Digital Filter used with AK4497 in K-01x, K-01xs, N-01, Grandioso K1
 

Reviews of the latest Esoteric network and disc players (too early for the K-01xs, though) have been overwhelmingly positive and I find it interesting Esoteric has eschewed the use of selectable digital filters in their implementation of the AK4497 in each player.

Personally, I believe that there is a "correct" filter with respect to accuracy of the resulting sound and feel the upsampling settings can allow the end user some freedom to tailor the sound to their system. I don't disagree with the choice to remove the filter selection since some are less accurate than others, but filter choice seems to be a popular selling point for digital products.

The AK4497 has 5 or 6 available digital filters, according to AKM's website:

"Six Types, 32-bit 8-fold Digital Filters
- Short Delay Sharp Roll-off, GD=6.25/fs
- Short Delay Slow Roll-off, GD=5.3/fs
- Sharp Roll-off
- Slow Roll-off
- Super Slow Roll-off
- Low-dispersion Short Delay"


Does anyone know what filter choice Esoteric has implemented in these new products?

In say the K-01X, aren't there 4 types of digital filters selectable for PCM?

FIR1, FIR2, SDLY1, and SDLY2.

FIR filter ---- a 32-bit Finite Impulse Response affair that applies x 8 oversampling.

S_DLY is a 32-bit short-delay 8 x oversampling filter which "provides an impulse response without pre-echo, natural attack and reverberation."

Best Sir,

Bob

Way too technical, my vote is for;

Good, Better, Best :D

The K-01x is different in that it allows you to select filters, and yes, those are the filters. But the K-01x doesn't have the new AK4497 chip, which the new Esoteric models have, in which filter selection is disabled.

I'm asking if anyone knows what filter Esoteric has pre selected in their new products.

Could have sworn I saw K-01X in the title. My bad (roll my eyes)

Why not send an email thru Esoterics' web site and ask them? It's quite possible they elected not to incorporate any filter.:dunno:

Best Sir,

Bob

That's probably an avenue I will pursue.

But I thought I'd ask here, first, since the Esoteric knowledge base on this AA is strong.

I asked Scott Sefton this same question who checked with Japan and the response was: "The DAC chipset has built-in digital filters for manufacturers to select from.
But the K1 does NOT use any of them." So they select no filter

Esoteric always shows their gear with no upsampling and no filters. They seem to believe that is the best way to enjoy their products.

Personally, I've tried them all and always come back to S_dly2. It's all personal preference of course.

Knowing how they think, They probably don't utilize a filter at all with the 4497.

Here is some fun reading for you : https://www.akm.com/akm/en/file/datasheet/AK4497EQ.pdf

:roflmao: