#21
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I have. I streamed Norah Jones this morning on Tidal vs DSD Files I have stored on there. There is a difference. DSD file is much more engaging with more space and dimensionality. Also I get much more presence in Norah's voice.
I also own Norah's SACD set, so I look forward to comparing the P02X spinning the disc vs the DSD file on the W20. I have an inkling of what will sound better. The P02X and my turntable will serve the purpose of playing the recordings that shine in a redbook cd, sacd, and vinyl; those that simply sound better when physical media is present as opposed to being streamed on the W20. The W20 will certainly be my playback workhorse, if this makes any sense.
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Magico M3 Mcintosh 601 monos Boulder 2110 Pre Nordost Odin 2 cabling Clearaudio Master Innovation with Goldfinger cartridge Esoteric E03 phono Esoteric D02X Esoteric P02X Aurender W20 HRS SXR-Signature 4V X 2 rack Incoming: Magico Q15 subs (2) |
#22
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Love this review thread!
This review is timed just right for me. After tearing down and rebuilding my listening space earlier this year I am ready to upgrade my N100h to ether the N10 or W20.
I was headed towards the N10 but now better understanding the differences between the units I will look at the W20 again. I don't want to get the N10 and wish I'd bought the W20, then lose dollars on the eventual change to the W20. I love my N100h and can't wait to hear what improvements the higher Aurender model will bring to my system. (I haven't identified my system so quickly it's Theta Casablanca IVa, Ayre MX-R mono locks up front, Ayre stereo for tears, KEF Balde Two's and KEF Reference center and surroUndo, JL212's, Cardas cables, Artnovion acoustic treatments, Berkeley USB to AES converter), Oppo 205,Sony Ae1) One question: I noted your preference for the Esoteric vs th Aurender. I wonder if something in the Esoteric's circuitry is responsible for the difference? If Esoteric made a streamer would it b superior? I guess I wonder how a device with more moving parts and greater chance for "error" sounds better than a player with no moving parts. Thanks. popspin |
#23
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I'm not sure I fully understand your question. The advantage of the Esoteric DAC is I can separate out the left and right channels when streaming high rez music via dual aes/ebu.
This leads to a low noise floor and allows the Esoteric DAC to do what it's best at. If you're having the notion that you may upgrade from a future N10 to a W20, then I would just jump to the W20 straight up, way cheaper that way. Esoteric does in fact make a streamer, it's called the N01. It was just recently released. It has a very high quality DAC in it, and it's a one box solution. I prefer a separate outboard DAC as I have multiple units that I plug into it (my P02X) for example which take full advantage of the D02X capabilities. I hope this helps.
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Magico M3 Mcintosh 601 monos Boulder 2110 Pre Nordost Odin 2 cabling Clearaudio Master Innovation with Goldfinger cartridge Esoteric E03 phono Esoteric D02X Esoteric P02X Aurender W20 HRS SXR-Signature 4V X 2 rack Incoming: Magico Q15 subs (2) |
#24
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Hi Aditya:
Sorry if I wasn't clear enough with my question. Let me try again. In fact I may be confusing threads. Question: have you found a CD player that competes favorably with the W20? If so, i wondered how a device with a laser and disk could compete with a device devoid of such moving parts. Appreciate your thoughts on going directly to the W20. I also want my DAC separate from the streamer. Thanks. popspin |
#25
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Ahh, got it.
I own a P02-X (Esoteric's transport) which is connected via dual HDMI to my DAC. Same level of cabling (platinum starlight) as the W20 which is connected via dual AES/EBU. My P02-x has about 200 hours of break in time so it's still opening up. I think where the P02X really shines is when I play SACD's. Playing the same DSD file on the W20 vs the SACD version is what i'm referring too. I find the low end to be cleaner and tighter with the P02x, and the mids are a little bit more smooth. There is more air around instruments and the music comes to life more. Redbook CD's played on the transport sound quite similar to the same burned file on the W20. If you blind tested with me with both of these-I guarantee I could not tell the difference. I'm sure others might be able too. The differences come much more apparent when I play the album on the transport and then stream the same thing on tidal on the W20. The difference here can be distinguished and is a stepup with the transport. Overall, the P02-x wins out. You may ask, why do I own both? Good question. I have the W20 for everyday listening. I try new stuff out on the W20. When I find a really good recording, I buy the physical media (whether it be the CD/SACD/Vinyl), because I want to hear everything on that recording! I never want to own more than 500 CD's and no more than 500 LP's. The ones I do own however should be the best of best in terms of sound. Note the P02-X has Esoteric's top of the line transport and has its own power supply, and that's why I consider it to have the edge as I described above. Above all, when you get to this level of gear, the differences between one thing and the next are personal preference. A difference to me may not be a difference to you or the other way around. I wish you the best of luck in your search. One thing is for sure, you will not be disappointed with the N10 or W20.
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Magico M3 Mcintosh 601 monos Boulder 2110 Pre Nordost Odin 2 cabling Clearaudio Master Innovation with Goldfinger cartridge Esoteric E03 phono Esoteric D02X Esoteric P02X Aurender W20 HRS SXR-Signature 4V X 2 rack Incoming: Magico Q15 subs (2) |
#26
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Quote:
Ken |
#27
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Congratulations. I am an owner of W20 too. It is really state of the art. Do you connect a master clock to your W20 too?
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#28
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Quote:
I have not connected a clock yet but do have plans for it in the future
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Magico M3 Mcintosh 601 monos Boulder 2110 Pre Nordost Odin 2 cabling Clearaudio Master Innovation with Goldfinger cartridge Esoteric E03 phono Esoteric D02X Esoteric P02X Aurender W20 HRS SXR-Signature 4V X 2 rack Incoming: Magico Q15 subs (2) |
#29
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Quote:
2 Channel: Bricasti M12 DAC & M28's Mono's Black / Aurender N10 Black / Treatments: RPG BAD ARC panels (F, S, Bass Trap & R walls) Speakers: Martin Logan CLX ART (Dark Cherry) w/30# weights / 2-ML 212's Subs tuned w/PBK Grounding: Nordost QKore 6 (2-M28, 1-N10, 1-M12, 1-QB8, 1-Router) / 8' Earth Ground Rod / Bricasti M12 w/Acoustic Revive RGC-24 Nordost: 5-QV2 & QK1, 2-QX4 / 12-TC Kones, 27-Sort Fut & 28-LIft / O2/V2 Pwr / O2: SC, Digital & XLR's / H2 Network / V2 RCA Sub's Misc: Mini iPad / Furutech GTX-DNCF / LED lighting / Aurender AMM / Lovan Rack / SR Quantum Blue Fuses & Black Box Media Rm: ML: 13A's, 2-Descent i's, 6-Vanquish, Focus / Parasound: 3-A23 &1-31 / Entreq SM /65" LG 4k OLED / Anthem AVM60/ Nordost Tyr 2 Last edited by GW1800; 05-17-2018 at 03:00 PM. |
#30
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I have heard the W20 with a good word clock,...the results are extremely impressive. There is a G01x word clock here for sale at a killer price by ariess that would make a great pairing...
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