Esoteric announces new models N-05XE and S-05XE

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brodricj

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Network Engine G4, Master Sound Discrete DAC G2 and Master Sound Discrete Clock for Digital Player have all gone in to the new N-05XE. ESLINK analog input has also been added as a new feature.

S-05XE gets a few power supply upgrades and a new dual honeycomb grille which looks really cool.

Esoteric will not be offering VUK upgrade option for existing owners because the changes are so extensive.

 
schmidtmike76 said:
Not happy since I bought my XD 6 months ago. Are sure there is no upgrade path.
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I have the N05xd just curious what issue you are having? You mentioned you've had it 6 months have you used it a lot? The unit requires a tremendous amount of break-in, I forgot how many hours I put on mine before I was happy, I almost sent it back. I knew I only had so much time to audition so I played mine 24 hours a day. I believe I did that for maybe a week. Have you played with the filters?

What other units are in your system? The N05xd is, neutral.
 
Esoteric are known for continuous development. Any new model you buy should be expected to be replaced within ~5 years if not sooner. Doesn’t mean that model suddenly sounds bad. Just means it’s used value drops a bit…. Goes with the territory. It’s worth watching how old any model is before you purchase.
 
crwilli said:
Esoteric are known for continuous development. Any new model you buy should be expected to be replaced within ~5 years if not sooner. Doesn’t mean that model suddenly sounds bad. Just means it’s used value drops a bit…. Goes with the territory. It’s worth watching how old any model is before you purchase.
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Seems like it hasn't been that long since I bought my xd. I'm not looking to upgrade just because a new one is here. I bought mine not long after it came out. The thread about it still gets a hit now and then, LOL Definitely seems like a quick switch.
 
Mr Peabody said:
Seems like it hasn't been that long since I bought my xd. I'm not looking to upgrade just because a new one is here. I bought mine not long after it came out. The thread about it still gets a hit now and then, LOL Definitely seems like a quick switch.
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You reminded of something I should have also pointed out. Esoteric has generally provided upgrade paths - that’s commendable.
 
brodricj said:
My read on his post is he's not happy about buying (recently) when he did as new model has just been announced. The XE is a major upgrade on the XD.
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My friend I don't know who you are but you defiantly have a lock on this product line. You are also 100% correct I'm upset buying this 6 months ago with a new product was just dropped. Yes the XD is a stellar unit, however this took a long time to save for and I would have waited for the new drop knowing it was coming. For me personally this was a major purchase and I do feel defeated. But looking at how long this unit has been out that's on me also no denying that.
 
brodricj said:
$13K MSRP.
AU$17K RRP in Australia.
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Much less of an increase than I expected based on the upgrade in tech. Unfortunately, the xd version is not holding up well on the used market, just about half retail. That's pretty much average but I thought Esoteric might have held up there better. That's just in the U.S.
 
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