Esoteric K-03 vs K-05 vs D-07X

[sacdfan]

I have to warn you though I got no couch to sit

Originally Posted by sacdfan

If you don't want to invest on transport, why don't you go DS path, such as Linn or Naim?

By the way I just placed an order of K-03 with Ivan and waiting for the delivery. Should be here soon and will start burning-in process over the next weekends while I'm away from home. I'm also from VA if you'd like to come and try listening you are more than welcome to visit my place; of course once the unit reaches minimum of 500 hours.

[allen_bh]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Bryan.......Your are missing the symbol (/) before the word channel. This denotes 4 DACs per channel.

This link to the Esoteric K-03 page spells it out. Click on Specifications, then look down the page to D/A Converter. K-03 - Esoteric

Thanks for the clarification Dan. Funny how easy it was to overlook that slash.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by allen_bh

Thanks for the clarification Dan. Funny how easy it was to overlook that slash.

Bryan.......Not a problem. I miss stuff all the time.

[allen_bh]

Originally Posted by sacdfan

I have to warn you though I got no couch to sit

Very Gracious of you. This discussion has me really thinking now. I just don't want to invest in a transport, but I may have no choice. It looks like Esoteric has released three items in the last few months. Wonder if the D05 is due for a refresh too? The current one doesn't have USB input.

[Good Times]

The D-05 must surely be on its last legs I'd concur. But that's what I mean by saying you should be able to get a very sharp price on a new unit.

[mbovaird]

Bryan - I like the idea of a really good DAC and a Mac/PC. If you have a lot of SACD's, you can always just get an Oppo for that. What I'm seeing is more and more recordings coming out in High Res (HDTracks, etc.) Like you, I don't spin CD's anymore. I rip them to Apple Lossless and store them away for safe keeping. Grab the iPad, launch remote and listen!

I do recommend a good USB cable between your DAC and MAC/PC. I use the WW Platinum USB cable. It sounds great.

[jdandy]

Mike.......It will be a long, long time before hi-res download catalogs rival CD, XRCD, HDCD, and SACD disc and vinyl availability. The recording industry as a whole still does not support hi-res downloads, certainly not to the degree necessary to have a robust catalog of all genres and artist's music available for download. They are still worried about the ease of file sharing and lost revenue.