Any Esoteric fans here?

[GSOphile]

IB, if you don't need the transport and are interested in only the DAC, the N-01XD Network Player has the new DAC technology with a few more connectivity options the the K-01XD for less money. (This is closer to a D1X in a single box for much less money.)

 

[Nemal1]

Just enjoy your esoteric.
I was contemplating the grandioso, but letting head rule heart for once have ordered a replacement clock and cable and changing the player as soon as I manage to sell my K-01x
All their products are superbly built with excellent longevity as earlier posts confirm

 

[Big Dog RJ]

Yep, great advice there Nemal,

I think as advised by my trusted Eso importer/dealer, in the long run I will most probably get that fine Eso clock. I sincerely believe that this unit will provide that 40% in improvement, which is my personal benchmark when considering any upgrades or new purchases.

I did try out a few others from Cybershaft and one other, the brand slips my mind, they were definitely improvements, without a doubt! However, I'm really looking forward to the matching Eso clock, I think it's the G01x or something like that. We'll see how it goes for the next move. No real hurry for now.
Cheers, RJ

 

[infinitely baffled]

IB, if you don't need the transport and are interested in only the DAC, the N-01XD Network Player has the new DAC technology with a few more connectivity options the the K-01XD for less money. (This is closer to a D1X in a single box for much less money.)

That's terrifically helpful. Thank you very much.
I've asked a dealer to quote me for the upgrade.

I'm trying to decide between Mexcel 6100 or Entreq Atlantis Infinity bnc clock cables.
I will need two, so i could buy one of each i guess. But the Mexcel reference are £3k, so not to be sniffed at.
Any views on Mexcel bnc cables?

 

[infinitely baffled]

Yep, great advice there Nemal,

I think as advised by my trusted Eso importer/dealer, in the long run I will most probably get that fine Eso clock. I sincerely believe that this unit will provide that 40% in improvement, which is my personal benchmark when considering any upgrades or new purchases.

I did try out a few others from Cybershaft and one other, the brand slips my mind, they were definitely improvements, without a doubt! However, I'm really looking forward to the matching Eso clock, I think it's the G01x or something like that. We'll see how it goes for the next move. No real hurry for now.
Cheers, RJ

I'm paying for a Grandioso G1 clock as we speak. I will report back on how that changes things

 

[dan31]

The Mexcel cables are very nice, but oh are they expensive. Buy once, cry once. If you are committed to digital and an external clock they are probably worth it.

 

[Big Dog RJ]

Mmm... sounds like a great combination.
IB, do let us know how that clock improves things, and if any chance are you able to place a percentage in improvement? I'm always looking at those percentage margins, it's critical when I'm spending my hard earned $$$.

If you can't place a percentage then that's OK, perhaps on a scale of 10 if you can comment, that would be great. It would certainly help with my next decision...

Cheers, RJ

 

[infinitely baffled]

Will do Big Dog?

 

[Nemal1]

Just learned my new clock and mexcel cable has arrived and looking forward to hearing it, on headphones initially whilst my DAW’s are being built, and changing the CD player is the final piece of the jigsaw (for now)

 

[infinitely baffled]

Very exciting
Tell us more when you've had a good listen?
Which clock and which cable....is it the 6100?

 

[Nemal1]

It’s the G-01x with the mark IV 6100bnc terminated cable. I had earlier models of each which I recently sold. Was planning on the grandioso version of same but beyond my budget as I’m currently house building as well.
the original clock was a large improvement and expecting more of the same.

 

[infinitely baffled]

As a less expensive alternative to the Mexcel cables, the dealer selling me the G1 has recomended the Jorma bnc cable.
It's £800, as opposed to £3k for the (mark v, i think) Mexcel 6100.

Does anyone have experience of Jorma bnc cables?
Might be a good stepping stone to the Mexcel

 

[hongkongfoufou]

every time I have heard esoteric digital it has sounded unnatural to me.mcintosh is much more natural and musical for my tastes.

With old products I agree, but not with new Esoteric products...

 

[Addicted to hifi]

With old products I agree, but not with new Esoteric products...

You might be right but esoteric sound is esoteric sound still to me.

 

[Nemal1]

Buy what sounds good to you. It’s your money and choice

 

[Addicted to hifi]

Buy what sounds good to you. It’s your money and choice

I think every one buys what sounds good to them,that’s why there’s so many different brands.

 

[SCAudiophile]

Esoteric D-03 DAC here - from the stone ages for some. Still love it to bits.

The D-03 with P-03U served extremely well in my setup for over 9 years then I sold both to someone in Europe who is still running them with great results 6 years later. Those who say Esoteric is dry and analytical sounding frankly never gave it the time of day obviously, are probably basing opinions on older designs and/or setups without the right power cables, digital cables and interconnects. Sure the P-02 and D-02 I upgraded to back in late 14/early 15 are more organic and the DACs used are different and by some measures better than the 03 generation in the same way as the 03 generation was better than my UX-1 Limited, the UX-1 before it, the X-01 and DV-50s before that which started me on what is now a 16 year track record of owning Esoteric single box and soon after 2-box setups. I also owned a P-0s transport for a couple years; still considered by many to be one of the best RBCD transports the hobby has ever seen.

One thing 16 years of owning Esoteric has taught me is that synergy is absolutely everything (same for this entire hobby); the right choice of digital cables can make or break a system, power cords and interconnects properly matched can be component-level upgrades and master clocking is key to extracting the best these components are capable of giving.

There were comments about the N-01XD; if you are into streaming and want a bonus in terms of future upgrade path, not only does that have the new FPGA DACs from Esoteric (like the K1X, K-01XD and D1X mono DACs) which is the single best sounding generation Esoteric has ever mustered bar none (and a destination I hope to upgrade to some day viz P1X and D1X or possible P02XD and D02XD if they bring back the 2box
and upgrade that with new FPGA DACs), the N-01XD is unique in that it allows dual-ESLink input flexibility for the future so if and when Esoteric upgrades the P-02X to a P-02XD (if they do) or if you want to add a P1X transport, you'll have a great streaming platform that can also double as a dual-mono DAC(single box) to pair with a dual-ESLink compatible Esoteric transport.

Yes,...another Esoteric owner here for many years.

 

[SCAudiophile]

Excellent. No slouch there. The next level up is Grandioso K1X which is a huge price leap over the K-01XD. The K-01XD represents outstanding value for performance and is probably the sweet-spot in the range for the serious audiophile.

Great advice....+1 on that.

 

[Big Dog RJ]

Nice one SCAudiophile,

Certainly looks like you've been through some wonderful gear on the Esoteric line up... and you've experienced it well enough to understand what it's all about.

I was only introduced to the brand just recently and absolutely loving it. As you say, synergy is very critical, and apart from cables and accessories, also system gear and matching. I'm using a full array of CJ amplification and ML CLX's, and adding in the Eso digital gear was like a match made in heaven. I firmly believe that was the missing link! Which questions myself, why on earth didn't I try/use Esoteric before. In the past I've used separates from Wadia, Meridian, Meitner, ARC, CJ and Mac, although quite good in every sense of the term digital playback, none of them quite deliver what the Eso gear does.

Anyway, at the end I guess it's all about system synergy and system integration. Plus with the right kind of setup and proper room for it, everything else falls into place nicely. That's when you can focus the soundstage perfectly similar to focusing a camera lense, to suit your tastes. All else is mighty fine!

Cheers, and enjoy those fine tunes!
RJ

 

[Nemal1]

+1 big dog. My System is constructed in such a way to compliment my choice of music which may or not be as suitable for other types/listeners, but it suits me, and that includes esoteric CD player/clock and phono stage coupled with my ARC reference amps