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Impressive first listen - Esoteric K01XD
- Thread starter joeinid
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I’ve been swapping CDs plus I hooked up my Wyred 4 Sound modified Sonos Port. CDs are awesome and my Sonos never sounded better.
I’m running it in to put some time on it to help break it in. It’s impressive. Now I need to add a server to it or hook up my computer.
I’m running it in to put some time on it to help break it in. It’s impressive. Now I need to add a server to it or hook up my computer.
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- #5
Thank you Ken. Retail is $23K
As I get more playing time on it, I’m really enjoying it more and more.
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I’ve always felt that Esoteric’s one box solutions are their sweet spot (I’ve owned 3 of them). The quality of their transports combined with the latest DAC technology is a winning formula.
Ken
Congratulations! Pretty sure it’s a keeper for you.
I posted on another thread in here, recently got the N-01XD. Similar with K-01XD, but no transport, network bridge (streamer) built in instead. Slightly cheaper than K-01XD at $20K.
Same current DAC as you, MSB Discrete with dual power supplies.
The Esoteric blows the Discrete out of the water. It’s not even close. Everything MSB Discrete does, the N-01XD does it better. Then some. I am struggling to find anything the MSB does better than this N-01XD.
I posted on another thread in here, recently got the N-01XD. Similar with K-01XD, but no transport, network bridge (streamer) built in instead. Slightly cheaper than K-01XD at $20K.
Same current DAC as you, MSB Discrete with dual power supplies.
The Esoteric blows the Discrete out of the water. It’s not even close. Everything MSB Discrete does, the N-01XD does it better. Then some. I am struggling to find anything the MSB does better than this N-01XD.
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It’s my brother’s player and he’s “letting” me borrow/break it in for him. I’m seriously thinking about it now but I have plenty of time to listen.
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This is not typical Esoteric sound. I was not a fan of early players. Times sure have changed.
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Mike and I were talking about the N-01XD too. I’m considering that too. I do love the ability to pop in a cd/sacd but I’m not sure long term how many times I’ll be swapping discs.
The K-01XD is extremely impressive. Once the excitement settles down, I can be more objective. So far I’m extremely happy.
The K-01XD is extremely impressive. Once the excitement settles down, I can be more objective. So far I’m extremely happy.
Your brother said I can borrow it after you've broken it in :lol:
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The K-01XD has a big sound. It seems to just fill the room with music. Details galore without any aggressiveness. My Avantgarde disappear like never before. The music is right there in front of me but not forward at all. I’m actually amazed at the presentation - it’s intimate yet bold (in a good way) and meaty. I’m looking forward to hearing the difference after a few more days. I’ve been playing with some of the options and have a full on grin. I really enjoyed the Discrete but this is way better. I know there’s a price difference that’s closer to the Premier (?) but the K-01XD is the finest piece I’ve ever heard.
I’d love to add the clock at some point for reference, but that’s for another day.
I never expected to love an Esoteric player but here I am. I’ve been told that the K-03XD is close in sound. Could I “settle” with that at this point?, I don’t know but from what I hear now, I don’t think I want to.
I’d love to add the clock at some point for reference, but that’s for another day.
I never expected to love an Esoteric player but here I am. I’ve been told that the K-03XD is close in sound. Could I “settle” with that at this point?, I don’t know but from what I hear now, I don’t think I want to.
Exactly my thoughts on these items on my N-01XD. Huge sound! Never experienced this before. Very "tall" and "wide". Bold, and big! Great tonal balance (timbre?), and excellent decay. And yes, "meaty" is right!
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- #18
I just told Mike and Jock that I really didn’t want to like it - I told them I love it.
I have time to decide what to get but this and the N-01XD are tops on my list.
You may also consider a K-01XD with a Lumin U1 MINI (I thought you had one but I may be mistaken). When connected via USB, you get all the network functionality of N-01XD (except DSD512) plus Leedh Processing Volume.
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Hi Peter,
I did have the U1 mini but sold it thinking that the next digital source would have all that built in. Now I wish I still had it. I might have to replace it. Lumin has always been rock solid for me.
I jump and think later sometimes. I was pretty much settled on the MSB Discrete but thank goodness this opportunity came my way. Digital music is so personal and hearing other offerings has made me realize that there’s no best but only what appeals to your heart.