ARC Ref CD9 vs Esoteric K-0?

[ariess]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone has experience evaluating both the ARC Ref CD9 and an Esoteric K-01/03/X type player? I know that this is an Esoteric-liking site so I expect there are many who know the later but are there also those who have A/Bed with the former? My experience and reviews I read suggest that the ARC player will be warmer and more musical and the Esoteric detailed and dynamic, but that is mostly by reputation. Would like to hear from those who have experienced both.
Best
Adam

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by ariess

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has experience evaluating both the ARC Ref CD9 and an Esoteric K-01/03/X type player? I know that this is an Esoteric-liking site so I expect there are many who know the later but are there also those who have A/Bed with the former? My experience and reviews I read suggest that the ARC player will be warmer and more musical and the Esoteric detailed and dynamic, but that is mostly by reputation. Would like to hear from those who have experienced both. Best Adam

I traded in my cd6 for the k-03. Now I realize the cd6 isn't the same, but I was assured by arc at the time that it's essentially the exact same as the cd9 except for the output stage. I had numerous complaints with it after I got it and returned it. I wrote about my cd6 issues in detail on this site a few years ago if you are interested.

Anyway, for me there is no contest. Arc is great at making amps, but I'm not smitten with their digital products. Esoteric is on another level, in my opinion. On build quality, usability, features, and sound quality.

You are probably right about the difference in sound.

[raidho]

Hi,

I had in test a ARC cd6. a friend say that the cd6 was better from the cd9....

after 10 days I returned the cd6. for me was not a godd experience.

ARC can do preampli. nothing others.


Esoteric is sure better (imho) a K07(x) is a great chioce, (if you searchonly a cd player and not a Dac you can vuy a "old" X serie. much better from the cd6.

Before I had a Ayon cd 3s (with tube) and was a lot better from the ARC.

I will go with a X05 (the same transport system present into the K05) : a bargain. a full cd player, new demo only showroom _ _ dac use a extra gear....

[ariess]

Your friend was misinformed. The CD9 is the Reference player. The CD6 is the lesser.

Anybody hear the CD9 and an Esoteric K-01 or K-03?

Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by ariess

Your friend was misinformed. The CD9 is the Reference player. The CD6 is the lesser.

Anybody hear the CD9 and an Esoteric K-01 or K-03?

Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

The cd6 is the same player, with a solid state output vs tube. The cd9 has the same limitations as the cd6: useless filters, cd only, terrible USB interface. Mine would barely even work with the USB input.

[Sharp 1080]

I was also trying to decide between the two units. I already have the Ref 5SE, and thought the CD9 would be redundant for me. I'm glad to find out first hand that the interface with USB is a problem. No CD6 or CD9 for me. I just wish the Esoteric units were available in black!

[Chad.Wagner]

Originally Posted by Sharp 1080

I was also trying to decide between the two units. I already have the Ref 5SE, and thought the CD9 would be redundant for me. I'm glad to find out first hand that the interface with USB is a problem. No CD6 or CD9 for me. I just wish the Esoteric units were available in black!

Me too! Black would be great.

[Masterlu]

I'm told we will never see the upper level models in Black.

[John49]

Originally Posted by Chad.Wagner

Me too! Black would be great.

Are people really denying themselves the pleasures of owning Esoteric players because they don't come in black? My only problem with them is that I can't afford one!

[Weirdcuba]

Yep. Makes it easy to avoid spending the $$ ... No black.