Thread: K-03xd vs K-01x
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August 31, 2021, 08:41 PM #1
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K-03xd vs K-01x
I have previously owned a K-01x player.
My current budget would allow me to buy a K-03XD.
Does anyone have experience with both players, that can describe the sonic differences.
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August 31, 2021, 09:31 PM #2
Re: K-03xd vs K-01x
Yes. The Master Discrete DAC in the K-03XD clobbers the old X. XD is so much more natural, bigger sounding and 3D.
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."
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September 1, 2021, 07:16 AM #3
Re: K-03xd vs K-01x
I echo Mike’s comments. The XD DAC is exceptional.
_______________
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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September 1, 2021, 11:20 AM #4
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March 9, 2022, 01:13 PM #5
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Re: K-03xd vs K-01x
Just an update. I ended up getting the K-03XD.
I could not believe how much better this player is compared to my K-01x
Very happy...
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March 9, 2022, 01:30 PM #6
Re: K-03xd vs K-01x
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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August 27, 2022, 10:54 PM #7
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Re: K-03xd vs K-01x
I have owned the K-03XD for a year now, and i have the itch to upgrade to the K-01XD.
My dealer has offered to take my k-03xd in on trade, along with an extra 9K usd/plus taxes.
Don't have the chance to hear the K-01xd, so would like to know if anyone has head both and could give a good comparison.
One other thing i did notice that my K-03xd does not sound as good with my c-03x pre as my old K-01x did. The sound stage is a bit smaller and less clear. Voices sound a bit back. Almost a bit muddied. To test this i brought my C-03x over
to a friends and it did the same thing, to their system. I didn't notice this with the K-01x. Soundstage was huge and incredibly detailed but it had a sibilance to it, that i tried to tame. So i decided to borrow a Bryston Br-20 preamp from my dealer.
The soundstage opened up, the voices were more forward, and it was less muddied. It lacked the smoothness and micro detail that the c-03x gave. So i am also wondering if there is a better preamp choice for the k-03/01xd players.
On the esoteric side the only other option in the grandioso C1, which is way beyond what i could spend. All other esoteric preamps have been discontinued. No real options to test drive any preamps where i live.
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August 27, 2022, 11:18 PM #8
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Re: K-03xd vs K-01x
Grandioso C1 was discontinued recently. Maybe you'll find one on the used market as owners upgrade to C1X.
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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August 28, 2022, 12:49 AM #9
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Re: K-03xd vs K-01x
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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