Big jump to K-01X ? from Meridian 808.2 ?

[Still-One]

Please remember when you are talking about the Meridian 808v2 you are asking about a unit that has gone through several updates since the v2. The v3 was a major upgrade in SQ. Then there was the Anniversary Edition and the subsequnet regular volume v5 which included the upgrade to a linear power supply in addition to card changes. The unit is now at v6.

I don't know how you plan on using the units. If just as DAC and you don't care about MQA go with the Esoteric unit. If you want MQA or you might use it as a pre-amp a upgraded 808 has analog inputs and can function as a pre-amp. They are also excellent Roon endpoints. Once last point I believe the resale market on Esoteric might be a bit better than Meridian. There are just not that many buyers out there.

[michael paul]

Originally Posted by Still-One

Please remember when you are talking about the Meridian 808v2 you are asking about a unit that has gone through several updates since the v2. The v3 was a major upgrade in SQ. Then there was the Anniversary Edition and the subsequnet regular volume v5 which included the upgrade to a linear power supply in addition to card changes. The unit is now at v6.

I don't know how you plan on using the units. If just as DAC and you don't care about MQA fo with the Esoteric unit. If you want MQA or you might use it as a pre-amp a upgraded 808 has analog inputs and can function as a pre-amp. They are also excellent Roon endpoints. Once last point I believe the resale market on Esoteric might be a bit better than Meridian. There are just not that many buyers out there.

good points Still-One..i am strictly interested in cd playback..the dac is an added bonus

[robd2]

I've always wondered why Meridian didn't add SACD support to the 808. Maybe a design limitation or didn't want to make the investment? I think they accept DSD via the DAC.

[brodricj]

Originally Posted by michael paul

..i am strictly interested in cd playback..the dac is an added bonus

I narrowed my recent purchase options down to K-01X or N-01. I already have a good SACD/CD spinner but I hardly ever use it because I far prefer to spin my CD collection via a music server. It virtually sounds no different, but the convenience of a server far outweighs the inconvenience of a spinner. As good as the Esoteric spinners are I think the hardware has had its day. Music servers are the new King.

In the end it was a no brainer decision, N-01. Better AKM chip, and the prospect of embedded Spotify. So I would say, look towards the future, and as good as the Esoteric spinners are they are unlikely to be part of the future.

[JMD]

If looking strictly for a player then maybe take a look at the Directstream Memory Player.

[brodricj]

Originally Posted by JMD

If looking strictly for a player then maybe take a look at the Directstream Memory Player.

...I'd just wait a moment on that, until the next software release.