AXPONA 2015 - Favorite Room

[JimmyS]

If I had to pick one, it was the Wilson / D'Agostino / dcs setup.

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by bart

Thank you.
I'm looking for a new SACD player and it's on my shortlist.
Together with Esoteric and Accuphase.

Bart, I vote Esoteric

[bart]

Douglas, I think all three are terrific players.
It just depends on what you like most.

In "Stereo", there was a double test of the K-03x against the T+A.
They found that the Esoteric had a little more detail and sounded a bit more analytical.
The T+A was a bit on the warm side and had more bottom end power.
But both were excellent.

The Accuphase might lean more toward the T+A if I understand the reviews so far.

The T+A and the K-03x are both 13,000€ here, the Accuphase DP-720 will be a couple of thousands more.

[audio bill]

Another serious contender in this category is the Luxman D-08u CD/SACD/DAC which was on demo at AXPONA with CAT electronics and Vivid Giya G3 speakers. Absolutely stunning sound, that with a redbook CD fooled me into thinking that the turntable was playing (it was spinning but the arm was raised off the record!) I was a bit embarrassed! The Luxman lists for $18,000 in the US. I already own the superb C-900u preamp, so I know the quality of gear that Luxman is currently producing.

[Bavarian05]

Originally Posted by audio bill

Another serious contender in this category is the Luxman D-08u CD/SACD/DAC which was on demo at AXPONA with CAT electronics and Vivid Giya G3 speakers. Absolutely stunning sound, that with a redbook CD fooled me into thinking that the turntable was playing (it was spinning but the arm was raised off the record!) I was a bit embarrassed! The Luxman lists for $18,000 in the US. I already own the superb C-900u preamp, so I know the quality of gear that Luxman is currently producing.

I was very impressed by that piece and the room in general with the Stillpoints Aperture panels too.

[bart]

Originally Posted by audio bill

Another serious contender in this category is the Luxman D-08u CD/SACD/DAC which was on demo at AXPONA with CAT electronics and Vivid Giya G3 speakers. Absolutely stunning sound, that with a redbook CD fooled me into thinking that the turntable was playing (it was spinning but the arm was raised off the record!) I was a bit embarrassed! The Luxman lists for $18,000 in the US. I already own the superb C-900u preamp, so I know the quality of gear that Luxman is currently producing.

You are totally right.
I forgot that one.
It is a wonderful piece, and gets top reviews too.
The advantage: my dealer has all of them: Luxman, Esoteric, T+A, Accuphase...

[audio bill]

bart - I'd be very interested in your opinion if you are able to compare these top players at your dealer. Here in the US these players are few and far between, so it's almost impossible to find them to audition all in one place. Thanks in advance for your time!

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by bart

Douglas, I think all three are terrific players.
It just depends on what you like most.

In "Stereo", there was a double test of the K-03x against the T+A.
They found that the Esoteric had a little more detail and sounded a bit more analytical.
The T+A was a bit on the warm side and had more bottom end power.
But both were excellent.

The Accuphase might lean more toward the T+A if I understand the reviews so far.

The T+A and the K-03x are both 13,000€ here, the Accuphase DP-720 will be a couple of thousands more.

Choices, choices, very nice problem to have. Regards, Douglas

[bart]

Originally Posted by Douglas

Choices, choices, very nice problem to have. Regards, Douglas

Douglas, most of us here on this site are very lucky bastards indeed!

[bart]

Originally Posted by audio bill

bart - I'd be very interested in your opinion if you are able to compare these top players at your dealer. Here in the US these players are few and far between, so it's almost impossible to find them to audition all in one place. Thanks in advance for your time!

Bill, that might be a bit hard.
I don't think all of these contenders will be at the same moment in the same shop (he has 2 shops).
I'll do my best and try to report back!

By the way I'm not too surprised by your experience at Axpona.
I recently read a comparison in 'Stereo'.
A 17K turntable was compared to a 17K digital source.
There were a dozen or so people, readers of the magazine, listening.
Good pressings (vinyl) and good remasters were played.
The listeners could hardly distinguish digital from analogue.