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Old 01-19-2014, 09:57 PM
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Default Esoteric K-01 vs K-03

When I purchased an Esoteric K-03 player a year ago, I was thrilled with the improvement in detail, transparency and dynamics over my MCD500 and considered it a first purchase towards my, as yet, undetermined new audio system.

Fast forward nine months and what seemed like a great idea then suddenly looks like a hasty move... The K-03 was an excellent match with my previous system - B&W/McIntosh, and so good that it didn't occur to me at the time that I might want/need more! But my new system had (fortunately) evolved into more that I could have imagined at that time - Q3/Spectral/MIT, and seemed to call for more detail and refinement - in short, the K-01!

More research and a phone call to Ivan followed. Ivan made it happen, and a BIG THANKS for that! Suddenly I was the owner of a new K-03 and K-01 players! The system was delivered shortly before the holidays and breakin began. Now that the holidays are over and my system fully run in, something has occurred to me - my system is completely new and I have lost all points of reference I once had! So, instead of the review of the K-01 I had planned, what follows is a comparison of listening impressions of the K-01 and K-03 players.


Fanfare For The Common Man/Copeland - Mata/Dallas SO - Angel 1986 Red Book

A stunning recording made in a church in San Antonio.
K-03 - Spacious, liquid brass. Bass drum and tympani are distinct from one another. Sounds wonderful.
K-01 - There is more air around the flutes (melody) as well as all instruments. More harmonic detail is present throughout, the bows across the bass strings as well as the actual notes are audible, brass is richer, there is a greater sense of the performance space.


Stolen Moments/Blues and The Abstract Truth - Oliver Nelson - Impulse 1961 Red Book

An all time favorite recording of mine - love the music and the honest production, for the era
K-03 - Bass clean, clear - center stage. Piano distinct in background. Horns never harsh. Excellent separation and imaging.
K-01 - More immediacy, life to horns with more audible reverb. Baritone sax enters with more distinct "aura", more air around it. Piano in background has more detail - attacks more distinct. Sax sings with more "bell" in its sound.


Bach D Minor Concerto for Two Violins, 2nd Movement/Bach Concertos - Julia Fisher, ASM of F - Decca, 2009, Red Book

K-03 - Strings detailed, sweet distinct. Balance great top to bottom. Basso continuo lines with harpsichord tuneful and clear in lower registers.
K-01 - Strings have more sheen, refinement. Performance space more audible - overall sound less dry than with K-03. Lead violins more prominent, sweeter-sounding.


The Real Blues - Ray Brown Trio, Concord Jazz, 1988 SACD

Another favorite , recorded live.
K-03 - Bass finger work very clean, well balanced top to bottom, prominent slaps, piano tonally rich and present, audience in the room!
K-01 - more air, overall more open. Bass attacks more distinct, cymbal work more audible.
Overall, his was one of the closest-sounding cuts between the K-01 and K-03.


Dvorak/Symphony No 7/1st Movement - Ivan fisher, BFO - Channel Classics 2010 SACD

K-03 - Expansive sound stage. Huge dynamics. Individual instruments sound sweet. Loud ensemble passages a little congested. lots of ambience.
K-01 - More detail in double bass tone. More air , more open. Individual instruments have more character, string sections more sheen, orchestra more distinct in loud passages. More performance space ambience.


No Moon At All - Karrin Allison, Concord Jazz, 1993 SACD

K-03 - Karrin's voice, not easy to record due her soft, reserved, (yes, sexy..) tone is a little indistinct at times with some mid range overhang on my system.
K-01 - Karrin's voice is balanced and she is coherent throughout with no mids overhang.


Invitation/Blue Moon - Amad Jamal, Jazz Book Records, 2012 Red Book
Excellent modern Red Book recording with fantastic piano sounds

K-03 - delivered a somewhat dry, distinct percussive sound with lots of piano harmonics.
K-01 - More air. Piano more lively sounding, percussion instruments more detailed with stronger impacts.

Conclusion
The K-01 is undeniably more resolving. Its as if the K-03 had a sheer scrim hanging between the speakers and the listener. But it should go without saying that both players are world class; the K-03 - possibly the best value in high end players and the K-01 - perhaps the best one - box digital player/dac available today. I look forward to auditioning the G-01 clock. I am sure that will make a worthy upgrade!

Note: Both the K-03 and K-01 decks were connected to MIT Shotgun/Ztrap power cords and MIT Oracle Matrix 50 interconnects, and connected to my Spectral 30SS Series 2 preamp for playback. Also, both players were set to my preferred filters; x4 fs and S_DLY2. Ted.
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Magico Q3 plus S-Pods, Spectral DMA-500AR, DMC-30SV pre, Esoteric F-03a, Esoteric S-05, Esoteric P02X, N-01XD,
Cybershaft OP21A-D, Roon Nucleus Plus w/S-Booster LPS, Uptone Audio EtherRegen w/ LPS-1.2, MIT Oracle MA-X V2's, Oracle SHD-120 V2, Shunyata Sigma Clock 50’s, Sigma Ethernet’s, Alpha USB-V2, Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 HDMI's, MIT Oracle Z-III PC's, Z Power Bar Conditioner, Coherence Systems ADD-Powr Sorcer X4, EAU2, Furutech Flux 50 filters, GTX-D rhodium outlets, service sub panel w/ 4-30 amp dedicated circuits, Stillpoints Ultra 6, Ultra 5, Ultra SS, HRS Damping Plates, Cable Isolators, Sony XBR75ZH8.

Last edited by Yardbird; 05-22-2014 at 12:10 AM. Reason: additional information
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Old 01-19-2014, 10:04 PM
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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 v2 SUBS(2) SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" MOTORIZED SCREEN, CINEMA-TECH SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Reference System: ACCUPHASE A300 AMPS, C3900 PRE-AMP, DP1000 CD/SACD TRANSPORT, DC1000 DIGITAL PROCESSOR, DG-68 DIGITAL EQUALIZER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, PS1230 POWER SUPPLY, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, WW PLATINUM CABLES
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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 v2 SUBS(2) JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(4) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) KALEIDESCAPE STRATO & TERRA SERVERS 80-TB, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" SCREEN, SONUS FABER STRADIVARI, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, FORTRESS SEATING, WW 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, BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Reference System: BURMESTER 911MK3 AMP(3), 088 PRE-AMP, 089 CD PLAYER, 100 PHONO PRE-AMP, 948 POWER CONDITIONER, ACCUPHASE DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, AVID ACUTUS REFERENCE SP TT, GRAHAM PHANTOM II SUPREME ARM, BENZ MICRO LP-S CART, GRANDIOSO P1X/D1X STACK, G1X RUBIDIUM MASTER CLOCK, N05 NETWORK PLAYER, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, SONUS FABER AIDA SPEAKERS, JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(2) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) WW PLATINUM CABLES

Library System: GRANDIOSO M1 MONOBLOCK AMPS, C1 LINESTAGE PRE-AMP, K1X CD/SACD PLAYER, G1 MASTER RUBIDIUM CLOCK, E02 PHONO-PRE, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, AERIAL ACOUSTICS 20T V2, AERIAL SW12 SUBS(2), CANTON REF K1’s, VPI HRX TT w/ SDS POWER SUPPLY, ORTOFON CADENZA BLACK CART, KLAUDIO RCM, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2, SHUNYATA OMEGA QR’s, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Esoteric/Bryston System: ESOTERIC C02-X PRE-AMP, P-02X TRANSPORT, D02-X DAC, G02-X CLOCK, BRYSTON 28B3 CUBED MONOBLOCK AMPS(4), BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2(2) EVEREST 8000 POWER CONDITIONER(2) ALTAIRA CG & SG HUBS, AMR-DP777-SE DAC, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, QUADRASPIRE RACK, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Accuphase/Canton System: ACCUPHASE E800 INTEGRATED, DP570 CD/SACD PLAYER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, PS530 POWER SUPPLY, CANTON REF K3’s, CANTON REF K5’s, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS MXR REFERENCE MAHOGHANY RACK w/ M3X2 SHELVES, WW GOLD CABLES
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Old 01-19-2014, 10:11 PM
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Ted.......That's the kind of A/B testing and reporting I appreciate and enjoy reading. Thanks for bring it to us.
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STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario
LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113
VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A
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Old 01-19-2014, 11:06 PM
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Thanks, guys!
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Magico Q3 plus S-Pods, Spectral DMA-500AR, DMC-30SV pre, Esoteric F-03a, Esoteric S-05, Esoteric P02X, N-01XD,
Cybershaft OP21A-D, Roon Nucleus Plus w/S-Booster LPS, Uptone Audio EtherRegen w/ LPS-1.2, MIT Oracle MA-X V2's, Oracle SHD-120 V2, Shunyata Sigma Clock 50’s, Sigma Ethernet’s, Alpha USB-V2, Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 HDMI's, MIT Oracle Z-III PC's, Z Power Bar Conditioner, Coherence Systems ADD-Powr Sorcer X4, EAU2, Furutech Flux 50 filters, GTX-D rhodium outlets, service sub panel w/ 4-30 amp dedicated circuits, Stillpoints Ultra 6, Ultra 5, Ultra SS, HRS Damping Plates, Cable Isolators, Sony XBR75ZH8.
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Old 01-20-2014, 02:23 AM
2fastdriving 2fastdriving is offline
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What filter and upsample options were used?
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Old 01-20-2014, 06:55 AM
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Good and informative review Ted.
Thank you for sharing.
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Old 01-20-2014, 07:16 AM
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A very nice review.
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Old 01-20-2014, 12:13 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2fastdriving View Post
What filter and upsample options were used?
Hi. Thanks for asking - it was an oversight on my part not to have included that info and its been added to the review at the end where I talk about interconnects. Ted.
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Magico Q3 plus S-Pods, Spectral DMA-500AR, DMC-30SV pre, Esoteric F-03a, Esoteric S-05, Esoteric P02X, N-01XD,
Cybershaft OP21A-D, Roon Nucleus Plus w/S-Booster LPS, Uptone Audio EtherRegen w/ LPS-1.2, MIT Oracle MA-X V2's, Oracle SHD-120 V2, Shunyata Sigma Clock 50’s, Sigma Ethernet’s, Alpha USB-V2, Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 HDMI's, MIT Oracle Z-III PC's, Z Power Bar Conditioner, Coherence Systems ADD-Powr Sorcer X4, EAU2, Furutech Flux 50 filters, GTX-D rhodium outlets, service sub panel w/ 4-30 amp dedicated circuits, Stillpoints Ultra 6, Ultra 5, Ultra SS, HRS Damping Plates, Cable Isolators, Sony XBR75ZH8.
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Old 01-20-2014, 01:02 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Yardbird View Post

Hi. Thanks for asking - it was an oversight on my part not to have included that info and its been added to the review at the end where I talk about interconnects. Ted.
Thanks. I'm still trying to figure out which one I like best. At this point I'm liking 2fs and s_dly2. I only have had my k-03 less than a week.
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Old 01-20-2014, 01:27 PM
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Great review, Ted, thanks so much for posting!

I have spent a good deal of time listening to all the filter settings and I always come back to S_DLY2. It just sounds the most natural to my ears. The choice of native, 2x or 4x oversampling seems to come down to the quality and/or brightness of the recording. On the plus side, oversampling can make a good recording sound more holographic and lifelike. On the minus side, it can sometimes expose information in old recordings that you don't want to hear and make bright recordings sound brighter.

Best,
Ken
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