Did anyone listen to the new TOTL Esoteric gear : P1X/D1X combo ?
Can’t find much feedback yet.
Alex
I did in Munich and was very impressed. Write me for details. The P1X/D1X has an amazing and very musical sound presentation, a bit more rounded and warm than the P1/D1 without sacrificing the killer imaging, sound-staging and top to bottom extension that Esoteric is known for.
In short, all the transparency, top to bottom speed, accuracy, musically realistic playback, rock solid imaging and detail that Esoteric is known for and more. A bit more warmth overall in the mids and highs especially like the K1 so a bit more analog but not overly warm (like the K1) and without giving up any of the resolution, imaging, speed, transient playback, etc...of the P1/D1. Extremely close to the existing P1/D1 but with a bit more analog playback quality to it consistent with the change in fundamental DAC design philosophy. I dare say Esoteric's best effort to date bar none for CD and SACD playback and their first where the RBCD was 100% equal to the SACD playback (which has always been IMHO the world's finest). Where the D1Xs took a step up over the 02, 02X and even the D1 generations is streaming playback. I was surprised by the more natural
and more disc-like playback of anything streamed through the N-03T connected with the D1X DACs.
All this from a P1X, D1X and N-03T which were close to new, not burnt in, using mid-level speakers and good quality power conditioning and cables; the Esoteric C1 pre-amp and M1 monos were in use (I know their sound well), the overall choice of showing speakers, cables and power left no doubt that even without burn in, the P1X, D1X spinning discs had not equal at the show were on a short list of 2 (IMHO) for best of show.
Wadax Reference DAC, monster beauty that it is, together with the Atlantis Transport, and the JMF Audio universal player and DAC were, IMHO, the other jaw-dropping/impressive D->A playback experiences at the show for CD and SACD playback...
Please note there were other strong contenders for streaming playback in Munich and that I've heard including the Wadax and Esoteric setups, but I am not responding in this thread for general streaming DAC performance.