If the Esoteric K03Xs CD/SACD Player has harsh leading and trailing edges...

[John57]

Brief as it is this is a great comparison...

"I compared and auditioned LUXMAN's D-10X and D-03X, and ESOTERIC's K-03XD!
All three had their own personality, but the sound presence of the D-10X was amazing."

 

[infinitely baffled]

What a strange sounding room!

Edit: they aren't comparing the K01xd, they have the K03xd

 

[infinitely baffled]

HERE'S ONE LINK BY SUNCOAST AUDIO

That's also the K03xd

Was it the K03xd that you didn't like?

 

[infinitely baffled]

And this...

Well that is a K01xd...but there is no comparison with any other front end.
Perhaps you are already familiar with the system?

 

[infinitely baffled]

Another

K03xd

 

[John57]

What a strange sounding room!

Edit: they aren't comparing the K01xd, they have the K03xd

sorry where was the ko1xd mentioned?

Well that is a K01xd...but there is no comparison with any other front end

sorry what?

 

[infinitely baffled]

sorry where was the ko1xd mentioned?

sorry what?

I asked if you had listened to a K01xd in post 115. I asked because I'm intending to purchase one myself, and needed to know how to weight the opinions you have expressed here on this thread. The only video you have posted that features a K01xd has no comparison with another digital source, which is the only way youtube videos are of any value, given that one isn't familiar with the system, plus the inevitable blurring caused by listening to a video on headphones.

 

[David MS]

I asked if you had listened to a K01xd in post 115. I asked because I'm intending to purchase one myself, and needed to know how to weight the opinions you have expressed here on this thread. The only video you have posted that features a K01xd has no comparison with another digital source, which is the only way youtube videos are of any value, given that one isn't familiar with the system, plus the inevitable blurring caused by listening to a video on headphones.

After a fair amount of pre-consideration, I am now listening each evening as the Esoteric K03XD warms up (only 85 hours so far). (Alsyvox Tintoretto speakers, CJ Art 150 or McGary SA-1 amplification).

I must say I have been skeptical in the past about the claims for transformation of sound over warm-up periods (as others have said often, one "want to hear" improvement). I also have listened to earlier models of the Esoteric, including much more expensive combinations, and found them just too "aggressive." I was tempted by the Luxman 08 - so much more affordable - but (perhaps wrongly of course) it reminded me of my Zesto amp - a beautiful sound and so relaxing in the first many hours - but ultimately I came to hear a signature.. The Luxman 10X may well be big step forward but it was beyond my SACD budget. In any case, folks whose ears I trust suggested that this iteration of the Esoteric was creating a different listening experience.

I am not trying to step on the lead: the first night I found it hard going - 45 minutes did it. Not so even 3.5 days later. But the changes mean that my best effort to offer what I hope will be thoughtful reactions must wait at least another week or more.

 

[GSOphile]

On the Esoteric XD, what upsampling/filter settings are you using? (If you're using the defaults, you may be disappointed.)

 

[David MS]

On the Esoteric XD, what upsampling/filter settings are you using? (If you're using the defaults, you may be disappointed.)

I am trying to learn about them and use them. Current settings: PCMC: M2. On Redbook CDs: 4Fs
On SACD: DSD FLT 2. I would like to understand the M and FLT settings better.
Meanwhile, 4Fs and M1 or M2 seem to be the most recommended (although a recent reviewer of the K-01XD used a higher oversampling rate for regular CDs).

 

[GSOphile]

I think those are good middle settings. I like classical music where string tone, especially on older CDs, can be a challenge. New K-01XD player (replaced a K-03X) is a big step up. Marginal recordings are often better, but it won't put lipstick on a pig. Good recordings are often really good with previously unheard tone, detail and big, deep sound stage. I've vacillated between 4Fs and 8Fs, M1/M2 and FLT 1 & 2. Current settings are 8Fs/M1 and FLT1.

 

[David MS]

Thank you - that's very helpful. I will let my settings break in for a while since I understand that each one needs to be treated separately. Then I can experiment further...

 

[Addicted to hifi]

Brief as it is this is a great comparison...

"I compared and auditioned LUXMAN's D-10X and D-03X, and ESOTERIC's K-03XD!
All three had their own personality, but the sound presence of the D-10X was amazing."

The luxman d 10x is my new reference.

 

[John57]

The luxman d 10x is my new reference.

Thanks for sharing your update.

I’ve just installed a Luxman M900u in my system and I’m cautiously confident that this is a keeper. Later this year December most likely I’ll return to Australia and pack up my D06u to ship here to see how it competes with my upgraded BDP Oppo and Pioneer players. My next focus is the matching C900u preamp.

 

[hongkongfoufou]

I think those are good middle settings. I like classical music where string tone, especially on older CDs, can be a challenge. New K-01XD player (replaced a K-03X) is a big step up. Marginal recordings are often better, but it won't put lipstick on a pig. Good recordings are often really good with previously unheard tone, detail and big, deep sound stage. I've vacillated between 4Fs and 8Fs, M1/M2 and FLT 1 & 2. Current settings are 8Fs/M1 and FLT1.

Why compare K-01XD with K-03XS ? why not compared K-03XS with K-03XD ?

 

[Addicted to hifi]

Why compare K-01XD with K-03XS ? why not compared K-03XS with K-03XD ?

Sounds like a good idea.

 

[phrozario]

Sorry to be late to this post and thread.

We bought the K-03 to replace a P10+MF Trivista DAC. Then upgraded to the K-03Xs.

We have since upgraded to the K-03XD.

The XS we used on 16x upsampling. The XD, we use 8x upsampling. It sounds better.

Each iteration of the 03 has ben a significant improvement over the predecessor. This player just sounds natural. I need nothing more.

I have NOT compared the XD with any other SACD player of a different manufacturer as yet, maybe never.

This player works in my system. I like the programmable path Esoteric have embarked on, much like Chord and the Robert Watts FPGA DACS.

BTW, I am biased to Chord as I have owned the DPA DAC.

Paul.

BTW I have the rare BLACK version.

 

[GSOphile]

Why compare K-01XD with K-03XS ? why not compared K-03XS with K-03XD ?

I wasn't.... and I wasn't trying to do a review. Just briefly commented on my experience upgrading from a K-03X to a K-01XD and on XD filter/up-conversion settings. (I have no experience with either a K-03XS or a K03XD.) An update on my current K-01XD settings: M2/4X for PCM; F2 for DSD.

 

[hongkongfoufou]

I wasn't.... and I wasn't trying to do a review. Just briefly commented on my experience upgrading from a K-03X to a K-01XD and on XD filter/up-conversion settings. (I have no experience with either a K-03XS or a K03XD.) An update on my current K-01XD settings: M2/4X for PCM; F2 for DSD.

Thanks

 

[John57]

I found a simpler path and a cheaper path through Luxman. Having sold my 03Xs I’m not missing anything rather I’m able to enjoy great resolution without strain or harshness. I’m waiting for the return of my ARC Ref CD9. The unit had a power supply issue. I heard it only briefly before it failed. Frustrating because the cost of 2xshipping is rather high @$1kUSD plus the cost of repair.