Esoteric Grandioso K1 Unboxing

Mike said:
Awesome!!
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Mike - you’re a hell of a dealer. Even though I didn’t purchase the unit from you, you’ve been nothing but supportive and happy for me regarding my acquisition.

I did not get that reception elsewhere in the blog community.

I’m happy to be a member of Audio shark and would encourage more people to become active here.


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Phishphan said:
Mike - you’re a hell of a dealer. Even though I didn’t purchase the unit from you, you’ve been nothing but supportive and happy for me regarding my acquisition.

I did not get that reception elsewhere in the blog community.

I’m happy to be a member of Audio shark and would encourage more people to become active here.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Of course I'm happy for you! Remember, I'm always a crazy, nutty audiophile first.

As for being a dealer, I learned early on that it's a marathon, not a sprint. One day, there maybe a brand or product I sell that you're interested in. If I'm lucky enough, we will do business. If not, then I will remain blessed with so many amazing customers already. Let me tell you, this is a very special industry. As you may or may not know, I also own several IT software implementation companies and have for the past 25 years. Still to this day, we implement SAP and ORACLE on the ERP side, a variety of Big Data/BI software, I have a special team that manages biotech/pharma software implementations like LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems), CTMS (Clinical Trial Management Systems), FDA Regulatory Systems and more. Lastly, I also own a staffing company that focuses on everything from light industrial work, administration, etc. I have a full staff here in the U.S. and an office and an entire development team in Noida India.

Why did I become an audio dealer? To turn a large fortune into a small one! :) All kidding aside, losing both my parents was a wake up call for me. I didn't want to do what I don't love anymore. The IT world isn't fun anymore. In most big companies, Procurement/Purchasing groups call the shots. Lowest price wins, regardless of approach, methodology, depth of team, etc. It isn't about building relationships anymore, it's now a situation of "here is your username and password to our RFP portal, now F off, just give us the lowest price and don't call us." So after losing my parents in the previous year, three years ago, I started Suncoast Audio.

Why am I telling you all this? Perspective. You know, I have met hundreds of people in the IT world. I have been invited and participated in corporate golf events for companies with over $35 billion in revenue. I have managed software implementation teams of 20+ people. I have taken numerous Fortune 500 executives for dinner. I have worked on Government military IT projects for 20 years (yes, 20 years). And do you know what? In the three years I've been a dealer I have made more friends, met some incredibly talented people and have a renewed appreciation for a relationship business. I have had many Suncoast Audio clients so pleased with me, they have given me gifts, bottles of wine, gift baskets and albums from Acoustic Sounds will just show up at my house. I'm flattered. Completely flattered. You know, when hurricane Irma hit, I had such an outpouring of concern from the audio Manufacturers, Distributors and clients, that I was overwhelmed. It took me almost two weeks to return all the calls and emails. NOT ONE PERSON from my 25 years in the IT world bothered to even drop me an email. Trust me, these things don't go unnoticed. To a buyer at a $35 billion company, I'm just a number. To my Suncoast Audio customers, I'm someone. It may sound corny, but it's true.

Last but not least, I'm very happy that you are a member here too and I'm very excited to hear how you like your new Esoteric Grandioso K1. Congrats again.
 
Mike,

That was a wonderful post! It is clear that Audio Shark and Suncoast Audio are so much more than a business for you, they are a labor of love.

Thank you for your friendship, advice, all you do here and for making AudioShark the most fun place to be on the internet and Suncoast Audio the best place to shop!

Wishing you continued success!
Ken
 
Mike said:
Of course I'm happy for you! Remember, I'm always a crazy, nutty audiophile first.

As for being a dealer, I learned early on that it's a marathon, not a sprint. One day, there maybe a brand or product I sell that you're interested in. If I'm lucky enough, we will do business. If not, then I will remain blessed with so many amazing customers already. Let me tell you, this is a very special industry. As you may or may not know, I also own several IT software implementation companies and have for the past 25 years. Still to this day, we implement SAP and ORACLE on the ERP side, a variety of Big Data/BI software, I have a special team that manages biotech/pharma software implementations like LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems), CTMS (Clinical Trial Management Systems), FDA Regulatory Systems and more. Lastly, I also own a staffing company that focuses on everything from light industrial work, administration, etc. I have a full staff here in the U.S. and an office and an entire development team in Noida India.

Why did I become an audio dealer? To turn a large fortune into a small one! :) All kidding aside, losing both my parents was a wake up call for me. I didn't want to do what I don't love anymore. The IT world isn't fun anymore. In most big companies, Procurement/Purchasing groups call the shots. Lowest price wins, regardless of approach, methodology, depth of team, etc. It isn't about building relationships anymore, it's now a situation of "here is your username and password to our RFP portal, now F off, just give us the lowest price and don't call us." So after losing my parents in the previous year, three years ago, I started Suncoast Audio.

Why am I telling you all this? Perspective. You know, I have met hundreds of people in the IT world. I have been invited and participated in corporate golf events for companies with over $35 billion in revenue. I have managed software implementation teams of 20+ people. I have taken numerous Fortune 500 executives for dinner. I have worked on Government military IT projects for 20 years (yes, 20 years). And do you know what? In the three years I've been a dealer I have made more friends, met some incredibly talented people and have a renewed appreciation for a relationship business. I have had many Suncoast Audio clients so pleased with me, they have given me gifts, bottles of wine, gift baskets and albums from Acoustic Sounds will just show up at my house. I'm flattered. Completely flattered. You know, when hurricane Irma hit, I had such an outpouring of concern from the audio Manufacturers, Distributors and clients, that I was overwhelmed. It took me almost two weeks to return all the calls and emails. NOT ONE PERSON from my 25 years in the IT world bothered to even drop me an email. Trust me, these things don't go unnoticed. To a buyer at a $35 billion company, I'm just a number. To my Suncoast Audio customers, I'm someone. It may sound corny, but it's true.

Last but not least, I'm very happy that you are a member here too and I'm very excited to hear how you like your new Esoteric Grandioso K1. Congrats again.
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+1, great post!

I was also in IT in a "previous life", although not in such high places :) But if it really came down to what you describe, it's indeed a sad state of affairs. The relationship sales game (of which I was part of) didn't always result in the best solution winning, but at least odds of that happening were greater than the "may the lowest bid wins" scenario you're describing... Nothing good can come out of that, for none of the parties involved...
 
Well said Mike. I think of life as a book with many chapters. It's up to each of us to decide when it's time to finish a chapter and start another. It's not easy and it takes a lot of courage. I'm glad for you and I know it hasn't been easy my friend.
 
Ritmo said:
Well said Mike. I think of life as a book with many chapters. It's up to each of us to decide when it's time to finish a chapter and start another. It's not easy and it takes a lot of courage. I'm glad for you and I know it hasn't been easy my friend.
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Thats another part of the industry. Guys think the dealers have an absolutely easy time & just carry on like a money exchange. I know many guys in the industry in Oz & everything is anything but plain sailing for them. They have to be nice to the guys that forget to take their meds too :D
 
Just checked my tracker. It’s in MN, so I’m hoping I take delivery a day early. I’m super excited.


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Phishphan said:
Just checked my tracker. It’s in MN, so I’m hoping I take delivery a day early. I’m super excited.


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I remember the anticipation all too well! Very excited for you. It's heavy as heck, built like a tank and sounds great out of the box and just gets better and better and ....

It's really gorgeous. People come into the store and point at it and say, "that's a beautiful piece, what is it?"
 
Mike said:
I remember the anticipation all too well! Very excited for you. It's heavy as heck, built like a tank and sounds great out of the box and just gets better and better and ....

It's really gorgeous. People come into the store and point at it and say, "that's a beautiful piece, what is it?"
Click to expand...

I have time to get it installed tomorrow if it comes. If not it won’t be until the weekend. If I get it hooked up, I’ll put together a playlist on the N10 and just keep it playing all week.


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Phishphan said:
I have time to get it installed tomorrow if it comes. If not it won’t be until the weekend. If I get it hooked up, I’ll put together a playlist on the N10 and just keep it playing all week.
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Kyle.......You may as well take a few vacation days. Once you sit in the sweet spot you will be hard pressed to move. :yahoo1:
 
I think that’s Japanese for Badass

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I left the office a few hours early. She’s hooked up. I’ve completely run out of room and have my Aurender N10 sitting on a 28b3.. which will be moved shortly. My 9bsst2 is below the K1, which may need to be relocated.

This thing is no joke. It weighs as much as a Honda Civic and it’s built like a tank.

I hooked everything up and was getting no sound. Unplugged everything, hooked it back up.. nothing. Well I was so excited I forgot to turn my amps on [emoji849]

I spun a couple tracks off The Allman Brothers Eat A Peach SACD.

First impression is that it’s less forceful with the sound compared to the BDA3. Don’t get me wrong the BDA3 is a hell of a DAC, but out of the box this blows it out of the water.

The level of detail is just out of this world.

I just put on Norah Jones - Cold Cold Heart DSD. And there’s a slight little flick of the bass string I’ve never heard before and I’ve listened to this song 100 times.

The bass has more authority and bite. Roberta Flack - Killing Me Softly (24/96 FLAC) bass drum kicks hard.

The sound is SO unbelievably life like. The pianos the guitars.. holy crap this is the way everyone should hear music.

I have my SP3 7-8 notches higher at “normal” listening levels. Which is interesting, can’t explain that one.

While I know the sound stage will open up more, I’d say it’s taller sounding than the BDA3 already. I’m hearing voices... and this is the only place I can say that without being locked in a bit house.. I’m hearing voices from near the top of my TV, which has never been the case before.

My one complaint.. this remote does nothing. 28k for a CD player and I’m getting up to change modes? The only thing it appears to do is change tracks and I can adjust the dimmer.


Ok.. could ramble for another hour. Time to listen.



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24 hours of continuous play and it is sounding better and better. I have it set to XLR2 output and 8F digital filter. I like 8F and DSD the best so far.

I can’t believe how good this sounds. The sound is so nuanced it’s hard to put into words. It’s like an acid trip. It’s impossible to really explain, it just needs to be experienced.


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Phishphan said:
24 hours of continuous play and it is sounding better and better. I have it set to XLR2 output and 8F digital filter. I like 8F and DSD the best so far.

I can’t believe how good this sounds. The sound is so nuanced it’s hard to put into words. It’s like an acid trip. It’s impossible to really explain, it just needs to be experienced.


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It really is. You describe it well. And it keeps getting better and better and better.


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