New K-03 review (sort of)

[jdandy]

Tom.......Thank you. I checked again just to make sure. I have a Setup button on the K-03 remote, too. Unfortunately it is useless. Thanks for the tease. .

[Matt Lan]

Originally Posted by jeffkad

...I'm alternating between the two settings that seem to be the most recommended (By TAS, and by various forums/posters): 2x OS and either FIR1 or Sly_1. Let us know which sampling/filter combo you wind up liking, and have fun. Regards...Jeff

Originally Posted by jdandy

Jeff..........He used words like clearly inferior, airless, sickly, midrange bloat, sluggish rhythm, among other poorly chosen descriptors to support his personal preference for 2X upconversion and S_DLY1 apodising filter. His zest to endorse his favorite choice caused him to exaggerate his descriptions of the K-03's other settings in my opinion. I have listened for quite some time to the setting of No upconversion and No digital filter and find the sound to be excellent, dynamic and detailed.

Originally Posted by jeffkad

...It sounded pretty flat out of the box compared to the other settings, and frankly, I would have sold the unit had that been the sound I would have had to live with. The two settings I've used above were WAYYYY better than default right out of the box, so default setting is a no go in my book.

Originally Posted by jdandy

[B] I spent quite a bit of time listening to the different upconversion and digital settings when I auditioned the original K-03 that Ivan shipped to me for the review. At that time my preference was for the 4Fs upconversion and the S_DLY2 settings. I have since determined that I prefer the 2Fs upconversion and S_DLY1 digital filter. While I feel this is the very best combination of settings for my personal preference, I still believe all of the other settings have merit and none of those settings sound less than very good.

This really highlights the customizable nature and capability of this player, and the range of settings that can optimize the listening experience.

Sounds like we have 30(?) or more k-03 owners lurking. I would like to hear what YOU hear in your individual systems, as pertains to preferred sampling and filter settings.

I will start a separate thread on that specific topic.

Cheers

Matt