Esoteric K-03 versus McIntosh MCD1100

[MyPal]

MCD1100 is a great player with an excellent DAC implementation. It is at one with other McIntosh gear. The K-01 is a step up in all respects.

It would seem the K-03 offers a different flavour to that of the MCD1100 & is more of a sideways move sonically. No one can argue about the K-03 build quality & that robust transport though.

[Matt Lan]

Yeah, the build quality and transport are major elements to consider. Esoteric seems to be in a class of its own there.

Best,

Matt

[raidho]

McIntosh is not a cd player brand: ampli, maybe premapli but with te cd player isreally no way.
Maybe sound not bad...but no thanks.

The Esoteric is like write MyPal the K-01 is a step up in all respects!!!!!

At first Esoteric burn as cd player Brand now have introduced ampli in the catalog ...


I had a 871 = a Denon inside!
The 301 always transport problem...sold very fast!

Style

[enit]

Originally Posted by raidho

McIntosh is not a cd player brand: ampli, maybe premapli but with te cd player isreally no way.
Maybe sound not bad...but no thanks.

The Esoteric is like write MyPal the K-01 is a step up in all respects!!!!!

At first Esoteric burn as cd player Brand now have introduced ampli in the catalog ...

I had a 871 = a Denon inside!
The 301 always transport problem...sold very fast!

Style

I think mc CD players are great. I've never had a problem with my mcd301. I've heard issues with mcd201, not so much with the newer trays.

I disagree that mcintosh is only a brand for the amp. The science & engineering behind their speakers is top notch. As well as all other gear produced, even the mt-10, men220, cables, tuner too. They are still more of an engineering company that's beginning to market themselves better, and not vice versa.

Anyway, 871 with a "denon inside" has better performance than a denon. And if results are concerned, you've paid your money's worth.

If esoteric is a step up from the mc in the views of the respected folks here, then so be it, however, mc is a company that deserves full respect for what they have done with their gear, and also appropriately priced.

IMHO, you cannot replace the "mc sound" with other gear no matter where you look- others within the same price range may be different- and may suit others more, but hardly considered "better".

With mc, you are paying for engineering & r&d, aesthetics, and sound. To add further, service, longevity, and a company with very rich heritage, made in the usa with a high head count, amongst many other elements that make mcintosh what it is. There's just so much more to consider, and with all that, reasonably priced. You know this is a company to back and support no matter which phase of your hobby/profession/life you are in. Just my thoughts.

Thanks.

Sent from my iPhone using A.Aficionado

[jdandy]

enit.......I agree with you.

[Car commander]

Macintosh has a house sound and look. If you like it cool. I thinks it's performance can be bettered for less money. Not that my system is less money. None of this stuff is "value" it's just something you do if you can. I have heard McIntosh speakers with their gear and was not impressed. All just my opinion. Now donning my flame suit. LOL.

[jdandy]

Jim.......No flame suit required. You are entitled to your opinion. If it was only about McIntosh, there would not be much variety. We all row our own boat.

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by jdandy

enit.......I agree with you.

I definitely second that.

Pete

[Volks]

Originally Posted by jdandy

enit.......I agree with you.

[djwhog]

Wow I am in the camp that I like the sound of all MC gear. to each his or her own.

Never have had any failures in over 20 years on any McIntosh gear I own. My now deceased ex neighbor has his gear from the mid 60s and it was while I helped care for him and his 80 year old wife I fell in love with this stuff at his house listening to Bach, Mozart, and other classical music.