Any Esoteric fans here?

[Big Dog RJ]

Nice one Lampie!
Like I said sky's the limit...

What are those DACs mate? Are you using mono dac config in your system, if so what are the improvements? (Soundstage depth, timing, definition, resolution etc.)

Very interesting topic I must say.

Speaking of which when Vrac started out this thread asking if any Esoteric users are out there... hello? ET phone home run!!!

Great thread Vrac.
Cheers, RJ

 

[Lampie519]

To keep on topic... yes i use a vintage Esoteric P-10 Transport (sometimes) and it is still one of the best i have (2nd to the Chord).

So now off topic:
I use standard Philips chips (vintage 16 bit). 2 SPDIF inputs (2x mono) and at least 2 dacs per channel for balanced outputs (inverted digital signal).
No ground connection between the dacs (completely isolated from each other and input signals), can be compared to a phono cartridge.
The power supply is of my own design and is dead quiet, no active voltage regulation, so it is kind of "loose" but within specs.

 

[Big Dog RJ]

To keep on topic... yes i use a vintage Esoteric P-10 Transport (sometimes) and it is still one of the best i have (2nd to the Chord).

So now off topic:
I use standard Philips chips (vintage 16 bit). 2 SPDIF inputs (2x mono) and at least 2 dacs per channel for balanced outputs (inverted digital signal).
No ground connection between the dacs (completely isolated from each other and input signals), can be compared to a phono cartridge.
The power supply is of my own design and is dead quiet, no active voltage regulation, so it is kind of "loose" but within specs.

Nice one Lampie.
That sounds like some serious gear and design going in there. Obviously you've done a fair bit of research to achieve this level, and certainly looks like you know the kind of sound you're after. That definitely helps!

Great stuff, deserves a woof!
Cheers, and enjoy those fine tunes.
RJ

 

[Lampie519]

certainly looks like you know the kind of sound you're after

Thanks RJ !

This is definitively so... once you know, the road is laid out for you but still can be bumpy, as even when you know where you would like to end, doesn't mean you can reach it...

 

[Addicted to hifi]

Yes, this makes sense ..... it does to me anyway...
But it still can be in one box... like so..
This dac now has balanced outputs and is what i am actually using at this moment. ??? Nothing compares ??? ....2 you...???

Very nice and balanced sounds better than unbalanced.

 

[Lampie519]

Very nice and balanced sounds better than unbalanced.

Thanks !

I do not know if i like to make that statement, but in my case it was a natural thing to do.

 

[jackelsson]

Speaking of which when Vrac started out this thread asking if any Esoteric users are out there... hello? ET phone home run!!!

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

 

[Sammy T]

Always powered up or shut down when not listening ?

 

[jackelsson]

Always powered up or shut down when not listening ?

The whole system - including the D-03 - is powered up 24/7, excluding only the vinyl rig and the powered speakers.

 

[Big Dog RJ]

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

Nice one on the D0-3, can still hold itself pretty strong, matched up to top tier gear even on the latest platforms.
Plus that thing weighs a tonne! Solid build quality.
Very nice indeed, enjoy those fine tunes!
Cheers, RJ

 

[Big Dog RJ]

Always powered up or shut down when not listening ?

Powered off when not in use but nearly every Eso owner I've come across here (in Aus...) leaves their digital gear powered on at all times. That's the key to the required warm up mode for the Eso. However, they do have a feature where after a few minutes of zero signal, it shuts itself off. Pretty handy feature!

Cheers, RJ

 

[Big Dog RJ]

Attn: Vrac
Just checking on the Esoteric gear...? Have you received the unit as yet, if so hope it's all going well.

I just bought this regular CD from a record store from the inner fancy location of Collins St in Melbourne's cbd area this arvo. Nothing fancy, no sacd nor dsd or anything, just a regular label from Decca. One word, superb!

Melody Gardot really hits the mark with this one, and the accompanying orchestra is mighty fine! A really top notch recording. This is her latest album, very nicely done by Bernie Grundman and the team at Capitol LA.

I forgot to mention, on this particular album, she includes a duet with Sting, absolutely brilliant! The sound track is like a mix between Sting's Desert Rose and M Gardot doing the vocals. I think this recording is one of her best by far!

Let us know how your new digital gear is going, and give it plenty of warm up time. Also don't forget to fine tune and select those precise digital filters and playback modes... they make subtle variations and it really helps to create a finer balance.

Cheers, and enjoy those fine tunes!
RJ

 

[vrac]

Thanks RJ. I did take delivery of the K-03xd about 1 week ago. Was breaking in wonderfully. Sounded really good right out of the box. It is built LIKE A TANK! Love that drawer mechanism. HOWEVER, as luck would have it one of my mono block amplifiers went down. $HIT!!!!! So my listening is done for now until that is resolved. Will give a more thorough report when amp is repaired. Enjoy the weekend.

 

[Big Dog RJ]

Thanks RJ. I did take delivery of the K-03xd about 1 week ago. Was breaking in wonderfully. Sounded really good right out of the box. It is built LIKE A TANK! Love that drawer mechanism. HOWEVER, as luck would have it one of my mono block amplifiers went down. $HIT!!!!! So my listening is done for now until that is resolved. Will give a more thorough report when amp is repaired. Enjoy the weekend.

Ah! Shoot... that's a bummer when that happens.
Usually when that ever happens to one of my monoblocks, either a service, upgrade or tube something... I get a nice big CJ SS on loan. I also let the service tech know to take his sweet time since that particular SS gear also sounds supremely controlled driving the CLX's. So I enjoy both types of amplification when it happens.

As for the Eso gear, yes they are built in exceptional quality! They use a minimum of screws and the side, top and bottom plates are solid pieces of finely brushed top grade metal. I think they now use metal alloys of some nature and most of all, check out the back plate, drop dead gorgeous! How's that serial number plate? It's bolted onto the chassis, not printed or pasted like the majority of gear... simply remarkable!
You basically get your full monies worth with this gear, and especially after the few 100hr mark, it will outperform every digital gear you previously had. Don't forget those fine settings on filters and play modes. They're marvellous!

Extremely delighted for you mate.
A mighty big woof!!!
Cheers, RJ

 

[Addicted to hifi]

Thanks RJ. I did take delivery of the K-03xd about 1 week ago. Was breaking in wonderfully. Sounded really good right out of the box. It is built LIKE A TANK! Love that drawer mechanism. HOWEVER, as luck would have it one of my mono block amplifiers went down. $HIT!!!!! So my listening is done for now until that is resolved. Will give a more thorough report when amp is repaired. Enjoy the weekend.

What a bummer.

 

[Addicted to hifi]

Attn: Vrac
Just checking on the Esoteric gear...? Have you received the unit as yet, if so hope it's all going well.

I just bought this regular CD from a record store from the inner fancy location of Collins St in Melbourne's cbd area this arvo. Nothing fancy, no sacd nor dsd or anything, just a regular label from Decca. One word, superb!

Melody Gardot really hits the mark with this one, and the accompanying orchestra is mighty fine! A really top notch recording. This is her latest album, very nicely done by Bernie Grundman and the team at Capitol LA.

I forgot to mention, on this particular album, she includes a duet with Sting, absolutely brilliant! The sound track is like a mix between Sting's Desert Rose and M Gardot doing the vocals. I think this recording is one of her best by far!

Let us know how your new digital gear is going, and give it plenty of warm up time. Also don't forget to fine tune and select those precise digital filters and playback modes... they make subtle variations and it really helps to create a finer balance.

Cheers, and enjoy those fine tunes!
RJ

I have this CD as well. Good for a commercial recording.

 

[Bachtoven]

I have an older Esoteric K-03 and love it. Purely out of curiosity, which SACD/CD player of a comparable price has a less "artificial" sound?

 

[vrac]

Just a quick update. Back from vacation last week. Glacier National Park in northern Montana was spectacular! My repaired amp is back and working great and can FINALLY listen to my K-03 XD.
Just finished listening to Shota Osabe Piano Trio "Happy Coat" K2 HD CD and Wynton Marsallis "Hot House Flowers" SACD. Out of the box "cold" this player is awesome! Looking forward to full break-in. Haven't played with the numerous playback setting yet but certainly will. Just enjoying the tunes! I've added a few photos of system.

 

[dan31]

I am considering the K-03 xd. My Ayre C5 might needs to go back to the Ayre factory for some TLC. I’m not sure I want to keep putting money into a 15 year old player.

 

[Big Dog RJ]

Hey Vrac mate!

That's great news! In fact I was just about to send you a note, wondering if and when you got the monoblock working ... now that all seems to be mighty fine!

No doubt, straight out of the box it sounds fantastic, however wait till that 100hr mark and it will just take off! You can really begin to appreciate the superb craftsmanship, the materials, build and design of these units are in a class of their own. Check out the serial number plate, little things like that, simply outstanding.

Yes, there are a vast array of settings to suit nearly every mode of playback including type of files, resolution and sampling rates. It will take quite a while getting used to. I found the most simplest route with simple settings to be the best approach, especially on either DSD or SACD playback. The filters do add another finer touch, again you'd have to choose which one you personally prefer.

Many other critics haven't adjusted any of these settings, hence they don't know and assume the Esoteric gear to be not so great. Completely the opposite! Once these digital players get going, they really get going! It's probably quite remarkable at this level of fine detail and supreme resolution, the price seems just about right!

Now that deserves a mighty WOOF!!!
Cheers Vrac, and enjoy those fine tunes!
As our Aussie mates say, "good on ya mate!"
RJ