to try the oversampling and filters with the N-01XD.
As of now I find the sound of the N-01XD without oversampling (streaming from a Synology NAS and using the Esoteric app) + Cybershaft OP21A connected by RCA cables to the Devialet is truly excellent but currently still a bit being what I am getting streaming using Raat from the Mojo Audio EVO linux music server to the Devialet, but I suspect that this result may be impacted by the early burn-in of the Esoteric and by the mid range RCA cables I am currently using. I'll report again after my Chord Sarum T RCA cables are in place some time in February. I am currently using a Sigma V1 clock cable btwn the Cybershaft and the Esoteric and an Omega may be another way to improve.
Ideally I'd like to use Roon to stream from the Mojo Audio EVO through ethernet via the Melco S10 to the Esoteric but that will have to wait until the Roon certification of the Esoteric. I suspect that may be the best of both worlds in the end.
I was hoping to be able to stream from the Mojo in USB to the Esoteric also, but I haven't been able to find linux drivers for the Esoteric USB protocol.
Cheers,
BernardRoom: 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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January 14, 2021, 09:15 AM #211
Re: Esoteric XD Series
I’m still playing with the filters, but 4fs is my fave so far. I’m also anxiously waiting for Roon certification too. Even though I hate the bugginess of Roon and realize it may not be sonically the best, it will be the best option for the N-01XD. For now, I’m using the Lumin app and it’s running great.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProMy 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.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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January 14, 2021, 01:24 PM #212
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January 14, 2021, 01:30 PM #213
Re: Esoteric XD Series
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.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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January 24, 2021, 11:16 AM #214
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
Hello Mike,
Although the K03XD is already excellent, there is still a big gap between the SQ of K03XD and K1X, fully expected, as the latter is also in another league pricewise.
Where do you place the K01XD regarding the SQ; closer to K03XD or closer to K1X. Thanks.
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January 24, 2021, 11:24 AM #215
Esoteric XD Series
This will sound like a PC answer, but truly in between. If pressed, I would say closer to the K1X. In years past, the K-03 versions were quite close to the K-01 versions. With XD, that’s not the case. K-01XD is really a nice step up. HOWEVER, the K-03XD at $9000 less is really an incredible performer and if you never hear the K-01XD directly against it, ignorance will be bliss!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProMy 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.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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January 24, 2021, 01:38 PM #216
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
Thanks a lot, Mike, very helpful.
That takes away my last little doubts, so K01 XD for sure will be the one.
No chance to listen to one of these of the new series, thanks to the pandemic, heard fairly recently only was the K01X.
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February 1, 2021, 07:09 PM #217
Re: Esoteric XD Series
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.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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February 7, 2021, 07:13 PM #218
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February 7, 2021, 10:42 PM #219
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
I added a Ideon 3R Master Time Black Star Reclocker to my K01-XD last night
It made a nice improvement out of the box .
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February 21, 2021, 10:11 AM #220
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February 21, 2021, 07:35 PM #221
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
With the N-01XD I think I probably prefer 4fs/M2 filter in my environment.
It feels a bit more musical.
Either way the sound isn’t as defined/transparent as what I am getting streaming directly from the Mojo Deja Vu Evo through the Melco S10 to the Devialet, but using 4fs/M2 filter I get a more organic sound, a bit like playing vinyl instead of digital.
It’s significantly nicer with average records, including pretty much all pop/rock/country. Still highly defined but without any harshness.
With great recordings nothing seems to beat the internal dac of the Devialet it would seem.
For dsd files, in particular those from HDTT, I think I prefer the Esoteric, which makes sense since it supports DSD256 natively which the Devialet unfortunately doesn’t.
Cheers,
Bernard
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February 21, 2021, 10:48 PM #222
Re: Esoteric XD Series
I didn't care for the M2 filter when I briefly tried it, but I will give it another shot.
I completely agree with you about the "vinyl sound" from the N-01xd. It really is true. It is the only dac I've ever owned that doesn't sound like digital at all.
What power cord are you using on it? I'm thinking I need to up my game on the PC feeding this beast.--Marc
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February 21, 2021, 11:08 PM #223
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
Hi Marc,
Currently the power cord connecting the N-01XD to the Shunyata Everest is a Shunyata Sigma V1.
I may replace it by a Sigma V2 at a later stage. An Omega is tempting too, but I guess that replacing my Sigma V1 clock cable (connecting the N-01XD to the Cybershaft OP21A) by an Omega clock cable may result in higher benefits at a lower overall cost.
Cheers,
BernardRoom: 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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February 21, 2021, 11:13 PM #224
Re: Esoteric XD Series
Nice! I have a similar, yet slightly lower end set up.
I have the G-02x clock with a Sigma v1 clock cable, and a Denali 6000s v2 fed by the Sigma v1, and an older Alpha HC going to the N-01xd.
I have Alpha NR v2 cords feeding my amps (straight to the wall) and preamp (from Denali).
I really love what the NR v2 cords did for my system, and will likely get alpha or Sigma for the N-01xd.
It will take a while, because I just bought a new rack and a bunch of isolation stuff.
Sent from my SM-N986U1 using Tapatalk--Marc
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February 21, 2021, 11:18 PM #225
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
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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February 26, 2021, 08:35 AM #226
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February 27, 2021, 08:50 PM #227
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
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
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March 2, 2021, 01:20 AM #228
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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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March 7, 2021, 10:56 PM #229
Re: Esoteric XD Series
I read the review in detail, and they compared the K-01XD to DCS Vivaldi in addition to their flagship Ayon, and if I am not wrong they did A/B testing with Ideon absolute DAC. Ideon Absolute was reviewed in TAS, and it was so good, he bought it. The Ideon costs ~ 35K. If K-01XD is in that league, then esoteric should be one hell of a deal among these elite group of DACs. Too bad, TAS or Stereophile or other big audiophile websites, don`t review much of luxman or esoteric or audio note gears. We read and discuss in the forums and see how people love them. There is something fishy among reviewers, I wonder sometimes. Just my 2 cents.
Fyne Audio F1-12, Octave RE 320, Aries Cerat Incito S, Aries Cerat Kassandra II ref, Aurender N20
Townshend supertweeters, Sotm SNH 10G ethernet switch, Nordost QKORE 3 grounding
Skogrand Tchaikovsky, Skogrand Wagner, Triangle-art Isis, hemingway Z core beta, ansuz C2, Echole omnia, Audience frontrow, SR sigma 2, Combax Hijiri million, PAD diamond, Sablon.
Torus RM 20 power conditioner, furutech wall socket
Vicoustics and GIK acoustics, Solid tech rack of silence, Adona zero GXT-3, Iso-acoustics Gaia1, Townshend platform, Alto extreme, Stillpoints, Symposium
Secondary system: B&W 702 S2 with Naim Uniti atom.
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March 7, 2021, 11:03 PM #230
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
My publications have a policy to focus their reviews on the brands that advertise in the publication. It doesn't mean that any advertiser will get a great review, but it often means that you will not get a review at all if you don't support the publication.
Considering that they probably don't have enough bandwidth/paper volume to cover stuff not supporting them anyway, it's not unreasonable.
Cheers,
BernardRoom: 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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March 7, 2021, 11:14 PM #231
Re: Esoteric XD Series
I expect (or at least hope) to see some Esoteric reviews coming soon. I would love to see a TAS/Stereophile review of this new amazing XD series, but as I’ve told many manufacturers, they should focus on the smaller reviewers too. There are lots of great, smaller reviewers out there. Roy Gregory is one example. Jeff Fritz is another.
For now, we have some great real user feedback. I posted my thoughts around my own Esoteric Grandioso stack on another thread. To my ears, MSB and Esoteric are both world class and which one you pick depends on your preferences and system synergy.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.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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March 7, 2021, 11:15 PM #232
Re: Esoteric XD Series
I understand and respect that. To run and maintain major publications, needs all help. But, from consumer stand point of view, we do expect some degree of fair coverage of all quality gears, regardless. Like esoteric or luxman, for example: people who buy them, rave about them and they don't get mentioned in major reviews. A bit of disconnect, I think. Again, not a big deal, but I think, they need to get credit when deserved.
Fyne Audio F1-12, Octave RE 320, Aries Cerat Incito S, Aries Cerat Kassandra II ref, Aurender N20
Townshend supertweeters, Sotm SNH 10G ethernet switch, Nordost QKORE 3 grounding
Skogrand Tchaikovsky, Skogrand Wagner, Triangle-art Isis, hemingway Z core beta, ansuz C2, Echole omnia, Audience frontrow, SR sigma 2, Combax Hijiri million, PAD diamond, Sablon.
Torus RM 20 power conditioner, furutech wall socket
Vicoustics and GIK acoustics, Solid tech rack of silence, Adona zero GXT-3, Iso-acoustics Gaia1, Townshend platform, Alto extreme, Stillpoints, Symposium
Secondary system: B&W 702 S2 with Naim Uniti atom.
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March 8, 2021, 02:58 AM #233
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
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
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March 19, 2021, 11:19 PM #234
Re: Esoteric XD Series
For people using XLR analogue out, are you guys using XLR 2 or XLR 3 hot ?. Any difference ?
Fyne Audio F1-12, Octave RE 320, Aries Cerat Incito S, Aries Cerat Kassandra II ref, Aurender N20
Townshend supertweeters, Sotm SNH 10G ethernet switch, Nordost QKORE 3 grounding
Skogrand Tchaikovsky, Skogrand Wagner, Triangle-art Isis, hemingway Z core beta, ansuz C2, Echole omnia, Audience frontrow, SR sigma 2, Combax Hijiri million, PAD diamond, Sablon.
Torus RM 20 power conditioner, furutech wall socket
Vicoustics and GIK acoustics, Solid tech rack of silence, Adona zero GXT-3, Iso-acoustics Gaia1, Townshend platform, Alto extreme, Stillpoints, Symposium
Secondary system: B&W 702 S2 with Naim Uniti atom.
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March 19, 2021, 11:23 PM #235
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March 20, 2021, 12:17 AM #236
Re: Esoteric XD Series
Since VAC is using pin 2 hot, you may set to use pin 2 hot as a start, unless you know the album you're playing was recorded with phase inverted.
Your Luxman defaults to pin 3 hot. To be consistent, you may use its phase invert function.Peter Lie
LUMIN Firmware Lead
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March 20, 2021, 12:19 AM #237
Re: Esoteric XD Series
I have just set it back to pin 2 hot. Thanks.
I am using 8 fs/M1 with excellent clarity.Fyne Audio F1-12, Octave RE 320, Aries Cerat Incito S, Aries Cerat Kassandra II ref, Aurender N20
Townshend supertweeters, Sotm SNH 10G ethernet switch, Nordost QKORE 3 grounding
Skogrand Tchaikovsky, Skogrand Wagner, Triangle-art Isis, hemingway Z core beta, ansuz C2, Echole omnia, Audience frontrow, SR sigma 2, Combax Hijiri million, PAD diamond, Sablon.
Torus RM 20 power conditioner, furutech wall socket
Vicoustics and GIK acoustics, Solid tech rack of silence, Adona zero GXT-3, Iso-acoustics Gaia1, Townshend platform, Alto extreme, Stillpoints, Symposium
Secondary system: B&W 702 S2 with Naim Uniti atom.
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March 20, 2021, 12:54 AM #238
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May 22, 2021, 11:41 AM #239
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
Well, I have now the K01XD in my system. New and cold out of the box the presentation is already very nice and pleasant.
I noted lots of detail and it's still very smooth, transparency, solid LF and delicate HF.
First class finish also as usual with Esoteric.
I keep smiling all the time, so thanks Mike.
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May 22, 2021, 12:20 PM #240
Re: Esoteric XD Series
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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May 22, 2021, 07:48 PM #241
Re: Esoteric XD Series
_______________
Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
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May 22, 2021, 10:52 PM #242
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
I could watch the disc tray open/close all day, it's a work of art.
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
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May 24, 2021, 08:49 AM #243
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
Thanks guys.
The K01XD does everything I expected and more, so I am really excited.
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April 5, 2022, 09:29 AM #244
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- Apr 2022
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
Hi guys,
I was wondering if someone could give some suggestions about my K03XD cdp or share their experiences.
A while ago I replaced my Wadia 381i with this Esoteric K03XD. Although there's an considerable improvement in transparency and dynamics/speed, I'm missing some smoothness and warmth. The Wadia had a nice velvety sound, but it was defenitely lacking the detailed sound in the higher frequencies and I certainly could not go back. Some recordings (I only play Redbook) sound absolutely breathtaking on the Esoteric, but on others the sound could have been a bit fuller in the midrange to my taste and less fatigueing.
I have an Audio Research Ref5SE tube preamp, Pass 250.8 poweramp (playing in classA all the time) and Marten DjangoXL speakers.
Would it be worth it investing in a DAC (Aqua La Scala, Bricasti, Mola Mola, Holo Audio ...) or would I than loose the transparency of the inboard Dac?
Or would investing in an external clock (Esoteric G02x, Mutec Ref10 SE120, Cybershaft ...) be advisable? What would the effect on the sound be?
I've tried different upsampling and filter settings, but find that I loose to much of the transparency when I use a slightly smoother setting.
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April 5, 2022, 10:39 AM #245
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
I have a K-01XD driving a Diablo 300/Magico S3 MkIIs and have experienced some of the challenges you describe with different CDs. For me it has been difficult to arrive at a really good compromise filter/upsampling setting that brings out the positive attributes of favorite recordings without being fatiguing. My quest was complicated somewhat when I upgraded my power cables/conditioner from AQ to Shunyata. At this point my ears are pretty happy with the M2/4Fs PCM setting. Good recordings from 50+ years ago shine, but, that said, the DAC in this machine will still not put lipstick on a pig (nor do I expect it to).
Like you, I'd like details on what we should expect from the addition of a good external clock to an Esoteric XD player.
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April 5, 2022, 07:11 PM #246
- Join Date
- May 2019
- Location
- US
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- 217
Re: Esoteric XD Series
I have the N-01XD, which similar to K-01XD, but with a network bridge built in and no transport. Somewhat different DAC implementation than the K-01XD.
I couldn’t be happier with N-01XD, and it’s surely my endgame DAC, until / unless it breaks down. So perhaps upgrade to K-01XD if you dig Esoteric sound? And if the built in transport is a must. Having said this, we are all different people with different preferences. No one-size-fits-all. No absolutes in audio, just preferences.Perlisten S7t speakers with two Perlisten R212s subwoofers | T+A PA 3100 HV integrated amp with PS 3000 HV power supply | Esoteric N-01XD DAC & Streamer| Esoteric G-05 Master Clock | Jay’s Audio CDT3-MK3 Transport | Innuos ZENith MK3| Shunyata Everest
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April 5, 2022, 08:54 PM #247
Re: Esoteric XD Series
IMHO 99% of the time, fatigue is caused by the room, not the gear. Although the gear can certainly make it worse. Look at the first reflection points on all your walls and ceiling, try putting something there temporarily to see if it goes away.
I had chased fatigue for years. I finally figured it out myself and my room is well treated now!
Sent from my SM-N986U1 using Tapatalk--Marc
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April 5, 2022, 08:55 PM #248
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April 6, 2022, 02:25 AM #249
Esoteric XD Series
I have N05-XD. I’d say AQ power cable, minimum Hurricane source. I find AQ PCs are smoother than Shunyata in my system (have tried Sigma V2).
I also second Clock, which myself is thinking of getting one, possibly Cybershaft. Although I do not experience any listening fatigue whatsoever, I believe Esoteric digital sources are meant to use with a competent clock to bring out the best.
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April 6, 2022, 08:56 AM #250
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- Australia
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Re: Esoteric XD Series
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
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Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
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