K01X vs D02/P02 combo

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by analog brother

yeah understand all the spec differences; just wanted to know whether the fundamental signature sound has changed or just a variation of the original k-01?

The fundamental signature sound is the same; much better imaging and micro details.

I upgraded both of my K01's to K01X's.

[analog brother]

ok - thanks for that, ivan!

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by analog brother

ok - thanks for that, ivan!

Your welcome; Esoteric has done such a good job with the K01X that the wait for one now is 8+ weeks.

[analog brother]

cd players are back in fashion!

[justubes]

Like Ivan said, the K-01 is a fantastic sounding player, my biggest issue i felt i had with the k-01 was that i always felt the staging wasnt open enough, due to a slight closed in sound, the k-01 is smoother and overall a very balanced sounding piece of gear. I dont have this issue with the new player.

If you have already settled on the other components, then consider the K-01x, otherwise you can be totally happy with the k-01.

[PlanarSpeakerFan]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

The fundamental signature sound is the same; much better imaging and micro details.

I upgraded both of my K01's to K01X's.

Hi Ivan,

Are there any other differences? Does the K-01X sound smoother or more refined than the K-01?

Thanks,
Ken

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by PlanarSpeakerFan

Hi Ivan,

Are there any other differences? Does the K-01X sound smoother or more refined than the K-01?

Thanks,
Ken

Ken... I wouldn't say smoother, but more refined is a good description.

[FRO]

Esoteric D-02, using as a preamp direct to my amp.

The digital inputs for the USB and Optical work flawlessly.

But for the last few months, the digital RCA1 and RCA2 inputs keep cutting out sporadically (on for a minute, cuts out for several seconds, on again).
At first I thought it might be 1 of the digital RCA inputs, but it seems both are doing the same thing?

Do you think this is something in the DA circuit that is doing this, or something that needs to be changed in the Menu options?
I am puzzled why the other digital inputs work fine, but both digital RCA inputs are cutting in and out?
I am getting the same intermittent cutting out when it is connected to my DVD/BlueRay player and my DirecTV (both RCA digital out to the D-02).
Have tried different cables and sources.

Any suggestions?

[Colekat]

Hey Fro, The input range for the RCA is only .5v peak to peak. Check the output of both your cable box and your CD player. To the contrary, the XLR input is 5 volts, big difference. The D-02 may have an input cut-out protection scheme to prevent damage.
Great DAC, I had it for 2 years, and enjoyed it very much. But, the AES/EBU inputs are clearly the best inputs for sound quality and I perferred it through a preamp. Something about the volume control was a little off.

[FRO]

Thanks, Colecat.
I only have a couple of digital RCA cables on hand and the Oppo player only has RCA digital out.
I think I have a Boulder RCA-XLR digital adapter I will try out on the D-02.
Will let you know!