New K-01XD and 03XD SACD/CD Players released
 

The Esoteric Japan site has just released full details on the new era K-01XD and K-03XD players that feature Atlas drives and FPGA DACs.


https://www.esoteric.jp/en/

What are the US MRSPs?

Curious how much would be the k 03xd

Yeah, what is the price of the K-03XD??

I’m considering buying a K01-XD just wondering how the DAC itself is compared to other higher end DACS

A lot of benefits FPGA dac due to software updates extending lifespan of models. It was one of the reasons I purchased my dac

While it is true that the FPGA architecture lends itself to being programmable and upgradeable, it shouldn’t be assumed they would all get one.

The Chord DAVE to my knowledge hasn’t had one. Neither has my Chord Mojo.

But both still sound as good today as they did before.

In fact, I still find the DAVE to edge out my PS Audio DirectStream with most inputs even when the PS Audio has had numerous updates. That said the gap has closed considerably when using the Memory Transport (I2S) and with the Network Bridge 2

doggiehowser writes:
The Chord DAVE to my knowledge hasn’t had one. Neither has my Chord Mojo.

-> Chord UK don't offer software updates. Rob Watts mentions he puts in enormous effort to get the design and sound right first go. The DAVE DAC is pretty spot on.

In fact, I still find the DAVE to edge out my PS Audio DirectStream with most inputs even when the PS Audio has had numerous updates. That said the gap has closed considerably when using the Memory Transport (I2S) and with the Network Bridge 2.

->I've owned both DAVE and PSA Directstream DACS and agree the CHORD DAVE (at nearly twice the price mind you) is my choice without question. Why, the DAVE has next to no noise, and groups instrument sounds so well, compared to the Directstream that seems a like continual data flow of frequencies.
I've also tried the Directstream transport with the DAVE DAC via ODIN2 digital cable AES/EBU, and the transport itself has got my respect.

This thread being on Esoteric's new SACD / FPGA DAC, if Esoteric can come close (or better) the CHORD CD Blu2 M-Scaler with DAVE DAC in dual mode (with mandatory Wave Fidelity- Storm Ref dual BNC cables), then it will be amazing.

The above CHORD trio sounds so good with a mega 3D soundstage, that even though its CD only Phillips CD Pro2, its 95% as good sounding as SACD.

The CDPro2 transport is still pretty phenomenal. Love the one in my Ayon CD5S but I reckon Esoteric VRDS variants are superior.

I’m wondering what the combination of the superior Esoteric transport plus MScaler will bring to the DAVE [emoji51]

This is a good move, but they actually need to release regular firmware updates, not just 1 and then discontinue the model.

Has anyone ordered the 'xd' model?