Luxman D-08 or Esoteric K-01?

[Gene]

I am pretty much down to these 2 decks. Although, still wondering about Audio Note DAC and transport combo possibility.

Anyone heard D-08 and K-01? Which do you like better?

[AndyPandy]

I'm sorry Gene, I can't help with the D 08. I have a lowly D 05 and am very happy with it. No desire to upgrade. Or money to do so ha ha.Build quality is first rate.
Both decks you mention are pretty much the top of the tree and of course the AN DAC 4.1 and above are superb. As always at this level personal preference, and system synergy, is everything.

Best let me know how you get on. Pictures would be terrific.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by AndyPandy

I'm sorry Gene, I can't help with the D 08. I have a lowly D 05 and am very happy with it. No desire to upgrade. Or money to do so ha ha.Build quality is first rate.
Both decks you mention are pretty much the top of the tree and of course the AN DAC 4.1 and above are superb. As always at this level personal preference, and system synergy, is everything.

Best let me know how you get on. Pictures would be terrific.

Thanks for your response. On another forum, a member told me a Sony PS3 game box is a better cd player than a Luxman or Audio Note. I guess folks will say whatever.

The Audio Note I am looking at is the DAC 3.1 with the CDT 3 transport. Accuphase was also recommended to me as well. I am trying to find a dealer that will let me try it out in my system before purchase currently here in NYC.

[AndyPandy]

Wise move Gene.

I have heard the AN Dac 4.1 and loved it. It really is as good or better than most analogue rigs I have heard. I'm sure the same applies to the 3.1. Very transport sensitive though. Wise going with an AN transport.

I like the Lux because it does decay well. And has SACD capacity. Oh ...and a digital in: which is very handy for the music server. Overall a cracker.

I should also say that in my experience Esoteric/Accuphase tend to be a little dryer than Luxman and the Audio Note is warmer again. Depends on your system: my Harbeths need a little bit of a kick up the jacksy - so I find the Lux has the right amount of warmth while giving me that edge that my speakers need.

If I had more "revealing" speakers (eg something with a beryllium tweeter) my preference would probably be for the AN - if I could afford it ha ha. But I tend to the warmer/musical end of the spectrum than the "accurate/forward" end.

As always - every choice is valid and it's all down to what you like. And really when you are in the rarified air of the D 08/ K 01 you can't really go wrong. AN is a top product ..but I always feel it's ...ahem....fully priced ..if you know what I mean.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by AndyPandy

Wise move Gene.

I have heard the AN Dac 4.1 and loved it. It really is as good or better than most analogue rigs I have heard. I'm sure the same applies to the 3.1. Very transport sensitive though. Wise going with an AN transport.

I like the Lux because it does decay well. And has SACD capacity. Oh ...and a digital in: which is very handy for the music server. Overall a cracker.

I should also say that in my experience Esoteric/Accuphase tend to be a little dryer than Luxman and the Audio Note is warmer again. Depends on your system: my Harbeths need a little bit of a kick up the jacksy - so I find the Lux has the right amount of warmth while giving me that edge that my speakers need.

If I had more "revealing" speakers (eg something with a beryllium tweeter) my preference would probably be for the AN - if I could afford it ha ha. But I tend to the warmer/musical end of the spectrum than the "accurate/forward" end.

As always - every choice is valid and it's all down to what you like. And really when you are in the rarified air of the D 08/ K 01 you can't really go wrong. AN is a top product ..but I always feel it's ...ahem....fully priced ..if you know what I mean.

I think perhaps the Luxman or Audio Note will be best in my system. I do prefer a more musical sound myself. And my speakers do have beryllium tweeters.

[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by Gene

I think perhaps the Luxman or Audio Note will be best in my system. I do prefer a more musical sound myself. And my speakers do have beryllium tweeters.

In that case stay away from Esoteric! The Luxman would seem ideal

[Gene]

Originally Posted by howiebrou

In that case stay away from Esoteric! The Luxman would seem ideal

Thanks for your advice. Leaning towards Luxman D-08 more and more. Do you know if service is in the U.S. or does it have to go back to Japan?

[Biggy]

Originally Posted by Gene

I think perhaps the Luxman or Audio Note will be best in my system. I do prefer a more musical sound myself. And my speakers do have beryllium tweeters.

I had a Luxman D06 before purchasing the Accuphase DP700.

Luxman sources are natural (not "hyperanalitic") but not warm sounding, they are highly neutral, if your system sounds forward they will make it sound forward.

Stay away from the Esoteric, and choose between the D08 and the warmer DP700.

[sacdfan]

Originally Posted by Biggy

I had a Luxman D06 before purchasing the Accuphase DP700.

Luxman sources are natural (not "hyperanalitic") but not warm sounding, they are highly neutral, if your system sounds forward they will make it sound forward.

Stay away from the Esoteric, and choose between the D08 and the warmer DP700.

agree with biggy. i used to have d-06 before and i felt the same as biggy

[AndyPandy]

Not sure - I live in Australia and bought mine from PriceJapan as we don't have a local dealer/distributor (an one official in any event - there are a couple local individuals that each claim to be the distributor). Because it draws only 20 w I'm happy with a quality step down torodial transformer. And the price differential was significant.

I ended up buying my Lux 550 A II from the UK. For full class A, I wanted a correct voltage unit.

I do know that the US distributor for Luxman (On a Higher Note) is highly regarded among the online audiophile community - at least on the forums. Service? Not sure your Lux will ever need anything (they are superbly engineered and build construction is exemplary) but if it does I am sure the local distributor will look after you. Whether it goes to japan or not the turn around time would be much the same: mine was arrived from Japan in 2 days - even with the Earthquake/Tsunami. Of course it spent the next 5 days coming 75 km from the airport...local courier and customs...sigh.
Please let me know how you get on.