Upgraded from K03XD to K01XD SE

J

jet787

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Joined
Jan 7, 2018
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I have been enjoying the upgrade and the player is still breaking. the K03XD was sounding very good after a year but the K01XD SE is a step up. I don't know if it's the added transformers or capacitors but even out of the box it is more detailed and has better delination of instruments. Perhas the revised clock also has something to do with it. The break in process after 20 hrs. is seeing improvement in the upper frequiencies but I know I'm in for a 300 hr. process.
 
jet787 said:
I have been enjoying the upgrade and the player is still breaking. the K03XD was sounding very good after a year but the K01XD SE is a step up. I don't know if it's the added transformers or capacitors but even out of the box it is more detailed and has better delination of instruments. Perhas the revised clock also has something to do with it. The break in process after 20 hrs. is seeing improvement in the upper frequiencies but I know I'm in for a 300 hr. process.
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I am currently using a K01XD so I am very happy to learn you are experiencing such a rewarding musical experience with your upgrade to the K01XD SE. Hope it keeps getting better and better. Enjoy!

One of the reasons I went to the FLAX 2025 was to listen to the SE versions of the Esoteric DACs. I briefly listened to the K03XD SE in a system including (iirc) Block Audio and the Clarisys Piccolo. It sounded very good but it was hard to get a feel for what the K03XD SE was contributing. Needless to say it was not the weak link. It fit right in and played well with the other components. Really nice sound.

Eventually I spent a more lengthy time in the Playback Distribution room which had a full Esoteric Grandioso rig that was, for me, one of the highlights of the show. While they mainly played analog through the impressive T1 turntable and the new Grandisos E1 2 box phono stage (which was the finest analog I heard at the show), they also had the Grandioso K1X SE, the new Grandioso N1T network transport and the Grandioso G1X master clock for digital playback. I was able to hear familiar tracks from the N1T into the K1X SE internal DAC/G1X clock. This was extremely impressive considering the high quality of the analog presentation. They were also able to play one track (I think it was a Louis Armstrong track) in both the vinyl and digital versions for comparison. Both presentations were wonderfully dynamic, with a fabulous soundstage and sense of air around the instruments. I could easily live with the sound quality I heard from either. Other than the digital I heard from the incredible Clarisys Atrium room, this digital playback was as good as I heard at the expo in a more "real world" (haha) system.

The challenge for me now is to figure out do I upgrade to the Esoteric (K01XD SE) or Grandioso (K1X SE) product? On the other hand, there is the remarkable MSB Cascade DAC that brought its digital magic to the Clarisys Atrium room! Ah, it's tough having first world problems these days.
 
I can relate as I’m considering upgrading from my Esoteric N01-XD. I’m thinking separate server/streamer and DAC. If I stay in the Esoteric line the Grandioso N1T and D1XSE seem like a nice pairing. But, I’m also thinking PinkFaun 2.16 Ultra or Aurender N30SA.
 
mxk116 said:
I am currently using a K01XD so I am very happy to learn you are experiencing such a rewarding musical experience with your upgrade to the K01XD SE. Hope it keeps getting better and better. Enjoy!

One of the reasons I went to the FLAX 2025 was to listen to the SE versions of the Esoteric DACs. I briefly listened to the K03XD SE in a system including (iirc) Block Audio and the Clarisys Piccolo. It sounded very good but it was hard to get a feel for what the K03XD SE was contributing. Needless to say it was not the weak link. It fit right in and played well with the other components. Really nice sound.

Eventually I spent a more lengthy time in the Playback Distribution room which had a full Esoteric Grandioso rig that was, for me, one of the highlights of the show. While they mainly played analog through the impressive T1 turntable and the new Grandisos E1 2 box phono stage (which was the finest analog I heard at the show), they also had the Grandioso K1X SE, the new Grandioso N1T network transport and the Grandioso G1X master clock for digital playback. I was able to hear familiar tracks from the N1T into the K1X SE internal DAC/G1X clock. This was extremely impressive considering the high quality of the analog presentation. They were also able to play one track (I think it was a Louis Armstrong track) in both the vinyl and digital versions for comparison. Both presentations were wonderfully dynamic, with a fabulous soundstage and sense of air around the instruments. I could easily live with the sound quality I heard from either. Other than the digital I heard from the incredible Clarisys Atrium room, this digital playback was as good as I heard at the expo in a more "real world" (haha) system.

The challenge for me now is to figure out do I upgrade to the Esoteric (K01XD SE) or Grandioso (K1X SE) product? On the other hand, there is the remarkable MSB Cascade DAC that brought its digital magic to the Clarisys Atrium room! Ah, it's tough having first world problems these days.
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In our showroom, the Cascade with Pink Faun embarrassed our other sources (yes, even the R2R tape). It was the best I’ve ever heard too.

The Pink Faun with MSB and the upcoming Pink Faun - MSB Fiber module will be “THE” 1-2 punch IMO. See:

That being said, I also love the new Esoteric digital and if I wanted a CD/SACD, there is simply no better. These two are literally at the top of their game. Good times!
 
Mike said:
In our showroom, the Cascade with Pink Faun embarrassed our other sources (yes, even the R2R tape). It was the best I’ve ever heard too.

The Pink Faun with MSB and the upcoming Pink Faun - MSB Fiber module will be “THE” 1-2 punch IMO. See:

That being said, I also love the new Esoteric digital and if I wanted a CD/SACD, there is simply no better. These two are literally at the top of their game. Good times!
Click to expand...


Everybody should read this post by Mike and let his words sink in.
 
I know what you mean but yet I’m thinking about it… at least a few options.

The progress made in the digital music delivery space is remarkable. I’m really considering a significant acquisition to hold for a while. I wouldn’t have stated that a few years ago.
 
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I agree, it was out of this world. I am into R2R too and run a Kronos Perpetual. Of course I also run a Pink Faun Dual Ultra. The MSB PF Connection is shockingly good.
 
mxk116 said:
I am currently using a K01XD so I am very happy to learn you are experiencing such a rewarding musical experience with your upgrade to the K01XD SE. Hope it keeps getting better and better. Enjoy!

One of the reasons I went to the FLAX 2025 was to listen to the SE versions of the Esoteric DACs. I briefly listened to the K03XD SE in a system including (iirc) Block Audio and the Clarisys Piccolo. It sounded very good but it was hard to get a feel for what the K03XD SE was contributing. Needless to say it was not the weak link. It fit right in and played well with the other components. Really nice sound.

Eventually I spent a more lengthy time in the Playback Distribution room which had a full Esoteric Grandioso rig that was, for me, one of the highlights of the show. While they mainly played analog through the impressive T1 turntable and the new Grandisos E1 2 box phono stage (which was the finest analog I heard at the show), they also had the Grandioso K1X SE, the new Grandioso N1T network transport and the Grandioso G1X master clock for digital playback. I was able to hear familiar tracks from the N1T into the K1X SE internal DAC/G1X clock. This was extremely impressive considering the high quality of the analog presentation. They were also able to play one track (I think it was a Louis Armstrong track) in both the vinyl and digital versions for comparison. Both presentations were wonderfully dynamic, with a fabulous soundstage and sense of air around the instruments. I could easily live with the sound quality I heard from either. Other than the digital I heard from the incredible Clarisys Atrium room, this digital playback was as good as I heard at the expo in a more "real world" (haha) system.

The challenge for me now is to figure out do I upgrade to the Esoteric (K01XD SE) or Grandioso (K1X SE) product? On the other hand, there is the remarkable MSB Cascade DAC that brought its digital magic to the Clarisys Atrium room! Ah, it's tough having first world problems these days.
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This is just another perspective on Esoteric. An audio friend had a K-01XD and he upgraded the clock to one of the G1 versions. He ultimately sent is back because it didn't make an improvement in his system. He subsequently has purchased the K1X SE with the outboard PS1 power supply and got a significant improvement over his K-01XD. My guess is that the power supply made the difference but that's just my guess. He has heard the Wadax combination and indicated that the Esoteric is the best bang for the buck in comparison and is really excited about it's performance in comparison to Wadax with no regrets.
 
jet787 said:
This is just another perspective on Esoteric. An audio friend had a K-01XD and he upgraded the clock to one of the G1 versions. He ultimately sent is back because it didn't make an improvement in his system. He subsequently has purchased the K1X SE with the outboard PS1 power supply and got a significant improvement over his K-01XD. My guess is that the power supply made the difference but that's just my guess. He has heard the Wadax combination and indicated that the Esoteric is the best bang for the buck in comparison and is really excited about it's performance in comparison to Wadax with no regrets.
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I appreciate your thought and insight regarding the outboard power supply. I have had similar experiences with the role they play. I'm already set with the master clock (Cybershaft) which is compatible with the Esoteric products. The WADAX clock is proprietary to their product line. There are pros and cons to each DAC but the PS1 is a big plus for the Esoteric K1X SE. (y)
 
Personally, I"m going to wait for the Beyond the Return of the Son of Esoteric K01XD SE model. 😜

Sorry, gents, couldn't resist a little gentle good humor.

Cheers.


​

 
jet787 said:
..He subsequently has purchased the K1X SE with the outboard PS1 power supply and got a significant improvement over his K-01XD. My guess is that the power supply made the difference but that's just my guess...
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Your guess is correct. Esoteric engineer agrees with you! But the Grandioso player is more than just better power supply compared to a K series player.
 
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