Esoteric Amplifier Opinions

[wawa_chan]

I was thinking of changing up a few things in my system and wanted some advice from the forum (Ivan might be tired of all my questions ).

Right now, I have the K-03 running direct to my Accuphase A-50v. I'm happy with the sound coming to my Sashas. However, I was considering changing the A-50v to an integrated amplifier (specifically the Esoteric I-03) or another power amplifier.

Last year I auditioned (not in my system) the Esoteric A-03 and fell in love with it. As things happen, I ended up finding the Accuphase and purchased it immediately without thinking (not too bad of a thing).

So now I'm considering replacing the A-50v with the A-03. Or if I decide on an integrated the I-03. My reservations with the I-03 is I can't listen to one... it's a class D and its sound will be very different. I also do not need a pre-amplifier.

Any thoughts or experience with the A-03 or the I-03?

Thanks!

[jdandy]

Brian.......If it were me, I would not make the purchase of the I-03 without an audition. It's not because it is Class D but because all amplifiers have a sonic signature of one degree or another that either mesmerizes you or not. The I-03 will be a relatively high-dollar purchase so you need to be certain you can live with it's sound.

What is it you are hoping to achieve that the Esoteric A-03 isn't giving you?

[wawa_chan]

Hi Dan: I have always liked the A-03 (which I have heard and don't own). The I-03 was an idea to simplify the system. However, I might just keep using the K-03 as a preamp since I have no other sources. The Accuphase has been very good. I think this is more of curiosity if the A-03 or the I-03 would be a better partner with the K-03. It's hard to tell without bringing them into my system. When I listened to the A-03, it was directly driven by the K-05 (or P-05/D-05, I don't remember). It was wonderful and I'm just trying to re-create that experience.

[jdandy]

Brian.......I can't imagine the Esoteric A-03 Class A stereo power amplifier sounding anything other that spectacular being driven directly with the Esoteric K-03. That would be an absolutely amazing two box sound system.



Esoteric A-03

[PlanarSpeakerFan]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Brian.......I can't imagine the Esoteric A-03 Class A stereo power amplifier sounding anything other that spectacular being driven directly with the Esoteric K-03. That would be an absolutely amazing two box sound system.



Esoteric A-03

To my ears, nothing beats the sound of pure class A amplification and there should be excellent synergy running the K-03 directly to the A-03.

Best,
Ken

[Tremayne]

Brian, I absolutely love my Esoteric K-01 / A-02 combination.
I didn't consider the A-03 because of the heat and electricity costs. I use it with the satellite HD box connected to the co-ax input and so it is often switched on for most of the day for radio and TV as well as CD/ SACDs.
If you do go for the A-03 try connecting the two signal ground terminals, I found that to be very beneficial in my system.

[wawa_chan]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I've made the decision to keep the Accuphase. In the end, I couldn't find the heart to sell it. I've made a plan and will update in a future post.

Hope everyone has a great Memorial holiday.

[Melkior]

Hello all :-)

I have an Esoteric A03, and it's really spectacular inb terms of dynamic and details, sometimes maybe a liitle on the clinical side. Compared to a Krell KSA 80 also in class A, The Krell is less detailed but more forgiving with recordings. Any suggestion of a good tube preamp to fit the A03 and give it a touch of warmness ?