- Thread Author
- #1
Esoteric N-01
- Thread starter wklie
- Start date
jdandy
New member
From information in the Esoteric N-01 online brochure it appears to be a feature laden network streamer, but compared to other network streamers the network and streaming capabilities are quite similar. Where the N-01 breaks rank with other network streamers, making it shine like a stage center spotlight and worthy of its lofty price point, is the dual mono K1 DAC's, analog output stages, and Esoteric's extreme attention to isolated power supplies. As a network streamer and leading edge DAC combination the Esoteric N-01 is quite a remarkable audio component. Release date is early August, 2017 in Japan.
Phil A
Member
If you read further it will be substantially more than that. The USA pricing always comes in substantially higher than the straight conversion rate. They won't have a price for another six to nine months.
Best,
Ken
Phil A
Member
My Esoteric rep said about $17-20k
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jdandy
New member
- Thread Author
- #12
In the same way N-05 is K-05X with the SACD transport replaced by the network board, N-01 seems to be based on K1 with the SACD transport replaced by the network board, plus a DSD512 upgrade for the USB DAC. Yet N-01 is priced much lower than K1.
The N-01 should be a terrific component. Lower priced than the K1 because no high-end transport or Grandioso casing. I would expect MSRP to be towards the top end of Mike's range or approximately $20K, based on the D-02X MSRP.
Ken
- Thread Author
- #14
Since the Japan MSRP of D-02X is the same as that of N-01, I guess you'll be right. Between these two same-priced models (at least in Japan), personally I think N-01 is better due to the newer flagship AK4497 DAC chip, OpenHome network input, and USB DSD512.
justubes
Member
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2014
- Messages
- 76
As a streamer, it sure would be a very relevant product if it is a MQA hardware compatible, else it may seem we will have to wait for a N-01 upgrade with hardware MQA incorporated. Not another X version!
The lumin app will pass software MQA from tidal but guess it stops there, sadly!
- Thread Author
- #16
In the Japanese web site MQA is listed as a future upgrade, however I don't know when that will happen.
justubes
Member
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2014
- Messages
- 76
Yes, it is supposed to be MQA update, as for the N-05. Would'nt a hardware MQA require it certified before release.
It doesn't look possible without any change in the dac boards.
I remember it was the case for the Aurender A10 which had to be certified by MQA regarding circuit design and final release.
May be more involved complicated than a firmware update, sadly but i hop not.
It doesn't look possible without any change in the dac boards.
I remember it was the case for the Aurender A10 which had to be certified by MQA regarding circuit design and final release.
May be more involved complicated than a firmware update, sadly but i hop not.
Phishphan
Active member
I posted this on another board. But I spoke to the director of sales from esoteric and confirmed the 20k price tag. Will be debuting at RMAF.
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Exciting stuff! Looking forward to hearing it at RMAF.
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