Metronome AQWO2 vs. Esoteric K01 XD

[Pascan]

.I'm hesitating between the Metronome AQWO2 and the Esoteric K01 XD Sacd players. It's the sound quality that matters most. Who has experience comparing the 2 devices? Thank you.

 

[gian60]

I know very well Metronome because I am very friend with Italian distributor and listened in his shop all the products, listened very well Aqwo2 and I like a lots,i have a Kalista dream play one.
For me Metronome and Kalista has among the most natural digital sound

I listened many times in an other shop near me Esoteric and I don't like, has a good sound but very naturally also listened the Grandioso serie but don't like a lot, for the price also.
I listened K01 and K 01X and I prefer more Aqwo and Aqwo 2
but never listened the new XD

 

[BruceD]

Totally agree with Gian--Metronome all the way-- I've heard both brands top versions ,show wise and domestic environments, the musicality, naturalness and complete lack of "digital awareness" in the playback of the Metronome is enough to elevate it over the slightly dry and seemingly lacking in warmth presentation that would preclude the Esoterics- however still a top echelon contender.

Good luck with your decision.

BruceD

 

[GSOphile]

I know very well Metronome because I am very friend with Italian distributor and listened in his shop all the products, listened very well Aqwo2 and I like a lots,i have a Kalista dream play one.
For me Metronome and Kalista has among the most natural digital sound

I listened many times in an other shop near me Esoteric and I don't like, has a good sound but very naturally also listened the Grandioso serie but don't like a lot, for the price also.
I listened K01 and K 01X and I prefer more Aqwo and Aqwo 2
but never listened the new XD

Esoteric XD models use in-house developed discrete component DACs - unlike earlier models, which were based on AKM DAC chips. Having upgraded from a K-03X to a K-01XD several years ago, I can attest to a different and, to me and others, big step up in sound quality. The newer XD SE models just hitting the market have improved, in-house developed clock technology and a few other refinements.