BEST CD/DAC ? : Accuphase, VITUS, Esoteric, T+A, TAD ... ?

bmichels

bmichels

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Since I need a CD player AND a good DAC, I am considering the ESOTERIC K-01x but also the EMM LAB XDS-1, the VITUS SCD-025, the T+A PDP 3000HV, the TAD D-1000 and of course... the Accuphase DP-720 !


Does anyone know how they compare ( as CD player but ALSO as USB DAC) ? Do each have specific house sound ? Any other suggestion ?

thanks a lot
 
bmichels said:
Since I need a CD player AND a good DAC, I am considering the ESOTERIC K-01x but also the EMM LAB XDS-1, the VITUS SCD-025, the T+A PDP 3000HV, the TAD D-1000 and of course... the Accuphase DP-720 !


Does anyone know how they compare ( as CD player but ALSO as USB DAC) ? Do each have specific house sound ? Any other suggestion ?

thanks a lot
Click to expand...

I did a direct comparison of the Esoteric K-01 and EMM Labs DAC2X when I was in the market for a digital player. I preferred the K-01 by more than a small margin. The K-01 was more transparent and provided much more treble extension. The DAC2X had a very smooth sound but at the expense of some transparency. I felt it was designed to create a "vinyl-like" sonic signature. The upper treble seemed very rolled off. Some may prefer this sound but it was not my cup of tea.

Ken
 
Haven't heard the Accuphase or the Emm in my abode, but I've compared the Esoteric and the Vitus to my AMR CD-777. The AMR didnt' even break a sweat. At least, that was the outcome in my room/to my ears.
 
bmichels said:
Thank you Mike, I think that I have understand by now that you recomand the T+A :snicker:
Click to expand...

I know, I know...it just doesn't get the recognition over here. Probably because there hasn't been many U.S. based reviews - yet. T+A has a new U.S. distributor and they are making some major efforts to get the products in the hands of TAS, Stereophile, etc.
 
I heard the T+A and the Accuphase 700dp. Two totally different sounds between the T+A and the Accuphase. First of all, T+A cd player was listened to in a only T+A component system and same with the Accuphase. To really compare i would need to A/B them in same system. Keeping this in mind i can only describe the sound between the two brands. T+A is very analytical, clean and perfect. I heard T+A with Wilsons. Like being on a spaceship in space. Accuphase is musical, warm and subtle. Reminds me sitting next to a fire on a cold night in the cabin. Again, i listened to the Accuphase system with the class A-70 and 3850. Two very different sounds. Would not rate one better than other. Depends what you are looking for.


Harris4crna. Accuphase A-70 class a amp and C-3850 preamp. Franco Serblin Ktema speakers. VPI Classic 1 TT with Simaudio 810LP phono stage and VPI SDS. Transparent Reference Speaker cable and IC. Quadraspire racks and much more.
 
Harris4crna said:
I heard the T+A and the Accuphase 700dp. Two totally different sounds between the T+A and the Accuphase. First of all, T+A cd player was listened to in a only T+A component system and same with the Accuphase. To really compare i would need to A/B them in same system. Keeping this in mind i can only describe the sound between the two brands. T+A is very analytical, clean and perfect. I heard T+A with Wilsons. Like being on a spaceship in space. Accuphase is musical, warm and subtle. Reminds me sitting next to a fire on a cold night in the cabin. Again, i listened to the Accuphase system with the class A-70 and 3850. Two very different sounds. Would not rate one better than other. Depends what you are looking for.


Harris4crna. Accuphase A-70 class a amp and C-3850 preamp. Franco Serblin Ktema speakers. VPI Classic 1 TT with Simaudio 810LP phono stage and VPI SDS. Transparent Reference Speaker cable and IC. Quadraspire racks and much more.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your comments. I believe I am more on the "next to a fire on a cold night in the cabin" side ;-)
 
I do not blame you, i agree.


Harris4crna. Accuphase A-70 class a amp and C-3850 preamp. Franco Serblin Ktema speakers. VPI Classic 1 TT with Simaudio 810LP phono stage and VPI SDS. Transparent Reference Speaker cable and IC. Quadraspire racks and much more.
 
Anatta - do you agree with the statement above?

I don't. The Accuphase is great gear, but I still think the T+A is right up there with the best of the best.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Anatta, unfortunately not. It would be great to compare both, but honestly i do not see the point. T+A is a totally different sound and make up than Accuphase. Really it is like comparing apples and oranges, dont agree Mike?


Harris4crna. Accuphase A-70 class a amp and C-3850 preamp. Franco Serblin Ktema speakers. VPI Classic 1 TT with Simaudio 810LP phono stage and VPI SDS. Transparent Reference Speaker cable and IC. Quadraspire racks and much more.
 
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