Esoteric N-01XD

[btn2803]

Originally Posted by thyname

My brand spanking new N-01XD should arrive in a couple of weeks. I am excited

Congrats.
Do let us know your impression. The N01 XD is on top of my list.

Thanks.

[thyname]

Originally Posted by btn2803

Congrats.
Do let us know your impression. The N01 XD is on top of my list.

Thanks.

Will do! I do have high expectations though. It will have to beat my MSB Discrete DAC hands down, with no “blind tests” required, or it’s out on chopping block.

[chadisrc]

Originally Posted by thyname

Will do! I do have high expectations though. It will have to beat my MSB Discrete DAC hands down, with no “blind tests” required, or it’s out on chopping block.

Wow, great comparison. I am anxious to see what your thoughts are. Probably not as anxious as yourself of course

Please keep us posted

[bart]

Originally Posted by thyname

Will do! I do have high expectations though. It will have to beat my MSB Discrete DAC hands down, with no “blind tests” required, or it’s out on chopping block.

[thyname]

Originally Posted by btn2803

Congrats.
Do let us know your impression. The N01 XD is on top of my list.

Thanks.

I will say one thing now that my Esoteric N-01XD arrived: it blew the MSB Discrete out of the water. Hands down.

This is an astonishing DAC. Very happy with my purchase. By far the best impact on my overall system I have ever had. And I have had a lot. Speakers, amps, you name it. ‘ Nuf said

[SCAudiophile]

Originally Posted by thyname

I will say one thing now that my Esoteric N-01XD arrived: it blew the MSB Discrete out of the water. Hands down.

This is an astonishing DAC. Very happy with my purchase. By far the best impact on my overall system I have ever had. And I have had a lot. Speakers, amps, you name it. ‘ Nuf said

Congratulations on owning this incredible unit!!!

[chadisrc]

Originally Posted by thyname

I will say one thing now that my Esoteric N-01XD arrived: it blew the MSB Discrete out of the water. Hands down.

This is an astonishing DAC. Very happy with my purchase. By far the best impact on my overall system I have ever had. And I have had a lot. Speakers, amps, you name it. ‘ Nuf said

Wow, that is quite the endorsement Huge congrats on the new unit! What is the biggest difference between the MSB and the N-01XD? What do you love about it so much? Thanks for sharing by the way.

[thyname]

Originally Posted by chadisrc

Wow, that is quite the endorsement Huge congrats on the new unit! What is the biggest difference between the MSB and the N-01XD? What do you love about it so much? Thanks for sharing by the way.

Thanks very much.

The N-01XD has huge sound, if I were to describe it that way. It expands way wider than the MSB, height, depth, withd. Very "3d" like. It has a great timbre and accurate tonality, something I really enjoy, true to the natural as it can be. Very detailed, "high resolution", all the "sparkle", at the same time not fatiguing. If I were to contrast the MSB Discrete side by side, I would describe the MSB is as "soft" and "cozy".

[btn2803]

Originally Posted by thyname

I will say one thing now that my Esoteric N-01XD arrived: it blew the MSB Discrete out of the water. Hands down.

This is an astonishing DAC. Very happy with my purchase. By far the best impact on my overall system I have ever had. And I have had a lot. Speakers, amps, you name it. ‘ Nuf said

Thanks for sharing your feedback. It would certainly helps me in narrowing the field.

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by thyname

Thanks very much.

The N-01XD has huge sound, if I were to describe it that way. It expands way wider than the MSB, height, depth, withd. Very "3d" like. It has a great timbre and accurate tonality, something I really enjoy, true to the natural as it can be. Very detailed, "high resolution", all the "sparkle", at the same time not fatiguing. If I were to contrast the MSB Discrete side by side, I would describe the MSB is as "soft" and "cozy".

Wow, sounds amazing. Do you have any experience with older esoteric, like the K-01x? I'm curious how you feel it compares to those based on the AKM dacs.

Same question to anyone reading this.