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CD Players, Digital Music & Servers Aurender, dCs, Esoteric, Lumin. |
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#1
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"E" vs Olive vs K03
The "E" (eSilentPC) is the custom made Music/Media Server (+) by AA's very own Emile.
The Olive is the Olive 04 - now superseded by the Olive 05 ($3,000). The K03 is the Esoteric CD/SACD/DAC. My evaluation test was to take the CD The Well by Jennifer Warnes and A/B the Olive with the K03 and then the "E" all using the Esoteric DAC. Olive: Dan and others have reviewed the Olive through the MCD1100 and the K03 and I very much agree that it is a very nice combination. The Olive is quite quirky but most of its quirks can be cured by a hard rebooting. I am not pleased that Olive no longer has its phone number available and some members have questioned its longevity and response to our inquiries. I continually back up my Olive on a separate hard drive but found out that it does NOT back up the Metadata. When you get into the back up hard drive it only shows CD plus a lot of numbers. If the Olive had a total hard drive failure, I could recover all of the music on the CD's from my back up but not the Metadata. Consequentially, it would be just as easy to record all (500+) CD's over again as it would be to enter all the metadata manually - Bummer. The "E" has a 2 x 3TB mirrored NAS storage so my worries are now over. So, I played the "The Panther" from the Olive, as I have done many times, through the KO3 and thought this is pretty good and quite impressive for the average listener. Esoteric K03: Everybody loves this baby. I played the actual CD, selecting "The Panther" and both Valerie and I thought it was slightly better with more openness and clearer detail. Any audiophile listener would agree that it sounded terrific. "E" (eSilentPC): Because everything inside the E is state of the art, I thought it might sound as good as the K03 but hoped it would, at least, be an improvement over the Olive. I want to use the word "Astonishing" but that might affect my credibility like using the word "Awesome" often does. It is so good that I cannot imagine ever using the transport on my Esoteric once I have the CD on the "E". I am absolutely convinced that every little "bit" on the original CD is now on my E. I think "E" stands for: Excellence in Communication Excellence in Construction and Quality Excellence in Knowledge of computers and audio Excellence in follow-thru Excellence in caring that you are completely satisfied and comfortable My computer knowledge, on a scale of 1 - 10 (with 10 being the best) is about a 2. Emile's main objectives are communication and product quality. In my layman's understanding, The "E" sounds so much better because it is free from any effect of heat, vibration and noise. The NAS is located in my den which is 40' from the entertainment center. I ran a CAT6 cable (100') long from the center, via the attic, to the den. It could also be simply done by using WiFi. At first I thought, "Oh my Gosh, what have I gotten into". My first e-mail to E was answered within 1 minute. Every other communication was the same way. I went from extremely nervous to confident in a short time. For example, I would e-mail him with a SHOW MY PC number and, in less than a minute, he was on my 56" Panasonic Plasma totally controlling my system. He would write what he was doing on the Notepad and show me with the cursor how everything worked. He would even save the notepad to my desktop. I cannot say enough wonderful things about him. He has unlimited patience and excels as a teacher. Apparently, the E, is capable of handling any digital format including DVD, Blueray, and Hi Rez, etc. I will let E answer the technical questions, but I know he can customize your eSilentPC to do whatever you may desire. The E copies are virtually 100% perfect. The ripping process takes longer and required a few simple steps but, I guess, that is the price of perfection. The silver (also in black) looks fantastic with the Esoteric and the Pass electronics. It would be great with the Bryston or anything else. It is rock solid and, if it were 4 times the price, it would be a bargain. The Synology NAS looks terrific on my desk and is very, very quiet. My system has changed recently so I am including some pictures of the Black/Silver combination. |
#2
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Awesome !!.... Oops. There goes my credibility . But seriously, thanks for the excellent review. I have been curious about the eSilentPC myself. So nice to see it blossom here through AA.
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Preamp: McIntosh C1100T/C1100C, McIntosh MX180 Amp: McIntosh MC611 (2), MC601 (3), MI254 Digital: McIntosh D1100, McIntosh MCT450, Meridian 808v6, Aurender N20, Aurender ACS10, Oppo 203 Analog: McIntosh MT10, Hana Umami Red Phono preamp: Simaudio Moon 610LP, 820S Signal cables: WW Gold Eclipse 7 speaker cables; Shunyata Sigma v2 XLR (2); Sigma v1 XLR (2), Transparent Ref XL (MM2) XLR; WW Silver Eclipse 7 (4) Digital cables: Shunyata Omega USB, Omega Ethernet, Sigma Ethernet; WW Platinum 7 Coax, AES/EBU Switch: Innuos PhoenixNet Power: Audioquest Niagara 7000, Audioquest 5000, Audioquest Dragon, Hurricane PC, Shunyata Alpha HC, AQ NRG Edison outlets, (8) 20 amp dedicated lines, 125 amp subpanel Speakers: Wilson Sasha DAW, Dynaudio Contour 30, Dynaudio Contour 25C Subs: REL s/812 (6), REL s/510 (3) Accessories: HRS M3X2 shelf (MT10), Stillpoints Ultra II v2 w/ bases (21), Ultra SS (12), Mini (12), LPi v1 Sound treaments: Artnovion Last edited by j3brow; 12-23-2013 at 03:19 PM. |
#3
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Excellent write up and thanks for sharing.
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Dennis C500, MX123, MC501 (2), MC207, MCD500, Silenzio, Bryston BDA3, Shunyata Denali 6000/S, Panasonic UB900, Canton Reference 3K, Canton Reference 50K, Fresco, Descent |
#4
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Howard, What a review! I am flattered. Thank you for the kind words, and it continues to be a pleasure to bring you closer to audio nirvana. Quote:
I forgot just how beautiful your setup is... the eSilentPC looks great in that rig!
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Main: McIntosh XRT1K MDA1000 MC402 | JL F113 | Bryston BUC-1 | WireWorld Cabling | RGPC1200C | PPP
Office: Bel Canto S300iu 24/96 | KEF LS50 | REL R218 | WW Mini Eclipse | 18 TB Media Server Mobile: McIntosh MX406 MDA5000 MCD4000 MCC420M | JM Lab/Focal Utopia Last edited by -E-; 12-23-2013 at 04:45 PM. |
#5
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You have a beautiful system setup! Can you share the approximate cost of the eSilentPC? Of course I realize it will vary depending upon the options selected. Happy holidays to all!
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#6
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Prices start at $3199 which includes the eSilentPC, 2-drive business-class NAS, remote setup, configuration, support, training, etc.
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Main: McIntosh XRT1K MDA1000 MC402 | JL F113 | Bryston BUC-1 | WireWorld Cabling | RGPC1200C | PPP
Office: Bel Canto S300iu 24/96 | KEF LS50 | REL R218 | WW Mini Eclipse | 18 TB Media Server Mobile: McIntosh MX406 MDA5000 MCD4000 MCC420M | JM Lab/Focal Utopia |
#7
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Howard... Congrad's on a World Class setup; great review too!
E... Nicely done, thanks for taking care of us here on AA!
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Ivan FLORIDA MX136, MC1.2KW(10) MC2KW(2), MCD1100, MS750(2) MVP881, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, HT-2 SUBS(2) HT3F(2) WS350(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) XCS350(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" MOTORIZED SCREEN, CINEMA-TECH SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES Reference System: ACCUPHASE A300 AMPS, C3900 PRE-AMP, DP1000 CD/SACD TRANSPORT, DC1000 DIGITAL PROCESSOR, DG-68 DIGITAL EQUALIZER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, PS1230 POWER SUPPLY, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, WW PLATINUM CABLES CAPE COD MX150, MC501(2) MC1.2KW(10) MC2301(2) MR88, MVP881, MCD1100, MDA1000, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, ESOTERIC K-01X 30th ANNIVERSARY (BLACK) SACD/CD PLAYER, G02-X CLOCK, HT3F(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(4) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) KALEIDESCAPE STRATO & TERRA SERVERS 80-TB, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" SCREEN, SONUS FABER STRADIVARI, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, FORTRESS SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES Analog Rig: CLEARAUDIO INNOVATION WOOD, UNIVERSAL ARM w/ Da VINCI' CART, 2nd UNIVERSAL ARM w/ GOLDFINGER STATEMENT CART, HRS-MXR REFERENCE RACK-GLOSS BLACK w/ M3X SHELVES, AESTHETIX RHEA SIG PHONO-PRE, BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, WW PLATINUM CABLES Reference System: BURMESTER 911MK3 AMP(3), 088 PRE-AMP, 089 CD PLAYER, 100 PHONO PRE-AMP, 948 POWER CONDITIONER, ACCUPHASE DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, AVID ACUTUS REFERENCE SP TT, GRAHAM PHANTOM II SUPREME ARM, BENZ MICRO LP-S CART, GRANDIOSO P1X/D1X STACK, G1X RUBIDIUM MASTER CLOCK, N05 NETWORK PLAYER, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, SONUS FABER AIDA SPEAKERS, JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(2) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) WW PLATINUM CABLES Library System: GRANDIOSO M1 MONOBLOCK AMPS, C1 LINESTAGE PRE-AMP, K1X CD/SACD PLAYER, G1 MASTER RUBIDIUM CLOCK, E02 PHONO-PRE, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, AERIAL ACOUSTICS 20T V2, AERIAL SW12 SUBS(2), CANTON REF K1’s, VPI HRX TT w/ SDS POWER SUPPLY, ORTOFON CADENZA BLACK CART, KLAUDIO RCM, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2, SHUNYATA OMEGA QR’s, WW PLATINUM CABLES Esoteric/Bryston System: ESOTERIC C02-X PRE-AMP, P-02X TRANSPORT, D02-X DAC, G02-X CLOCK, BRYSTON 28B3 CUBED MONOBLOCK AMPS(4), BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2(2) EVEREST 8000 POWER CONDITIONER(2) ALTAIRA CG & SG HUBS, AMR-DP777-SE DAC, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, QUADRASPIRE RACK, WW PLATINUM CABLES Accuphase/Canton System: ACCUPHASE E800 INTEGRATED, DP570 CD/SACD PLAYER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, PS530 POWER SUPPLY, CANTON REF K3’s, CANTON REF K5’s, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS MXR REFERENCE MAHOGHANY RACK w/ M3X2 SHELVES, WW GOLD CABLES |
#8
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Thanks, Howard.
I may need to look into this! I also have the K-03 and would like to experiment with a music server configuration. |
#9
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Very nice article Howard! It is pretty obvious this is the way to go!
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Marantz( UD8004,AV8802a ), Oppo udp 203 JLAudio Fathom F-110, B&W( 802 series III , FCMS8, SCMS8) . WireWorld Eclipse 6 xlr(7) Sliver Eclipse 5.2 HDMI (3) electra 5.2 powercords . HRS Nimbus , lg 55 Oled Nvidia Shield PS Audio PPP System 2 Panasonic G25 Marantz av8003 |
#10
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Howard.......What a fabulous sound system you have built. Your ability to maintain symmetry in your alcoves and rack has always impressed me. I really need to get to Naples for a visit. I would love to hear your system.
Thanks for sharing the details of the eSilentPC. Your comments have piqued my interest.
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Dan STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113 VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A |
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