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  #11  
Old 11-15-2017, 06:17 AM
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Originally Posted by brodricj View Post
I have Kaleidescape so those internet and computer based audio issues are not relevant to me. I can't tell the difference between streaming from Kaleidescape to my N01 compared with PS Audio Direcstream Memory Player to the DAC. But Kaleidescape wins hands down in the end user experience compared with disc spinning. Which has drawn me to doubt the requirement for a disc spinner at all.
Choices are a beautiful thing!!!
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  #12  
Old 11-18-2017, 11:17 AM
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Originally Posted by SCAudiophile View Post
I am with you....friends with advanced streaming setups including Tidal Hirez, Roon setups and even MQA have stopped by and plugged into my setup. NOTHING has sounded better than playback from physical media here. I remain totally unimpressed by the "state of the art" in computer based and network streamed audio.

What help do you need?
+1
Totally agree, nothing sounds better than playback from physical media and even better if you play with Esoteric VRDS transports.
My K-03X sounds terrific, at this moment i definitely stop download FLAC/WAV files and starts to buy SACD, DVD-A and CD's again and more than ever.
With the DVD-A i spinning that discs with my Oppo 105D but i use the K-03X dac via COAX for optimum results
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  #13  
Old 11-18-2017, 11:56 AM
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I may be in the minority here, but I honestly don't here a discernible difference between playing a CD on my K-03X directly and using it as a DAC playing the same title ripped via EAC to my server. Throw in the convenience of using Roon or JRiver as the front end GUI and it's somewhat of a no-brainer for me. In either case, the K-03X is the strongest link in the chain and will always be engaged when I'm doing critical listening (I have other DACs and sources).
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  #14  
Old 11-18-2017, 07:31 PM
aardvarkbark aardvarkbark is offline
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Originally Posted by scirica View Post
...the K-03X is the strongest link in the chain and will always be engaged when I'm doing critical listening...
GSO - I concur with this sentiment. I have two systems, both comprised of CD player, integrated amp, speakers. The one constant is the K-03X. The superior DAC gives me comfort should I (or my heirs) ever wish to rip my collection. A couple of respected audio reviewers have called it 'the last cd player you'll ever own'.

Ivan knows all there is to know about differences b/t 03, 05, 07, and can probably refer you to owners for their thoughts should they not see this thread. Have you called him?
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  #15  
Old 11-19-2017, 09:10 AM
brodricj brodricj is offline
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Originally Posted by aardvarkbark View Post
GSO - I concur with this sentiment. I have two systems, both comprised of CD player, integrated amp, speakers. The one constant is the K-03X. The superior DAC gives me comfort should I (or my heirs) ever wish to rip my collection. A couple of respected audio reviewers have called it 'the last cd player you'll ever own'.
I don't understand. How does K-03X have anything to do with ripping a collection?
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  #16  
Old 11-19-2017, 10:45 AM
aardvarkbark aardvarkbark is offline
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Originally Posted by brodricj View Post
I don't understand. How does K-03X have anything to do with ripping a collection?
One would rely on its superior DAC for playback of a ripped collection.
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  #17  
Old 11-19-2017, 08:07 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aardvarkbark View Post
One would rely on its superior DAC for playback of a ripped collection.


That’s right!!!
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  #18  
Old 12-18-2017, 11:51 AM
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The other BIG difference between the K-03X and K-05X is the transport. Not sure if the K-05X is an 'off-shelf' transport upgraded by Esoteric (Teac), but the K-03X transport is definitely a custom unit. Difference in weight between the two is 61# vs 41#, which is significant and likely split primarily between the transport & power supply.

Am also a 'physical media' person and am trying to decide between the two Esoteric mentioned, an Accuphase DP-560 (~50% more than a K-03X) or a McIntosh MCD550. Am leaning towards the K-05X as its slimmer chassis fits my system better and my ears have started rolling off above 15KHz and not sure I'll hear the difference.
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  #19  
Old 12-18-2017, 05:05 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2 View Post
The other BIG difference between the K-03X and K-05X is the transport. Not sure if the K-05X is an 'off-shelf' transport upgraded by Esoteric (Teac), but the K-03X transport is definitely a custom unit. Difference in weight between the two is 61# vs 41#, which is significant and likely split primarily between the transport & power supply.

Am also a 'physical media' person and am trying to decide between the two Esoteric mentioned, an Accuphase DP-560 (~50% more than a K-03X) or a McIntosh MCD550. Am leaning towards the K-05X as its slimmer chassis fits my system better and my ears have started rolling off above 15KHz and not sure I'll hear the difference.
The K05 players have an "in house" custom transport but it is not as good as the K03's transport.
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  #20  
Old 12-18-2017, 05:42 PM
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From the AA vaults --

https://www.audioaficionado.org/show...05x+K07x+Debut

In the K-01 & X is Teac's VRDS-NEO VMK-3.5-20S (Weighing 11.5 pounds (26.5 pounds including its steel base and feet)).

In the K-03 & X is Teac's VRDS-NEO VMK-3.5-10 (Transport, which by itself weighs almost 10 pounds, -- no mention of weight with steel base/feet).

In the K-05 & X there is a Teac VMK-5 (Derived from the more massive VMK-3, the VMK-5 is a lower profile, lighter-weight design but it’s essentially same in operation).

In the K-07 & X the transport is Esoterics VOSP (Vertically Aligned Optical Stability Platform).

Best sirs,

Bob
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Last edited by vintage_tube; 12-18-2017 at 06:14 PM.
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