Esoteric K-01X Review

[SCAudiophile]

Originally Posted by salamander

It's worth noting that the official recommendation from Esoteric is to turn the unit off when not in use (page 12 of Owner's Manual under Power Button description). Also, page 26 of the manual recommends setting the automatic display off setting to ON (which turns the display off after 30 min. of inactivity) and there is a specific footnote that states "if the display is left on with the same indication for a long time, brightness irregularities can occur. For this reason, we recommend that you set the automatic display off function to ON". Based on these manufacturer recommendations, it seems prudent to turn the unit off.

Having owned DV-50S, P-0, UX-1 Ltd, P-03U/D-03 and P-02/D-02, I've found the units sound their best when left on 24x7; it's certainly easier on the power supply then cycling down and up at least once a day. For clarity, I do turn them off about once every 7-10 days and let them rest along with the rest of the system, but I have found they sound their best when left on. As to the manual entry about brightness irregularities, I've never seen them with any Esoteric unit in 11+ years; I do use one of the less bright panel display settings but that notwithstanding, the display panels on all units I've had direct experience with (including stints with the K-03 and K-01 which I subsequently did not purchase in favor of the 02 series) are all of exceptional quality. I also sold my P-03U/D-03 to a friend in Europe about 2 years ago and he tells me those units are still going strong with no signs of flagging in any way (not bad for 10 year+ gear!)...

YMMV, FWIW, IMHO, etc....