Given that the N-01 is first and foremost a network streamer, the fact that it performed poorly and was unstable in the reviewer’s system was the buzzkill.
Had I been the reviewer, I would have cancelled the review, wrote about the experience, and provided the mfg with the opportunity to fix their problems.
But JVS just marched on and that was that.
Is it fair for JVS to compare a $20k network player to a $24k DAC? Yes, absolutely!
Esoteric themselves notes that it is the same exceptional DAC as the TOTL K-01, thus inviting the comparison.
I don’t own and haven’t heard either piece so I have no SQ reference, but in this elevated terrain I think flavor preference will always be a big factor in subjective reviews.
Tom
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Main System:
Amati Futura Mains
Amati Homage VOX Center,
Proac Response 1sc Rears,
Three MC2301's for L,C,R
MC 602 for the rears
C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 80
Nottingham Dais with Wave Mechanic
Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation
SurfacePro 3, RPi 4, ROON, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC
MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material.
Lake House:
Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 77, Rega P3
OnDeck:
McIntosh MAC 4300v
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