Esoteric K-03X VS Mcintosh D1100

[crwilli]

I am a number 3.

[Masterlu]

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by 1KW

1) Esoteric K-03X all the way, don't trust Mcintosh digital

2) Mcintosh D1100 all the way, has more digital inputs

3) Esoteric K-03X because I would miss having a transport

4) I would wait for a MQA DAC, neither

David.......The Esoteric K-03X is not just a "transport". It is one of the best transports on the planet and allows you to spin CD's and SACD's. Its dual mono AK4495S DAC chipset is configured with 4 individual converter circuits operating in parallel and summed to optimize linearity and minimize noise. It also employs Esoteric's innovative 34-bit D/A processing algorithm. Thinking of the K-03X as just a transport is totally missing the amazing all in one package Esoteric built.

You have had the McIntosh D1100 DAC long enough now to know whether you like it or not. Just having more digital inputs is not a criteria by which to measure its value. As I understand it, you only have need for two digital inputs, a USB for your Aurender N100H and a coaxial or Toslink optical for your Sonos. Beyond that it doesn't matter it there are three digital inputs or eight. You won't be using them. The one advantage of the D1100 is it will seamlessly integrate with the new McIntosh C1100 with a proprietary cable connection that allows the C1100 to control all the D1100 DAC functions, that is if you have the latest firmware in the C1100 which is a whole other story.

I would not wait for any premium audio manufacturer to implement MQA. There are still too many unanswered questions. Sure, Meridian has impemented MQA because Bob Stuart was an owner when he developed MQA. I don't see MQA as being a valid reason to make a purchase decision at this time.

[Audio 1]

I would pick the K03X beacause it flat out sounds amazing. Once I had one in my system I quickly forgot about any other reasons why I delayed picking this unit.
All inputs sound incredible and I am using all of them. This is simply the best I have heard digital sound without spending crazy money for marginal improvements.

[Dr Tone]

In all honesty the D1100 doesn't make much sense to me unless you are 100% digital and using it as your preamp as well.

Seeing the Esoteric can be a DAC for other sources as well it seems like a no brainer.

[krustycat]

I haven't heard the d1100, but have heard the c2500's DAC and it's night and day in favor of the k03-x, I would assume the d1100 is a major step forward, but I like the sound signature of Esoteric better.

[JBT]

Chasing Nirvana can be very expensive. You have the MCD500 which is an excellent spinner I know because I have one!

[1KW]

Originally Posted by Msegal

Reviewing your 2 channel system it seems the D1100 is running through a c2300. I might suggest upgrading the C2300 to a C1100 which will likely make a bigger difference than the Esoteric. It will also improve your vinyl.

I am not that sold on MQA and am taking a wait and see approach.

I have no room in my wall unit for a 2 box pre amp. , the C2300 is a fantastic pre amp. , newer isn't always better. Musical instruments hundreds of years old sound better than brand new ones

[jdandy]

David.......I'm noticing an Esoteric K-03X theme here.

[1KW]

Originally Posted by jdandy

David.......I'm noticing an Esoteric K-03X theme here.

I know the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence