[jdandy]

Originally Posted by tdelahanty

Dan I reread your review and it reminded me of a thought I've had many times. I wonder if the filters are simply software executed by a microprocessor or are they actual filters which contain polar elements (resistors, caps, inductors)? If they are polar elements and each filter requires break-in we might exceed the life expectancy of the laser assembly rendering the player dead (An idle mind is the devil's workshop )

Tom.......I suspect the two FIR digital filters and the two short delay digital filters are chip based algorithms, although I have found no direct information to support that assumption. Esoteric does not offer a definitive explanation of the filter networks in the catalog, brochure, or owner's manual.

For the past year I have been enjoying my K-01X with no upconversion or filters. I have settled on those setting as providing excellent reproduction of the source material. The original bit rate is sampled at its original format without alteration. On occasion I have returned to 2Fs, 4Fs, and 8Fs upconversion but find myself preferring the ORG setting where the original input signal is sent directly to the D/A converter without upconversion. The same has been true for the filter. I have played with them but find the filters set to Off are the most satisfying. Having choices is a good thing. Being able to override them is equally essential.