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  1. #1
    Audioshark
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    New Esoteric K-01x Review

    http://positive-feedback.com/reviews...acd-cd-player/


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    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."

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  2. #2
    Senior Member
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    Re: New Esoteric K-01x Review

    Mike.......Thanks for the link. Lately I have been giving thought to upgrading from my Estoeric K-03 to the K-01X. I haven't made any moves yet but it has captured my attention. I have to admit though, the new Aurender N10 and the Esoteric K-03 are providing exceptional performance.
    Dan

    STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital coax,
    Sonos Connect, Stillpoints Ultra SS & Ultra Mini, PurePower 2000, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario

    LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205 Signal Sleuth, Sonos Connect, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable,
    Sony DAT 60ES, Nakamichi BX-300, Micro Seiki DD40 w/m505A tonearm, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Stillpoints Ultra Mini, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113

    VINTAGE - McIntosh 4300V, McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, JBL 4312A

  3. #3

    Re: New Esoteric K-01x Review

    What's the difference between the Grandioso K1 and the K-01x?
    I haven't done anything with digital in quite a while but I'm intrigued by the Esoteric single box offering.

  4. #4
    Senior Member
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    Re: New Esoteric K-01x Review

    Quote Originally Posted by Frank750 View Post
    What's the difference between the Grandioso K1 and the K-01X?
    I haven't done anything with digital in quite a while but I'm intrigued by the Esoteric single box offering.
    The Grandioso K1 uses AKM's newest DAC chip, the AK4497 EQ, while the K-01X uses the AK4495 SEQ chip. Both components use 35-bit processing. The D-02X DAC uses the AK4490 EQ chip, 36-bit processing via 16 DACs per channel vs. 8 DACs per channel in the Grandioso K1 and the K-01X.

    http://www.akm.com/akm/en/product/detail/0054/

    I own the K-01X and it is a really fine unit. Significantly better than the K-01, which I also owned, in my opinion.

    Best,
    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  5. #5

    Re: New Esoteric K-01x Review

    Quote Originally Posted by Alpinist View Post
    The Grandioso K1 uses AKM's newest DAC chip, the AK4497 EQ, while the K-01X uses the AK4495 SEQ chip. Both components use 35-bit processing. The D-02X DAC uses the AK4490 EQ chip, 36-bit processing via 16 DACs per channel vs. 8 DACs per channel in the Grandioso K1 and the K-01X.

    http://www.akm.com/akm/en/product/detail/0054/

    I own the K-01X and it is a really fine unit. Significantly better than the K-01, which I also owned, in my opinion.

    Best,
    Ken
    Thanks Ken.

    Any idea how pricing compares?

  6. #6
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Singapore
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    1,028

    Re: New Esoteric K-01x Review

    Has anyone compared the sound quality between K-01X and the brand new Grandioso K1?
    Borresen Acoustics Loudspeakers, Borresen Model 01 Compact monitor loudspeakers with Ansuz Darkz T2s Supreme resonance control, Audio Video Manufaktur GmbH (AVM) Inspiration amplifier & streamer, Innuos Zen MKII music server, Ansuz Acoustics cables & accessories. Please visit my system thread hosted on Audioshark for more details. Disclosure: The author is materially connected to Ansuz, Aavik & Borresen Acoustics via friendship with an owner.

  7. #7
    Senior Member
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    Re: New Esoteric K-01x Review

    Quote Originally Posted by Frank750 View Post
    Thanks Ken.

    Any idea how pricing compares?
    Hi Frank,

    Approximate U.S. MSRP:
    K-01X = $20K
    D-02X = $20K
    K-1 Grandioso = $30K

    The D-02X DAC may be the sweet spot of price and performance.

    Best,
    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

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New Esoteric K-01x Review

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