*NEW* Esoteric N-05XD

[tdx444]

Another question for this DAC's owners: I'm thinking of upgrading my chain around it to make it sound even better. For approximately the same budget, I have two options:
- add a really good master clock like the Mutec REF10 120 or the TOTL Cybershaft unit. I could use these to clock my Uptone Etherregen which should help too.
- Or, I could get a Grimm MU1 and send the data to the N-05XD directly via AES. I've read that the Grimm doesnt need a master clock and can sound even better than one.

Which one would you go with? Thanks

 

[brodricj]

Neither. Buy a G-02X and a Shunyata clock cable.

 

[wklie]

- Or, I could get a Grimm MU1 and send the data to the N-05XD directly via AES. I've read that the Grimm doesnt need a master clock and can sound even better than one.

This prevents playback of DSD128 or above, or PCM 352.8kHz.

 

[tdx444]

ok thanks for the tips. I'll see if I can get a G-02X, although that may be above my budget for now.

 

[thyname]

ok thanks for the tips. I'll see if I can get a G-02X, although that may be above my budget for now.

I think the Esoteric G-01X and G-02X master clocks are discontinued

 

[brodricj]

They are discontinued. Buy G-02X now whilst dealers have stock. Sometimes they appear on used market, especially when the replacement model is released.

 

[Mr Peabody]

Just curious if the N05xd can be operated without the app or if there are items that the app is needed for to adjust or select? I should specify if you aren't using the streamer.

 

[brodricj]

At the very least the App is required to update the I/F and network module firmware....

 

[wklie]

Just curious if the N05xd can be operated without the app or if there are items that the app is needed for to adjust or select? I should specify if you aren't using the streamer.

The non-network streamer part can be operated completely without the app.

Even if you use the streamer, the native app is not mandatory either. You can use Roon, Tidal app, Spotify app, or other OpenHome / UPnP apps. The native app is needed only for network firmware update, internet radio if not using Roon, or native Qobuz if not using Roon.

The native app is not required to update the I/F firmware (which is the base unit firmware, not the network module firmware).

 

[wklie]

Esoteric N series also supports Spotify Audio Normalization with the latest network firmware update 16.0d, in conjunction with the latest apps.

 

[Mr Peabody]

Trying the N05xd new out of the box. First impressions are good. I have a couple questions.

1. Can the N05xd be operated with the app? For example, change filters, inputs etc. Not having vision and the unit having 3 menus it may not be accessible enough for me. The dealer set it so I could listen but we didn't download the app yet.

2. Did you all notice much change with some break in? I plan to read this thread again when I get time.

 

[brodricj]

You are referring to the Esoteric Soundstream App?

 

[kzhtoo]

Trying the N05xd new out of the box. First impressions are good. I have a couple questions.

1. Can the N05xd be operated with the app? For example, change filters, inputs etc. Not having vision and the unit having 3 menus it may not be accessible enough for me. The dealer set it so I could listen but we didn't download the app yet.

2. Did you all notice much change with some break in? I plan to read this thread again when I get time.

1. No. You have to use the remote, which is a very well-built one BTW.

2. Yes. Quite a bit better after break-in. I distinctly remember I didn’t like the sound right out of the box.

Try a 10MHz master clock if you can get your hands on one. That was as dramatic of any improvement I’ve had in my audio journey.

 

[Mr Peabody]

Possibly, HR Audio app was mentioned. I'm sure the app will be needed if streaming I just wondered if it made any adjusts to the unit itself.

You are referring to the Esoteric Soundstream App?

 

[Mr Peabody]

It sounds pretty good out of the box. Bass is better defined and punchy, overall more realism, over my internal DAC. I'm using the RDO filter, I find it sounds nice, a bit more musical and involving without losing much. Filter off seems to accentuate some details.

I've just begun with a few hours listening last night.

How many filters are there? We only found "off" FIR and RDO. I was thinking there were more. I need to look again for the online manual, I couldn't find it last night. The dealer hasn't had Esoteric long so we're sort of learning together and he only had so much time yesterday to hang.

1. No. You have to use the remote, which is a very well-built one BTW.

2. Yes. Quite a bit better after break-in. I distinctly remember I didn’t like the sound right out of the box.

Try a 10MHz master clock if you can get your hands on one. That was as dramatic of any improvement I’ve had in my audio journey.

 

[Mr Peabody]

I found the manual, looks like HR Audio is for Windows while Sound Stream is your phone/tablet app. So I'm assuming no functions on the app would help with setting anything not network related.

352 files from Tidal sounds great, Patricia Barber and some 2L. I'm amazed at how good my 44.1 rips sound via the N05xd.

I'm really anxious to hear how the unit sounds as a preamp.

 

[Mr Peabody]

I mentioned I was anxious. Tried the N05xd as a preamp. this afternoon. It can't replace my 526.. One of the main issues the N05xd by itself was less visceral like it didn't have enough voltage to drive the amp, most noticeable in the bass. It would be interesting to hear it connected to another Esoteric amp to take advantage of the ESL. There were other differences as well which may come down to preference.

 

[kzhtoo]

I mentioned I was anxious. Tried the N05xd as a preamp. this afternoon. It can't replace my 526.. One of the main issues the N05xd by itself was less visceral like it didn't have enough voltage to drive the amp, most noticeable in the bass. It would be interesting to hear it connected to another Esoteric amp to take advantage of the ESL. There were other differences as well which may come down to preference.

Interesting. I use it as a preamp to drive my Luxman M10x and always feel dynamics are off the chart.

 

[Mr Peabody]

I had to try it but I would have been shocked if the N05xd would have been close enough to replace my preamp,the 526 does cost twice as much. And apparently the cost wasn't in the DAC, LOL

The N05xd must have broke in some, it's like tonight the depth increased on the sound stage, even more transparent with more realism. The DAC section is stellar. I was listening most of the day with breaks off and on, tonight seems like sound got better. I'm probably at 20 to 25 hours all together. If it gets better from here I may become a hermit.

Interesting. I use it as a preamp to drive my Luxman M10x and always feel dynamics are off the chart.

 

[brodricj]

...The DAC section is stellar...

I wonder about that...the new model 05, 03, 01 series components (and K1X) with the Master Sound Discrete DAC, how the hardware compares between the models. I've got a hunch the DAC implementation are all about the same and any differences come about by better power supplies as you move up the food chain. It's not until you get to D1X which is the ultimate expression of the Master Sound Discrete sound which has the unique DAC hardware. I've not seen any indifferent word said anywhere on the usual channels about 05XD, it's universally acclaimed as stellar. I've just cruised through the PS Audio forums and the same can't be said for their new DAC. That's the thing about Esoteric, all their products are built to perfection and work flawlessly before leaving the factory. As an Esoteric owner I'm happy to pay a premium for that.