Looking for a new CD-player, Aesthetix, Esoteric, Lux or….

[mxk116]

Here is an explanation of the numbers

DRS rating explained

Audiodrom DRS - dynamic rating system

www.audiodrom.net

Hey soundman, curious if you were involved in establishing the evaluation criteria or participated in the Audiodrom evaluations you are sharing ?

 

[soundman]

Hey soundman, curious if you were involved in establishing the evaluation criteria or participated in the Audiodrom evaluations you are sharing ?

No just stumbled upon the site last week

 

[mxk116]

No just stumbled upon the site last week

Thanks for the clarification.

 

[Nemal1]

Please try and listen and buy the sound you prefer, not go blindly from specification and other reviewers opinions.

 

[soundman]

Please try and listen and buy the sound you prefer, not go blindly from specification and other reviewers opinions.

Of course; at this level of pricing no blind buying but reviews and measurements do have their place in putting together a short list; no substitute for in-person auditions; the great audio writers of the past had the gift to describe in words the sound of a component and they were almost always right.

 

[DLS]

I’ve been looking at Aesthetix Romulus (Sign) which according to some rewievers should have a more analogue sound. Downside; no SACD capability.
I’m also interested in the new Esoteric K-05XD and the Luxman D-07X. Are the two latter more analytical and cold sounding, what are your thoughts?
Rest of the system: Bryston BDP-3 streamer, Gryphon Diablo 300 and Magnepan 3.7’s.
Your input would be much appreciated.

I replaced my EmmLabs XDS1v2 with Luxman D-07X in June. Compared to the XDS1, the D-07x is NOT more analytical or cold sounding. Rather, while retaining the ability to illuminate everything in a recording, it somehow conveys a sense of warmth lacking in the XDS1. I think it is very good on redbook and streaming (not SOTA but very very fine), exceptional on SACD. It also includes MQA decoding though I've not used it. Bottom line: at $10K, highly recommended.

 

[PaulB]

Can't forget the T+A PDT3100 HV. Outstanding build quality and one of the few that still builds their own drives. CD/SACD. They also have a couple of lower priced models.
T+A website link

****Dealer****

also, I have heard that Ayon has some great transports. I can't confirm that but thought I would mention it.

 

[DDgtt]

The best one-box CD player I have ever heard is the Audionet Planck. I've heard it outperform a number of very expensive DACs. It's really good!

 

[Backpacker]

The Aesthetix can be upgraded to Eclipse level at any time and you don’t have to be the original owner to do it. But Nemal1 has the right idea - pick the sound you like

 

[thedudeabides]

Always surprised Luxman is not mentioned often. Great company, stellar sound and impeccable quality / reputation. There new top CDP SACD is the X10. Msrp $16K I believe. Not sure what this indicates but, unlike other manufacturers, Lux seems to update / release new products every five years or so.

FYI. Likely selling my D06u CDP along with the rest of my system. Major downsizing for near future move. PM if interested.