Power Cord & Interconnects for K-Series CDP

[Ritmo]

I'm using Shunyata Z-Cobra. Sounds fantastic. Did not use the OEM cord.

[kiwi_1282001]

I appreciate all the replies and note with great interest the variety of replies given.

It seems - though not precise I know - that those of you with warmer amplification aka Macintosh downstream are drawn to quite neutral cable solutions (PC & IC) and those with neutral amplification aka Dartzeel / ASR / Mark Levinson downstream seem drawn to a warmer cabling solutions.

In many respects your replies underpin a thesis I am building on the character of the Esoteric K-03, a side of the K-03 (and probably the K-01 too by extension) which I've not seen any review cover in detail.

My amplification is Gryphon – which is virtually (and quite sadly in my opinion) unknown in the US market, but it sits firmly in the later camp. No surprise then whose recommendations I will be weighing more heavily. Time to beg / steal / borrow some cables….

My thanks again for all replies.

[Car commander]

Originally Posted by Washline

I'm using Purist Audio Design Dominus for PC and PAD Aqueous Anniversary for interconnects. A very full and satisfying sound in all dimensions. You might try the Cable Company and sample some options for your SACDP to see what works best for you. I settled on SLDY1 filter with no upsampling. This is from my perspective the best setting by far for this player. I tried all 16 variations in coming to this determination. It also just happens to confirm the findings of Arthur Salvatore's reported testing of the player.

I am using these same setting after much playing with it. I think the KS elation stuff if pretty neutral. I tend to go toward neutral gear. Some people do enjoy the colorations it's just harder to get dialed in IMHO.

[Good Times]

You're building a thesis on the K-03? I'm interested to hear of this side of the K-03 not covered in reviews. Also I wouldn't associate any characteristics to the K-01 simply because of its lineage without lengthy audition.

[budt]

Originally Posted by Good Times

You're building a thesis on the K-03? I'm interested to hear of this side of the K-03 not covered in reviews. Also I wouldn't associate any characteristics to the K-01 simply because of its lineage without lengthy audition.

Unfortunately the only way to have a lengthy audition of the K-01 is to buy it. The K-03 is so good in my system I am almost afraid to " upgrade" to the K-01 in case it doesn't sound as good in my system.
Also, what are you talking about when you mention you would like to hear the side of the K-03 not covered in reviews?

[Car commander]

Normally your comments about "lineage" are true. Not in this case. I had a K-03 for 6 months. The K-01 outperforms it in every way. There is a review in the Absolute Sound saying this as well. I am not aware of a "Dark Side" to either player. They are expensive.

[Good Times]

CC, what I mean is that any conclusions drawn in terms of which PC or IC is best for the K-03 doesn't automatically make that the best choice for the K-01.

Bud, Kiwi eludes to the power cable being omitted from reviews, so I'm interested to hear his/her findings on the subject.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by Car commander

Normally your comments about "lineage" are true. Not in this case. I had a K-03 for 6 months. The K-01 outperforms it in every way. There is a review in the Absolute Sound saying this as well. I am not aware of a "Dark Side" to either player. They are expensive.

+1

I currently own both the K03 & K01 (same home, different system)

[kiwi_1282001]

Hi Guys,

To clarify, I am interested in exploring and also learning from others experience - how various power cords (in particular) and interconnects (more generally) impact the performance of the Esoteric K-Series Super Audio CD/CD player.

I now personally own a K-03 and have easy access to a K-01

The genesis for this thread was the shock I received with my usual go-to PC's & IC's (Nordost Valhalla) when I found that they did not sit comfortably with the Esoteric CDP. This set forth a search for alternatives and ignited some investigation into just how sensitive the Esoteric CDP is to power cords? From early findings it seems the power cord maketh the CDP.....

Hope this sets the discussion back on track.

[raidho]

the power cord from the source IS the more important in a stereo system.

this cable give a sound improvement like not other.

invest money in the power cord for the source make a lot more sesne vs a powercord for the power ampli!!!


you can find so much cables brands and is not easy say this one is the top...
but what is sure is the to listen with a improvement at first change the cable from the source, than a pre and sure last the ampli power cord.