This looks great, and I'd consider it but one thing.... I don't want a pre-amp in my system, and I think - without Leedh on this - it would be required. Pushes me toward the Lumin for want of that one feature, even if ultimate sq would be better. Am I getting something wrong in that?
Esoteric N-01XD
- Thread starter Mike
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2fastdriving
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There are a lot of different views on the topic, but I firmly believe that a good preamp is a requirement in a high end system. There are a few exceptions... I've heard msb dacs connected to the msb amps, which were very, very good. But in general, my advice is to get a preamp.
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At a higher total cost, you can get a Lumin U1 with a K-01XD. You get networking streaming with more features (e.g. FLAC radio) / updates, Leedh Processing Volume, ability to play SACD / CD / MQA-CD without ripping, with total compatibility.
Yeah, this bit: "I don't want a pre-amp in my system".
SCAudiophile
Active member
The G1X is certainly stunningly beautiful and due to their finally moving to an OCXO-based implementation with proper design and power around
the new crystal implementation, have achieved improved musical playback influence and extremely low phase noise, jitter, etc.until the prior Rb-based
products that while good, don't hold a candle to the new G1X.
If money is an issue, the same (literally) performance can be found by use of a Cybershaft OP21A-based implementation out of the latest designs. You don't
get the beautiful Grandioso casework and I'd say Esoteric's power supplies are something clearly even more highly desirable however you also don't have to
spend 60-75% more (at retail) to have the matching Grandioso product though they sure are beautiful to behold
transaminasi
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I use N01XD with Melco N1A and with streaming Qobuz. Now I would like to connect an external ssd hard disk to rear usb of dac. Is it possibile to use ssd 2 Tb or is it better use 1 Tb? When I had Dcs Rossini Dac I read on user manual it wasn't use external hard disk with more of 1 Tb because app Dcs Mosaic can't manage too big library Have notices about this? Another thing: do you know audiophile usb cables with connector A to C ? (I seem external ssd hard disk have usb C). Thanks
I have used a Samsung T5 - 2 TB ssd. I have also used a western digital 2.5 inch - 2 TB ssd in a generic case i purchased from amazon. Both worked fine.
As for the cable i use a Nordost Frey 2. They make a USB A to C cable, that you can order from any nordost dealer. I was a huge improvement over a generic cable.
Why are you looking to attach a HD directly to the Esoteric when you should be using the Melco as directly attached NAS? Ive found Melcos network filter to be quite impressive.
Direct connection of USB SSD should be avoided, as some of them can draw more current than the hardware is designed. You really should places the files in the Melco.
transaminasi
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Update: I have Mutec Ref 10 since 2 months. I had ear infection after covid and for this I can't try before Mutec. Now I healed and I tried very well new purchase. I connect it to N01XD with Shunyata Sigma 2 bnc 50 Ohm. In my set-up it's impossible not to hear difference. And after get used, it become impossible don't connect Mutec. I tried with my friend to make blind test. I can say easily if Mutec is connect or not connect. Also without Mutec you have a very good performance, but with Ref 10 you have a clear improvment.
I sold Melco N1A and in the future I would like buy new Melco N50. In the meantime I will use a Samsung T7 1 Tb. Now I must buy a usb cable a-c and I not decided yet what model.
@adol290
Did you try to compare your Nordost Frey 2 with normal usb cable a-c?
Good for you! Glad it worked out for you. As I said in my post you quoted, I was pissed my ears were not sophisticated enough to hear any difference, but it is what it is. We all hear differently. For me, the master clock is a closed chapter. For you: enjoy!
Yes, the Frey 2 blows it away... After my friend tried it on his digital player he also bought one.
Yes, I think so with N01XD. N01XD has the new Grandioso Custom VCXO II high-precision clock. You really need a G1X or the top Cybershaft and a top spec clock cable to make it worth the effort, and that is a lot of $$$.
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- #254
I’m going to ask a silly question, but just to be sure, did go into the menu of the device and engage clock sync? Some folks think you just connect the clock and it works, but you must go into the menu and engage clock sync.
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Yes. I already answered this question on this thread. Post #234
transaminasi
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In your opinion how much time need to arrive a new version of current N01XD? I seem it launched about 4 years ago...
I have the feeling that all Esoterics with the Master Sound Discret Dacs and due their software updates will delay the appearance of new versions. K1X was launched even before the N01XD, and nothing has been announced yet.
In my case was a strong decision point to eventually get into de XD series.
In my case was a strong decision point to eventually get into de XD series.
transaminasi
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Ok.
My strong decision point was Master Sound Discrete. With old normal chip I never bought an Esoteric source.
Let me just say this about Master Sound Discrete. Be careful what you wish for.
It's stunning.
It's incredible.
And it's terrifying.
All at the same time.
I'm hearing the best sound I've ever heard...it's just stunning, it's incredible, and it's terrifying.
OK, so it's a Grandioso stack, but I reckon a clocked N-01XD would be close.
It's stunning.
It's incredible.
And it's terrifying.
All at the same time.
I'm hearing the best sound I've ever heard...it's just stunning, it's incredible, and it's terrifying.
OK, so it's a Grandioso stack, but I reckon a clocked N-01XD would be close.
question: for those who stream (something like qobuz), do you still need an external streamer (a good one, thinking aurender n20) if you have the n01xd? --it sure would be nice to have an all in one box solution that is not compromised.
im thinking next steps for my rig, and while n01xd would be a big budget buster, its not so big when ancillaries get removed from a 2nd box.
im thinking next steps for my rig, and while n01xd would be a big budget buster, its not so big when ancillaries get removed from a 2nd box.