First Review of the K01

[Masterlu]

As of right now I have 240 hours on my K01 and decided now would be a good time to give a detailed review of what I am experiencing. I just got finished listening to Jazz at the Pawnshop on SACD.



What the K01 does better than any other CD/SACD player I ever heard, is completely capture and captivate the ambiance or essence of the music. On Limehouse Blues, the xylophone is so organic and liquid you can reach out and touch it.

Take Five with Paul Desmond is another track that highlights the K01's uncanny ability to recreate such a well known song, and simply make it a once in a lifetime experience. When the drum solo starts, you become mesmerized with all the textures, detail and depth of the live performance. The K01 leaves absolutely nothing behind with it's eight 32 bit AKM DAC's per channel.

Moving on to Concords SACD Sampler volume 2, The Real Blues by the Ray Brown Trio. This wonderful track begins with piano that has string accompaniment. The piano has a real presence with the keys being struck in coordination hearing the pedals. The music begs to be played multiple times since there is so much to hear and take in on the first listen.

Now on to Redbook, here I chose Jackson Brown, The Very Best Of; In the Shape of a Heart. This track exhibits fantastic depth, and sound stage. Many different instruments come into this mix, the guitar is especially intoxicating. The pace once again is very organic, and alive "goose bump material" for sure.

I really was never even that fond of Jackson Browne growing up, that's all changed now.

For those that may be asking how the K03 compares to the K01, the answer is quite simple. The K01 just brings more of what makes the K03 so special and awesome, albeit at a higher price of admission.

For me, the K01 is an amazing player which is right at home with my Aida/Burmester rig. I am exceptionally pleased with my decision to upgrade to it.

[chessman]

Too cool!!

[jdandy]

Ivan.......Thank you for your review of the Esoteric K-01. I'm thinking the K-01 is THE dragon slayer. The price of admission exceeds my sanity level, but none the less I am completely happy with the amazing performance of my new K-03. Your new K-01 sounds like an extra helping of all that makes the K-03 so special. Another 260 hours of break-in time on the K-01 should reveal even deeper views into the music played. Here's to many more happy hours of audio pleasure that are sure to come.

[KahunaCanuck]

First, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts Ivan.
It's hard to believe they could make a slight improvement to the K3, but it sounds like it is pretty significant. I am like Dan, not going to go there, but it is cool to know there is an even bigger slice of pie available! Enjoy!

[Ritmo]

Very nice overview of your observations Ivan. Your comments parallel the review from TAS. It must be quite a piece of equipment.

[Wasatch]

Nice!

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Ritmo

Very nice overview of your observations Ivan. Your comments parallel the review from TAS. It must be quite a piece of equipment.

Mike.......Here is Ivan's K-01 payment on the way to Esoteric.

[Still-One]

Ivan
I think your observations show why Esoteric's top line products are always included in any short list of "Best CD Players".

[Masterlu]

Dan... That was for the Burmester...



This is for the Esoteric...

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by Still-One

Ivan
I think your observations show why Esoteric's top line products are always included in any short list of "Best CD Players".

Jim... This whole journey just started with; I think I want to add SACD to my Burmester.

That won't cost much...