"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."
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.
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.
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).
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.
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...
"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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
