Impressive first listen - Esoteric K01XD

**joeinid** · October 12, 2020, 03:48 PM

Unboxed it and set it up a little while ago. Holy cow! It’s pretty amazing. Already full and meaty.

Details like crazy but not aggressive or harsh. Yes, definitely needs some break in but already I think it’ll be better than MSB Discrete.

**dznutz** · October 12, 2020, 06:21 PM

Are you using it as CD player or a DAC?

**joeinid** · October 12, 2020, 06:54 PM

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.

**Alpinist** · October 12, 2020, 07:04 PM

Congrats Joe! Glad to hear it’s a winner. Do you know the MSRP?

Ken

**joeinid** · October 12, 2020, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

Congrats Joe! Glad to hear it’s a winner. Do you know the MSRP?

Ken

Thank you Ken. Retail is $23K

As I get more playing time on it, I’m really enjoying it more and more.

**Alpinist** · October 12, 2020, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Thank you Ken. Retail is $23K

As I get more playing time on it, I’m really enjoying it more and more.

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

**tino27** · October 12, 2020, 07:49 PM

Congratulations, it looks like an amazing machine!

**brodricj** · October 12, 2020, 07:58 PM

You don't own it yet, right, it's on loan from a dealer?

**Ritmo** · October 12, 2020, 08:32 PM

My guess is that the K and the N have the same implementation of digital to analog architecture. The N is outstanding so I would expect the K to be fantastic as well.

**thyname** · October 12, 2020, 08:41 PM

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.

**joeinid** · October 12, 2020, 09:05 PM

Originally Posted by brodricj

You don't own it yet, right, it's on loan from a dealer?

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.

**joeinid** · October 12, 2020, 09:07 PM

Originally Posted by tino27

Congratulations, it looks like an amazing machine!

This is not typical Esoteric sound. I was not a fan of early players. Times sure have changed.

**joeinid** · October 12, 2020, 09:11 PM

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.

Originally Posted by thyname

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.

**brodricj** · October 13, 2020, 01:03 AM

Originally Posted by joeinid

It’s my brother’s player and he’s “letting” me borrow/break it in for him....

Your brother said I can borrow it after you've broken it in

**joeinid** · October 13, 2020, 01:06 AM

Hahahaha

**joeinid** · October 13, 2020, 10:26 AM

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.

**thyname** · October 13, 2020, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by joeinid

The K-01XD has a big sound .... The music is right there in front of me but not forward at all.... it’s intimate yet bold (in a good way) and meaty.

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!

**joeinid** · October 13, 2020, 11:10 AM

Originally Posted by thyname

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!

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.

**wklie** · October 13, 2020, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

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.

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.

**joeinid** · October 13, 2020, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by wklie

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.

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.

**Barry** · October 13, 2020, 02:51 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

I really didnÂ’t want to like it - I told them I love it.

Oh great. I don't want to like it either. Next thing you know I'll be on the plane to Sarasota.

Glad you're enjoying it, and thanks for the thoughtful review. How many hours do you have on it so far?

**Ritmo** · October 13, 2020, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

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.

Told you!

**joeinid** · October 13, 2020, 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by Ritmo

Told you!

Ha! Indeed you did. I’m in awe. Can’t wait until the next few days to a week to see what changes. If it gets better from here, holy cow.

**joeinid** · October 13, 2020, 04:50 PM

Originally Posted by Barry

Oh great. I don't want to like it either. Next thing you know I'll be on the plane to Sarasota.

Glad you're enjoying it, and thanks for the thoughtful review. How many hours do you have on it so far?

LoL, it’s not your father’s esoteric.

I’m thinking about 30 hours by now. I won’t be home until later tonight. Work intrudes on our musical exploits, unfortunately. I left music streaming into it.

**Ritmo** · October 13, 2020, 04:54 PM

I’ve been listening to it for 4 days. It doesn’t disappoint. It’s gotten a little better but it was so good out of the box.

**Spock** · October 13, 2020, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

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.

Wonderful to have a brother that take all the risks

and let you play with the new toy right out of the box!

Now you can do an easy and comfortable purchase.
Go for it!

**joeinid** · October 13, 2020, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by Ritmo

I’ve been listening to it for 4 days. It doesn’t disappoint. It’s gotten a little better but it was so good out of the box.

Excellent!

**joeinid** · October 13, 2020, 05:10 PM

Originally Posted by Spock

Wonderful to have a brother that take all the risks

and let you play with the new toy right out of the box!

Now you can do an easy and comfortable purchase.
Go for it!

He surprised the heck out of me. He's not usually like this, but he's been swamped with work and has already gotten some of my awesome hand me ups (he's older) that I think he realizes how good I am to him. Payback can be awesome

I am grateful.

One more thing. The K-01XD is built like a freaking tank. I love that.

**Scotty** · October 13, 2020, 06:56 PM

Would love to hear Mike's opinion on the K-01XD Esoteric vs the T+A PDP 3000HV - I think they are comparably priced.

**joeinid** · October 13, 2020, 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by Scotty

Would love to hear Mike's opinion on the K-01XD Esoteric vs the T+A PDP 3000HV - I think they are comparably priced.

That would be interesting but maybe the fact that the esoteric is 'newer" might mean it's better.

**Mike** · October 13, 2020, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by Scotty

Would love to hear Mike's opinion on the K-01XD Esoteric vs the T+A PDP 3000HV - I think they are comparably priced.

Sadly, the 3000 is discontinued. It was phenomenal.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

**wklie** · October 13, 2020, 10:36 PM

Originally Posted by wklie

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.

Two more things:

- Since Esoteric marketing material has always emphasized electrical current transmission, I have a suspicion that Esoteric player would work particularly well in a direct-to-amp setup when used together with the Lumin Leedh Processing Volume.

- It takes time for the N-01XD to become Roon Ready. With the suggested combo above, you don't need to wait for Roon Ready.

**Kingsrule** · October 14, 2020, 10:30 AM

FYI....MSB just posted a bunch of firmware updates....maybe their sonics will be affected??

**Alpinist** · October 14, 2020, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by Kingsrule

FYI....MSB just posted a bunch of firmware updates....maybe their sonics will be affected??

Seems that it may impact the USB Digital Input Modules.

Ken

**Mike** · October 14, 2020, 10:58 AM

Deleted

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

**Penthouse-D** · October 14, 2020, 12:07 PM

I’ve owned and liked a few Esoteric products. Following Scotty, maybe a comparison of the K01XD to the T+A MP3100HV.... Similarly priced....

**thyname** · October 14, 2020, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by Penthouse-D

I’ve owned and liked a few Esoteric products. Following Scotty, maybe a comparison of the K01XD to the T+A MP3100HV.... Similarly priced....

And... the T+A MP 3100 HV has a streamer built in, I was told based on Raspberry Pi platform, whereas K-01XD does not. I looked hard at the T+A before I purchased my N-01XD

**audio.bill** · December 28, 2020, 01:06 PM

Awarded from High Fidelity monthly online magazine (Poland)

STATEMENT AWARD - these are prizes awarded to "best of the best" products.

| SUPER AUDIO CD Player

ESOTERIC ⸜ K-01XD

The sound of the Esoteric K-01XD player is exceptionally refined. It offers everything that we expect from a top sound source, whether analog or digital one. It is both warm and precise, and such a combination is extremely rare. It’s performance is very high end turntable-like. This is literally one of the best, that is: the best sounding and best-built digital players I have heard in my life.

REVIEW: № 200 | January 2021

**Solecky** · January 4, 2021, 09:33 PM

Any more updates? I ordered one and want to know if it broke in further and how long it takes

**joeinid** · January 4, 2021, 09:44 PM

Congratulations!!!

I really haven’t kept track of hours but I think I’m there. The K01xd sounds fabulous. Unbelievably great with a CD, superb with everything else.

**Solecky** · January 5, 2021, 09:47 AM

Thx joeinid!

**fathead** · January 14, 2021, 01:05 AM

Built like a tank , very nice

**jlchen** · November 11, 2021, 03:43 AM

I am also a very happy owner of K01XD. I bought mine about 1 month ago, excellent sound for both as CD/SACD player and DAC. I am using K01XD with an external clock from Cybershaft, very noticable improvement over the internal clock.

**brodricj** · November 11, 2021, 05:02 AM

What OP Cybershaft? And what clock cable?

**jlchen** · November 16, 2021, 12:41 AM

Originally Posted by brodricj

What OP Cybershaft? And what clock cable?

Cybershaft OP17 with Kimber KS2020 BNC cable.

**brodricj** · November 16, 2021, 09:28 AM

I would have thought the Grandioso Custom VCXO II clock in K-01XD would be a higher specification than Cybershaft OP17.

**jlchen** · November 17, 2021, 05:04 AM

Grandioso clock likely is better. However, I had the opportunity to acquire the Cybershaft OP17 from a friend at an attractive price.

**brodricj** · November 17, 2021, 06:00 AM

You would need an OP19 or OP20 to match the performance of the clock in K-01XD. And at that performance level you really need to be using one of the Shunyata clock cables or you're just introducing a weak point into the timing signal path. I think if you're going to clock these Esoteric XD devices you really need OP21 or Grandioso G1X level otherwise you're just wasting your time and money.

**jlchen** · November 17, 2021, 10:10 PM

We have used OP16 and get good results. After all, you have to believe to your ears to make the judgements.

**felipe91** · December 2, 2023, 06:15 AM

Hello,

Are you still satisfied by your K01XD?

Maybe i'm going to replace my SACD player luxman D08u by a new one...

is K01-XD still one of the best? full bodied, dynamic, detailled, with a large and deep soundstage...etc

As good as Playback design mps6, luxman D10X, Metronome technologies ...etc?

what is the duration of the break-in of K01XD?

Thank you

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