Esoteric Grandioso D1X SE DAC Review

[GSOphile]

This is easily the most comprehensive review of an audio component that I have ever read.

https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/dac/esoteric-d1x-se-dual-monoblock-dac-review/

Its in depth use of measurements stands out. (It would probably earn an A as a master's thesis.) To say that it presents the D1X SE (at a fraction the price of a select few SOTA competitive offerings) in a positive light would be an understatement.

 

[ggdudeabides]

at a fraction the price of a select few SOTA competitive offerings

Hi. Just curious. What is the MSRP of this dac? Fraction of the price compared to what excluding Wadax and Aris Cerat? Thanks in advance for the info. Best.

 

[brodricj]

Hi. Just curious. What is the MSRP of this dac? Fraction of the price compared to what excluding Wadax and Aris Cerat? Thanks in advance for the info. Best.

It says so in the last paragraph in the review. US$55,000.
In Australia AU$65,000 (incl tax).
So it's much cheaper in Australia than the US.

Wadax SP. Not for me. The Esoteric wins that face-off hands down.

 

[GSOphile]

Hi. Just curious. What is the MSRP of this dac? Fraction of the price compared to what excluding Wadax and Aris Cerat? Thanks in advance for the info. Best.

Current examples:
D1X SE $58,000
Aries Cerat Kassandra LE ~$100,000
DCS Varese Base $250,000
Lampizator Aphrodite $105,000
MSB Sentinel $375,000
WADAX Reference DAC $183,000

 

[Michaels HiFi]

Current examples:
D1X SE $58,000
Aries Cerat Kassandra LE ~$100,000
DCS Varese Base $250,000
MSB Sentinel $375,000
WADAX Reference DAC $183,000

The Aries Cerat Helene at ~$19K with an upgraded GZ34 to an F32 version for $200 is freaking killer against much more expensive gear.

I listened to more expensive gear first and chose the AC for my personal taste.