Welcome to the AudioShark Forums.
Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: K-03xd vs K-01x

  1. #1
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2020
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    18

    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.

  2. #2
    Audioshark
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    30,044

    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 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.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    3,837

    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

  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    North Carolina
    Posts
    808

    Re: K-03xd vs K-01x

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    Yes. The Master Discrete DAC in the K-03XD clobbers the old X. XD is so much more natural, bigger sounding and 3D.
    Similar experience here going from a K-03X to a K-01XD.

  5. #5
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2020
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    18

    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...

  6. #6
    Audioshark
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    30,044

    Re: K-03xd vs K-01x

    Quote Originally Posted by adol290 View Post
    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...
    Totally agreed. It even beats the older K1 IMO. The new Esoteric Master Discrete is the real deal.


    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.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  7. #7
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2020
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    18

    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.

  8. #8
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    1,747

    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

  9. #9
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    1,747

    Re: K-03xd vs K-01x

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    The new Esoteric Master Discrete is the real deal.
    Oh yeah baby, I'm salivating more and more each day, counting down the days.
    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

AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.

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

K-03xd vs K-01x

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •