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#31
12-09-2018, 08:26 PM
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Just a quick update here as I'm still trying to ensure the unit is fully broken in across all upsampling rates .... Had some friends over recently and everyone still agreed that the EMM Labs was still in the lead. Then, last week I finally took the leap and replaced all my stock or fairly cheap AQ NRG4 power cords with Transparent Reference Cords and added the Reference Isolator being fed by an XL Powercord. Obviously I wasn't much on the power cord bandwagon before but I get it now ... one of the biggest changes I've ever made to the system! That said ... with all new power cords in place I flipped over to the K-01XS and noticed that the gap between the EMM Labs DA-2 Ref and the K-01XS has been substantially narrowed. Maybe even to the point of it being really hard to tell. Will make sure I finish getting enough hours across all upsampling rates before I do another shoot out but the Esoteric did seem to benefit substantially more from a better PC than did the EMM Labs. More to come ...
George
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Wilson Audio Sasha 2|Pair of BalancedForce212's ML No536|ML No52 Reference VPI Avenger Plus w/ Transfiguration Proteus Esoteric D-02X|Aurender N100H|Esoteric K-01xs MIT Oracle SC and IC Transparent Reference Power 
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#32
12-09-2018, 11:07 PM
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Congrats George!!
__________________
Analog Sources - ClearAudio Innovation Turntable, Silver, 9" Universal arm, 9" Magnify arm Benz-Micro SLR Gullwing cartridge, Kiseki Purple Heart cartridge, Zesto Andros 1.2 phono preamp. Digital Sources - SonicTransporter i5 music server running Roon software, Sonore Signature Rendu SE Network Bridge, PS Audio DirestStream Dac (Snowmass firmware). Pre and Power - Audio Research Ref 6 Preamp, Audio Research GS150 Amplifier. Speakers - Martin Logan Expression 13A, Martin Logan Balanced Force 212 sub. Cables and Accessories - WireWorld Eclipse 7 Speaker Cables. WireWorld & Nordost Interconnects. GIK Acoustics Soffit traps, Q7D Diffusors, 244 as cloud traps. Furutech GTX-D NCF Rhodium Outlets (x2), PS Audio P10 Power Regenerator(x2) Shunyata and WireWorld Power cords. HRS S3 Isolation platforms (x3).
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#33
12-11-2018, 07:26 AM
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Quote:
George
__________________
Wilson Audio Sasha 2|Pair of BalancedForce212's ML No536|ML No52 Reference VPI Avenger Plus w/ Transfiguration Proteus Esoteric D-02X|Aurender N100H|Esoteric K-01xs MIT Oracle SC and IC Transparent Reference Power
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#34
12-21-2018, 08:04 AM
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Final Update ... well things here have taken a bit of a turn...
As I got my power and isolation platform in place the k-01xs really took on a new personality. I also realized that I hadn't used the same interconnects with it that I had the EMM Labs so I fixed that also. Now I immediately noticed that the depth and width of the sound stage was every bit as good as the EMM Labs which is really saying something. The EMM Labs may have still had a bit of an edge on low level detail and placement of images but the Esoteric in my system now was more dynamic and the images were more solid. Both units sounds fairly neutral until you listen to them back to back then you realize that there is in fact a tad bit more warmth to the Esoteric than the EMM Labs. Some will like one better than the other as with certain music each sound has its merits. The EMM Labs still maybe had a taller sound stage but they are close. The Esoteric also is stronger in the bass department. Some of my friends I think liked the bass from the EMM Labs better saying it was more detailed but I thought the bass extension had plenty of detail with the Esoteric and I got hooked on the Authority and weight of the Esoteric. So ... maybe surprisingly to some, I got to where every time I went back to the EMM Labs I wasn't tapping my feet as much and getting as lost in the music as I was with the Esoteric. One thing is for sure... they are both great units but to me this underscores the incredible value the K=01XS brings to the table when it can even complete with a DAC of this calibre and price range. So...the EMM Labs has found a new home and I'm a happy Esoteric listener now. There is a footnote here ... I called Ivan to discuss options and you can guess what happened next ... I now have a D-02X on the way after the first of the year which we believe will take the sound to the next level. Once that gets settled in I'll probably swap out the K-01XS as a transport for the P-02X to fully unlock the potential of my CD and small but growing SACD collection. So .. that's a wrap folks and hope all of you have a wonder Merry Christmas and an awesome New Year! George
__________________
Wilson Audio Sasha 2|Pair of BalancedForce212's ML No536|ML No52 Reference VPI Avenger Plus w/ Transfiguration Proteus Esoteric D-02X|Aurender N100H|Esoteric K-01xs MIT Oracle SC and IC Transparent Reference Power
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#35
12-21-2018, 08:09 AM
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Thank you for your review.
__________________
Magnepan 3.7 with modified crossovers.Esoteric A-02. Esoteric C03xs. Esoteric K-03x. Esoteric G-02x. Cary Audio 500.1 Solid State Monoblocks. Cary Audio Tube Preamp. Linn Majik DS Streamer. Linn Fm Tuner. McIntosh 1700 Tuner. TTW Turntable with Jelco ARM Modified 11 inch. Ortofon Quintet Black Cartridge. Aesthetic IO with Single Separate power supply. A pair of JL Audio F113, PS Audio P 10 Power Conditioner. PS Audio Dectet. Ps Audio Power Port Outlets. PS Audio Noise Harvesters. Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 XLR Cables. Gold Eclipse 6 Speaker Cables.Silver Electra 7 Power Cables. GIK acoustics Sound Panels. Omnimount 42 u Rack with AC Infinity fans and controllers. A work in Progress.
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#37
12-21-2018, 09:57 AM
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Well done, George. I like that the review was conducted over a period of 10 days or so plus you had extra ears to assist. Glad to hear the Esoteric held it’s own against more expensive competition.
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Gary Accuphase E-650; Lumin A1; JLA F112v2; Accuphase DAC-50; BlueSound Node 2i; Roon; Wireworld; Shunyata Delta NR; Tannoy Canterbury GR
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#38
12-21-2018, 11:52 AM
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Quote:
 George
__________________
Wilson Audio Sasha 2|Pair of BalancedForce212's ML No536|ML No52 Reference VPI Avenger Plus w/ Transfiguration Proteus Esoteric D-02X|Aurender N100H|Esoteric K-01xs MIT Oracle SC and IC Transparent Reference Power
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#39
12-21-2018, 01:17 PM
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Wow George!! Congrats on all the changes and improvements.
__________________
Analog Sources - ClearAudio Innovation Turntable, Silver, 9" Universal arm, 9" Magnify arm Benz-Micro SLR Gullwing cartridge, Kiseki Purple Heart cartridge, Zesto Andros 1.2 phono preamp. Digital Sources - SonicTransporter i5 music server running Roon software, Sonore Signature Rendu SE Network Bridge, PS Audio DirestStream Dac (Snowmass firmware). Pre and Power - Audio Research Ref 6 Preamp, Audio Research GS150 Amplifier. Speakers - Martin Logan Expression 13A, Martin Logan Balanced Force 212 sub. Cables and Accessories - WireWorld Eclipse 7 Speaker Cables. WireWorld & Nordost Interconnects. GIK Acoustics Soffit traps, Q7D Diffusors, 244 as cloud traps. Furutech GTX-D NCF Rhodium Outlets (x2), PS Audio P10 Power Regenerator(x2) Shunyata and WireWorld Power cords. HRS S3 Isolation platforms (x3).
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#40
12-21-2018, 05:53 PM
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George... no worries about feeling anything but flabbergasted.
 This Combo is at the insane level of Performance. 
__________________
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 SUBS(2) LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" MOTORIZED SCREEN, CINEMA-TECH SEATING, WIREWORLD PLATINUM CABLES Reference System: ACCUPHASE A250 AMPS, C3850 PRE-AMP, DP950 CD/SACD TRANSPORT, DC950 DIGITAL PROCESSOR, DG-58 DIGITAL EQUALIZER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, PS530 POWER SUPPLY, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, WIREWORLD 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 SUBS(2) JL FATHOM F113 SUBS(4) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" SCREEN, SONUS FABER STRADIVARI, SILENZIO, FORTRESS SEATING, WIREWORLD 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, WIREWORLD PLATINUM CABLES Reference System: BURMESTER 911MK3 AMP(3), 088 PRE-AMP, 089 CD PLAYER, 100 PHONO PRE-AMP, 948 POWER CONDITIONER, AVID ACUTUS REFERENCE SP TT, GRAHAM PHANTOM II SUPREME ARM, BENZ MICRO LP-S CART, GRANDIOSO P1/D1 STACK, G01X RUBIDIUM MASTER CLOCK, N05 NETWORK PLAYER, SILENZIO, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, SONUS FABER AIDA SPEAKERS, JL FATHOM F113(2) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) PS AUDIO P20, WIREWORLD PLATINUM CABLES Library System: GRANDIOSO M1 MONOBLOCK AMPS, C1 LINESTAGE PRE-AMP, K1 CD/SACD PLAYER, G1 MASTER RUBIDIUM CLOCK, E02 PHONO-PRE, SILENZIO, AERIAL ACOUSTICS 20T V2, AERIAL SW12 SUBS(2), CANTON REF K1, VPI HRX TT w/ SDS POWER SUPPLY, ORTOFON CADENZA BLACK CART, KLAUDIO RCM, SHUNYATA PS8, WIREWORLD PLATINUM CABLES Bryston/Esoteric System: ESOTERIC C02-X PRE-AMP, P-02X TRANSPORT, D02-X DAC, G02-X CLOCK, BRYSTON 28B3 CUBED MONOBLOCK AMPS, BIT-15(2) AMR-DP777-SE DAC, SILENZIO, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, QUADRASPIRE RACK, WIREWORLD PLATINUM CABLES Accuphase/Canton System: ACCUPHASE E-650 INTEGRATED, DP750 CD/SACD PLAYER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, PS530 POWER SUPPLY, CANTON REF K3, CANTON REF K5, SILENZIO, HRS MXR REFERENCE MAHOGHANY RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, WIREWORLD GOLD CABLES Bryston Active System: BP26 PRE-AMP, MPS2 POWER SUPPLY, BAX-1 CROSSOVER, BDA-3 DAC, BDP-3 PLAYER, BCD-3 CD PLAYER, BIT15(2), MODEL T ACTIVE SPEAKERS, 21B3 CUBED AMPS, SILENZIO, TARGET RACK, WIREWORLD SILVER CABLES
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