Welcome to the AudioShark Forums.
Results 1 to 9 of 9
  1. #1
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    St. Louis, MO, USA
    Posts
    3,054

    Looking for Esoteric advise/info

    I don't see Esoteric just offering a DAC without some other features, ie. streaming, preamp. First of all is this correct?

    If the above is correct which would have the better sounding DAC between the N01 and K03. I could buy a N01 and ignore the network features or a K03 where I could actually use the benefit of the transport, especially for the hand full of SACD's I have.

    Or keep looking.
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
    Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
    Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
    Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables

    HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
    SVS PC13 Ultra
    Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
    Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
    Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer

  2. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    St. Louis, MO, USA
    Posts
    3,054

    Re: Looking for Esoteric advise/info

    I said N01 but that looks to be a wrong model#, the network DAC I heard about was about $11k. I should have done my research before posting.
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
    Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
    Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
    Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables

    HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
    SVS PC13 Ultra
    Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
    Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
    Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer

  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    1,747

    Re: Looking for Esoteric advise/info

    That would be the N05-XD. N-01 is long discontinued, and it's replacement N-01XD is about $24K.

    N-01 has a better DAC in it that K03.
    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

  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Location
    Greenville SC
    Posts
    701

    Re: Looking for Esoteric advise/info

    The DACs in the XD units are much better still!

    Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk
    Legacy Audio Valor+Wavelet v2, Esoteric S-02 Amps HDPlex 300W, RevAudio Labs DC Umbilical, Esoteric Grandioso P1, P1PSU & dual D1 DACs, Cybershaft Prem Ltd OP21A 10 MHz Clock, Esoteric C-02X, Shunyata Everest 8000 & Altaira SG-NR hubs, Sigma SGC/CGC ground cables, VTX-Ag ground tails, AfterBurner8 duplexes, CSP Inc Q4B, S2B IEC plates, Shunyata Omega CLOCK-50 cables, Tubulus Concentus HDMI, Elrod Master Series Diamond SE & Masters Series Gold Power cords and Statement Gold XLRs, Diamond XLRs & Master Series Diamond XLRs, Shunyata OMEGA QR-s power cable, Anaconda Z-tron XLR, Elrod Statement Gold speaker cables, Adona Zero GX3, GX2, GX racks, Composite Audio CF-2010, Townshend Audio Podiums, HRS DPX Damping Plates, Stillpoints Ultra SS w/Ultra Bases, pArtScience 64-well, 2D QRD 3-inch SpaceArray Diffusors

    Travel/Rip: Apple MacBook Pro 16” 2023 M2 Max, 12-core CPU, 38-core GPU, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD for Audirvana+ v3, iTunes, REW Audio Analyzer, dbPowerAmp, DVD Audio Extractor

  5. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Location
    Hong Kong
    Posts
    3,076

    Re: Looking for Esoteric advise/info

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    I don't see Esoteric just offering a DAC without some other features, ie. streaming, preamp. First of all is this correct?

    If the above is correct which would have the better sounding DAC between the N01 and K03. I could buy a N01 and ignore the network features or a K03 where I could actually use the benefit of the transport, especially for the hand full of SACD's I have.

    Or keep looking.
    There is a standalone DAC, at a different price point.

    When you say K-03, from oldest to newest, there are: K-03, K-03X, K-03Xs, K-03XD.

    If you're buying a new unit, you don't want to get an old model. If you're buying a used unit, be careful which generation you're getting. Avoid the oldest K-03 without X - which is not compatible with Esoteric N-03T or Lumin streaming products. There is a significant probability its USB won't be fully compatible with your Aurender.

    If you're using it as a transport (digital output to an external DAC), beware that this normally don't work on SACD discs natively (unless there is a matching DAC from the same brand with the correct type of proprietary SACD-supported link).

    For Esoteric streamers, check out N-01XD and N-05XD. N-01 was old.
    Peter Lie
    LUMIN Firmware Lead

  6. #6
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    St. Louis, MO, USA
    Posts
    3,054

    Re: Looking for Esoteric advise/info

    Looks like I was looking at n05XD & K03XD

    Thanks for the replies.
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
    Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
    Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
    Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables

    HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
    SVS PC13 Ultra
    Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
    Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
    Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer

  7. #7
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    1,747

    Re: Looking for Esoteric advise/info

    In today's streaming ecosystem, from both performance and convenience standpoints, disc transports are becoming redundant. N-05XD would be my choice. Don't underestimate how good 320 kbps can sound with the right hardware.
    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

  8. #8
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Location
    Greenville SC
    Posts
    701

    Re: Looking for Esoteric advise/info

    Transports and players are only redundant for people who choose to solely inhabit the streaming ecosystem.

    Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk
    Legacy Audio Valor+Wavelet v2, Esoteric S-02 Amps HDPlex 300W, RevAudio Labs DC Umbilical, Esoteric Grandioso P1, P1PSU & dual D1 DACs, Cybershaft Prem Ltd OP21A 10 MHz Clock, Esoteric C-02X, Shunyata Everest 8000 & Altaira SG-NR hubs, Sigma SGC/CGC ground cables, VTX-Ag ground tails, AfterBurner8 duplexes, CSP Inc Q4B, S2B IEC plates, Shunyata Omega CLOCK-50 cables, Tubulus Concentus HDMI, Elrod Master Series Diamond SE & Masters Series Gold Power cords and Statement Gold XLRs, Diamond XLRs & Master Series Diamond XLRs, Shunyata OMEGA QR-s power cable, Anaconda Z-tron XLR, Elrod Statement Gold speaker cables, Adona Zero GX3, GX2, GX racks, Composite Audio CF-2010, Townshend Audio Podiums, HRS DPX Damping Plates, Stillpoints Ultra SS w/Ultra Bases, pArtScience 64-well, 2D QRD 3-inch SpaceArray Diffusors

    Travel/Rip: Apple MacBook Pro 16” 2023 M2 Max, 12-core CPU, 38-core GPU, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD for Audirvana+ v3, iTunes, REW Audio Analyzer, dbPowerAmp, DVD Audio Extractor

  9. #9
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    St. Louis, MO, USA
    Posts
    3,054

    Re: Looking for Esoteric advise/info

    I have all my CD's ripped to my Aurender. So I really don't need the network or tray transport. I have a transport if needed but it don't play SACD, which I have a hand full of. What I really need is a straight forward DAC.
    Quote Originally Posted by brodricj View Post
    In today's streaming ecosystem, from both performance and convenience standpoints, disc transports are becoming redundant. N-05XD would be my choice. Don't underestimate how good 320 kbps can sound with the right hardware.
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
    Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
    Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
    Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables

    HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
    SVS PC13 Ultra
    Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
    Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
    Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer

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

Looking for Esoteric advise/info

Posting Permissions

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