Esoteric N-01XD

[wklie]

But isn’t the streaming module on N-01XD the same as on N-01, which is already Roon Ready certified?

The N-01 / N-05 network board supports up to DSD128 from network input. The N-01XD network board supports up to DSD512 from network input. They are very different.

Even if the network board were the same (they are not), Roon Labs have their own criteria to determine whether a new model needs to go through the certification process or not, based on other features.

 

[Mike]

Yup, we have to be patient.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[AJR]

What was before was still very good. The N-01 in my system sounds way better than the MSB Select II I heard in somebody else's system, but at a fraction of the price.

I love esoteric and it was a difficult choice for me between the N-01 and MSB (plus Innuos streamer). Would have been happy with either.

 

[AJR]

But although a lot more expensive, I found that the MSB Premier and Innuos to sound maybe 15% better.

 

[nicoludio]

But although a lot more expensive, I found that the MSB Premier and Innuos to sound maybe 15% better.

Would be interesting to hear if you might come to the same conclusion if compared to the N-01XD with its reportedly different house sound.

 

[Mike]

I’ve been using the Esoteric app (developed by the awesome folks at Lumin). So far, sounding incredible.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[VT Skier]

MSB vs EMM vs Esoteric would be an interesting comparison.

 

[Ritmo]

MSB vs EMM vs Esoteric would be an interesting comparison.

Indeed. However; like everything audio, I would be willing to bet that it would be system dependent. All three brands are top shelf.

 

[brodricj]

The big question for me is N-01XD "good enough". The holy grail for me in a DAC is D1X. But to go a pair of D1X and N-03T, or N-01XD? Big price difference between those two choices, but the performance difference is probably not much. That is the big unknown. Especially for streaming as the N-01XD has the latest network module. Mike will just have to order D1X and put it to the test!

 

[Mike]

The big question for me is N-01XD "good enough". The holy grail for me in a DAC is D1X. But to go a pair of D1X and N-03T, or N-01XD? Big price difference between those two choices, but the performance difference is probably not much. That is the big unknown. Especially for streaming as the N-01XD has the latest network module. Mike will just have to order D1X and put it to the test!

Ha! No....I’m sure it’s great though.

Listening to the Grandioso K1X tonight.

 

[brodricj]

I placed an inquiry with local Esoteric dealer two weeks ago on N-01XD. Never heard a word back from them. Mike is obviously a lot hotter on the reply button than that.

 

[Mike]

I placed an inquiry with local Esoteric dealer two weeks ago on N-01XD. Never heard a word back from them. Mike is obviously a lot hotter on the reply button than that.

 

[brodricj]

Argh, doesn't matter. You get used to it over here. That sort of thing is common. Regrettably. And dealers that give you a quote, place my order, pay my deposit, then the dealer jacks up the price, so I cancel my order and have to wait three months to get my deposit back. I'd like to be able to walk into a store like Mike's and immerse myself in options. Alas, not possible over here.

 

[Mike]

Argh, doesn't matter. You get used to it over here. That sort of thing is common. Regrettably. And dealers that give you a quote, place my order, pay my deposit, then the dealer jacks up the price, so I cancel my order and have to wait three months to get my deposit back. I'd like to be able to walk into a store like Mike's and immerse myself in options. Alas, not possible over here.

That must suck. Maybe Bodhi drove them all crazy? Yeah, customers here are awesome and they come and listen and I have quite the selection of adult beverages for all to enjoy. If it’s an existing customer like RITMO (and DGuitarNut, who’s hiding...I’ll find him), they can borrow whatever they want.

 

[brodricj]

Too bad you don't offer extra long-range borrowing.

 

[Mike]

Too bad you don't offer extra long-range borrowing.

That’s super long range! We need to bring in Space X for that one.

 

[GSOphile]

Mike, is there a demand for a transport that matches the N-01XD (say, a P-01XD)?

 

[Mike]

Mike, is there a demand for a transport that matches the N-01XD (say, a P-01XD)?

No one, but a couple here have mentioned it. The N-01XD comes with the ES-Link cable. I asked the rep about this and he said:

“If you’re looking for a stand alone SACD transport, the only one being made now is the P1X.”

 

[brodricj]

Too bad. The P1X is a Grandioso chassis which is not an exact match of N-01XD chassis. I think they should have a P-01X to match within the same chassis family. Although, K-01XS and N-03T would do the same job. Also, a Grandioso version on N-01XD would be nice.

 

[dznutz]

Esoteric will build whatever sells, the market will take them where it takes them. Mike has to bring in what he thinks is most likely to sell as well. If you want something unique then ask for a big discount and order blind.