[jdandy]

Originally Posted by AMP

I'm in the market for a CD transport and am currently using a Wadia 571 which is on loan from my dealer. It's performing admirably and I have no complaints.


When I started thinking about the cost of the 571 I realized that for a few dollars more I could get an Esoteric K-03 and use its digital output to my DAC for CDs while at the same time gaining SACD playback.

I understand that as an SACD player the K-03 is outstanding, but I've read some comments that its redbook performance isn't on the same level. I vaguely remember reading a comment or review in which someone tested the K-03's digital output when playing a CD and ended up with performance similar to playback through the unit's internal DAC. Any truth to this or am I imagining it?

In other words is there a fundamental problem with the transport and supporting circuitry in the K-03 when it comes to redbook performance? Any potential issues with using the K-03 primarily as a transport?

AMP.......If you have not read my review http://www.audioaficionado.org/esote...h-mcd1100.html, you may gain some insight into its redbook CD playback qualities. The redbook playback of the K-03 is exceptional, even compared to the McIntosh MCD1100. It would be accurate to say redbook does not equal the K-03's SACD playback, but then redbook (PCM) is not SACD (DSD) is it?

Why anyone would want to use the Esoteric K-03 as a transport only is a complete mystery to me. The eight AKM 4399 DAC’s in the K-03 produce astonishing lifelike sound, be it redbook, SACD, hi-res from a music server or hi-res via USB. There is no fundamental problem with Esoteric's newest VRDS-NEO VMK-3.5-10 transport, either. I'm not sure what information is triggering your doubt, but my experience with the K-03 has been nothing short of phenomenal.