Can you match the P-03U with current DAC like the ESOTERIC D-02X without losing DVD-A play?

Is the P-02x still available?

Yes, just long wait times.

The P-02X and P-05X are no longer in production. That’s what Keith Haas (US rep for Esoteric) told me last month.

The P-02X is still available; I just received mine, after a 5 month wait!

Yes. Old stock. I can assure you that Keith did not lie to me. No longer in production.

Copy paste:

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On August 28, 2020 at 10:31 AM, Keith Haas <keith.haas@us.onkyo.com> wrote:

Good morning.

Esoteric’s proprietary ES Link is the highest resolution signal path in our product line, that is true. I can tell what you are looking to achieve, but I want to make you aware that the P-05X and P-02X were just recently taken out of production, though there may be units out in the marketplace still available for sale which is why they are still reflected on the brands website. The only separate SACD transport going forward will be the P1X from the Grandioso series. So if you are looking to secure a P-05X, you are probably going to want to act on that right away. I am sorry to put pressure that kind of pressure on you.

I am not sure on this or the prior question on use of D-02 (earlier non-X) unit or "other more current DAC") pairing with the P-03X giving full DVD-A playback as I never tried.

Please ask Esoteric for the definitive answer.

I know for a fact (confirmed by Esoteric) that you can combine certain units (P-02 transport and D1 DACs for example) for a stepped upgrade path but there are certain functions that were not available until you stepped up to the matching later unit (ES-LINK4 functionality due to lack of dual HDMI outs obviously on P-02). As DVD-A is such a situation but in a reverse perspective purely at the protocol level, it is best to check with the vendor directly to avoid surprises).

I didn't end up buying the esoteric p-03u & d-03 combo but still keen to get a esoteric p-03u with a later model DAC which will connect and play DVD-A. Any recommendation of which DAC will do the job??