Esoteric K-03 versus McIntosh MCD1100

[Colekat]

Hey PlanarSpeakerFan - the D-02 is a great DAC, and it will sound great with most digital interfaces, but it excells with the P-02. I have owned the K-01 and I have a great server. Bottom line the, D-02/P-02 playing CD's sounds better than anything I have ever heard, I am with Jim on that!
Depending on the cable, the K-03/D-02 combo probably sounds better than the K-03 alone, I would doubt it could approach the K-01 though, and the D-02 needs the ESL3 proprietory connection to sound its best.

[PlanarSpeakerFan]

Hi Colekat,

After hearing the D-02, I can only imagine how great it sounds with the P-02. They are my dream source components. Alas, way over my budget. It will be the K-01 or K-03 and I'm sure I'll be more than happy with either one

Ken

[Colekat]

Hey Ken, You will definately enjoy either choice. I am very fortunate to have owned the K-01 and now the D-02/P-02 combo. I love Esoteric players and have acquired a taste for there sound, though not for everyone!
Please feel free to contact me, I would be glad to share any of my experiences to help you with your choice. Good listening - Tom

[Toccata]

Dan, your superb review helped to validate my recent purchase of a K-03. And believe me, the improvement over my Sony 5400ES or Oppo 105 is not subtle!

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Toccata

Dan, your superb review helped to validate my recent purchase of a K-03. And believe me, the improvement over my Sony 5400ES or Oppo 105 is not subtle!

John.......I do my best to tell it like I hear it. For me to sell my two McIntosh MCD1100's and purchase two Esoteric K-03's to replace them, I had to know the improvements were worth it. Once I completed my head to head comparison the choice was simple. My bank account cried like a little baby when I wrote the checks for the K-03's but the enjoyment I receive is worth it. Good to know you enjoyed the review.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by jdandy

John.......My bank account cried like a little baby when I wrote the checks for the K-03's but the enjoyment I receive is worth it.

I love a happy ending

[djwhog]

Chiming in here too, I was set on getting the MCD1000 since I am a McIntosh die hard and loved them when I heard them, but long story short I pulled the trigger on a K03 too, and have never looked back

They DO NOT DISAPPOINT!

[adidino]

Don't mean to surface an old thread.. but does this player now handle DSD files via USB input? I believe it was not an option on release...

[PlanarSpeakerFan]

The new Esoteric K-03X handles DSD via USB input. The K-03 does not but is upgradeable through the manufacturer. The McIntosh MCD-1100 does not and is also discontinued.

Ken

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by PlanarSpeakerFan

The new Esoteric K-03X handles DSD via USB input. The K-03 does not but is upgradeable through the manufacturer. The McIntosh MCD-1100 does not and is also discontinued.

Ken.......The Esoteric K-03 does handle DSD. It's called SACD and it is fabulous.

All the hoopla about DSD over USB doesn't get my juices flowing at all. Unless and until there is a DSD catalog large enough and worthy enough to pique my interest I will remain on the sidelines. Then there is the gargantuan file sizes. Quite honestly, I view DSD downloaded files as a passing fancy created and designed to separate us from additional cash by purchasing new hardware, software, and duplicating already existing music in our libraries. Most of the largely uninteresting DSD downloads currently available were not originally recorded in DSD.

Digital format wars are beginning to make me tune out. Between Blu-ray audio, DVD audio, Dolby Hi-res, DSD, DXD, MQA, and who knows what else is on the drawing board, it's getting to be too murky. The perceived benefits of one file storage compression scheme over another has as many supporters as detractors on both sides. I prefer to store my CD's and high-res FLAC files on a music server and spin my SACD's on a transport. Simple, easy, relaxing, without all the complications of format, playback compatibility, software and hardware configuration, and multiple components being touted to make it all happen. It is becoming exhusting. I just want to enjoy music.