Esoteric XD Series

[mxk116]

You know you're going to have to order G1X now....

A master clock is definitely on the short list. I was going to keep my dCS U-Clock for that purpose but someone made me an offer I could not refuse so it found a new home.

Haven’t considered the the G1X (not certain my rack could take another Esoteric piece, they are freaking heavy) but the Cybershaft OP21E-D and LTPW01 is on the radar (apparently more inventory is coming this month along with a new price list). I read Mike’s post about a new Aurender master clock that I’d like to learn more about.

 

[GSOphile]

Yes, I have experimented a bit and I’m bouncing between 4fs and 8fs with M1 as the filter of choice at the moment (F2 for DSD).

I have experimented a lot with filters and upsampling with my K-01XD. I think you'll find that upsampling will increase sound stage depth at the expense of tone, detail. Currently I'm at M1 with no upsampling. For me M2 seems to provide more detail with a somewhat drier presentation, less body.

 

[mxk116]

To update my previous post; the Esoteric K-01XD has transformed over the past few weeks. The soundstage has grown substantially; consistent with Mike's comments re: dense, wraparound, almost 3D cues in the recordings. I think of it as the quality of continuousness in the most positive context. The Master Sound Discrete DAC is astounding to me. And it’s a joy to use. The flexibility of the upsampling and filter choices cannot be understated. All are exceptionally musical and revealing to explore. Settled for now on 4Fs upsampling with M1 or M2 filters. I think M1 is what I use most.

I still prefer CD/SACD played through the VRDS Atlas transport v. streaming but the N20 is just starting to round into shape and I'm still learning my way around it. The N20 seems to soften the presentation, nor is it as dynamic as the K-01XD alone (using Shunyata Sigma ethernet and USB cables), but I really enjoy the ability to listen in a "stream of consciousness" manner permitted by HiRes streaming.

All this performance using my 20+ year old DynAudio Crafft 2-way studio monitors. A tribute to DynAudio and the Esotar T330 tweeter. My Magico A5's are shipping this week (fingers-crossed, :skeptical: I was told that I'd have them in May) so I'm believing the best is yet to come.

 

[brodricj]

...I still prefer CD/SACD played through the VRDS Atlas transport v. streaming...

It's getting so close now that the streaming option has become compelling just on convenience. I have a Grandioso transport and, whilst it does sound marginally better than my Kaleidescape player, for me the convenience factor of the streaming option wins. For every 10 hours of streaming music time I'd only be playing one hour using the transport.

 

[brodricj]

A master clock is definitely on the short list...

I have been considering G1X but they are eye-watering expensive. I'm considering buying a Cybershaft OP-21 as a reference clock signal on my G-02X input and hiding it in the back of the rack somewhere. That will preserve the Esoteric aesthetic in the equipment stack and (hopefully) get identical to G1X performance.

 

[mxk116]

It's getting so close now that the streaming option has become compelling just on convenience. I have a Grandioso transport and, whilst it does sound marginally better than my Kaleidescape player, for me the convenience factor of the streaming option wins. For every 10 hours of streaming music time I'd only be playing one hour using the transport.

When I first started this process I didn’t think it was possible but the more time I spend with this combination the more inclined I am to agree with you.

Also agree with your comments regarding the utility (convenience) function of streaming v. playing CD/SACD directly. The gap is thin, especially using critical listening mode (the difference is more than subtle), and the ability to listen so spontaneously is a tangible/significant advantage IMHO. I told my wife this streaming thing is addictive!

One thing I’d like to understand better is if the upsampling choices and perhaps filter selection for the Master Sound Discrete DAC are applied to the N20 stream (USB digital input)? With the input of the K-01XD set to USB, the K-01XD display shows the data rate of the stream as well as (in smaller font) the upsampling choice (in my case 4Fs). If my ears are not deceiving me, the choice of upsample rate is audible in the same manner as listening to CD/SACD directly from the K-01XD analog outs (for me XLR2). I’ve looked and to my knowledge this is not discussed in the Esoteric operators manual.

Is this the experience of others?

 

[mxk116]

I have been considering G1X but they are eye-watering expensive. I'm considering buying a Cybershaft OP-21 as a reference clock signal on my G-02X input and hiding it in the back of the rack somewhere. That will preserve the Esoteric aesthetic in the equipment stack and (hopefully) get identical to G1X performance.

The Cybershaft OP-21 is one I am considering. The question for me has become is it worth the cost to only use it for the CD/SACD transport part of the K-01XD? As I understand it the USB digital input is not compatible, for lack of a better word, with an external clock. So as the quality/utility of the USB stream increases, the acquisition of an external master clock becomes less of a priority for me in the near term.

 

[brodricj]

Also agree with your comments regarding the utility (convenience) function of streaming v. playing CD/SACD directly. The gap is thin...

I had to optimize my streaming to get it close to Grandioso transport performance. Upgrading to linear power supply for the Kaleidescape player made a huge difference, then upgraded the digital coax cable to Shunyata Sigma, then upgraded the network cable to 12m long Cat-8 with silver coated wire + Telegartner connectors. About $3000 worth of extra's there kind-of made the Grandioso surplus to requirements. But the Grandioso stays for its eye candy value alone.

 

[brodricj]

..As I understand it the USB digital input is not compatible, for lack of a better word, with an external clock. So as the quality/utility of the USB stream increases, the acquisition of an external master clock becomes less of a priority for me in the near term.

I don't think that's right. The block diagram for K-01XD clearly shows the external master clock signal syncronizes the clock circuit and USB audio decoder.

 

[GSOphile]

To my ears most of my better CDs (80-90% classical) sound better without upsampling in my K-01XD. More natural string and piano tones, less dry presentation, better apparent resolution. And to me a well recorded SACD sounds significantly better than an (upsampled) CD from the same recording - this from a comparison of a number of favorites. Some remastered older PCM recordings to SACD also beat their (upsampled) CD equivalents. Much depends on the original master and the sound (re)engineering. IMO upsampled red book CDs sold as SACDs or high definition downloads are a waste of money.

 

[brodricj]

Emphasis on "well recorded". The SACD version of Sting - Sacred Love does not sound as good as the CD pressing. The CD pressing also sounds better than the HD Tracks download.