#11
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Quote:
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Dan STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113 VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A Last edited by jdandy; 05-10-2010 at 01:53 PM. |
#12
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The following are my initial thoughts on the Esoteric D-07 DAC that is on loan from my Dealer. I probably put about 8 hours of listening in from Friday afternoon 'till Sunday evening. When I inserted the unit into my system I just disconnected the XLR outputs and digital input from the MCD-500 and connected them to the D-07. Until this afternoon I was using a stock power cord on the Esoteric unit.
The first thing I noticed is that I had to increase the volume on my C-1000 from its normal position of around 40-41 to about 45-46 to get the same output from my speakers. I knew that it would not as easy to compare the DAC's in the MCD-500 to those in the D-07 since I do not have enough of the same cables and connections to have both connected to my C-1000 at the same time. Therefore the MCD-500 has not been connected so I cannot quickly A-B the two units. Right from the start I knew I liked the sound. Vocals were a little clearer and the overall sound a bit smoother. I am guessing I have been hearing some of the benefits of the apodizing filters on the leading edge of the notes. The only negative I could identify during my listening sessions was a bit of missing bass content as compared to the MCD-500. If you remember my comments when I replaced a Esoteric X03-SE with the 500, I had noted that the bass was much better with the McIntosh unit. I sat here last evening and this morning wondering if this was a common trait with Esoteric gear. I decided to swap out the stock power cord for one of the Transparent Reference units I use on most of my gear. I think I have located the missing bass. There is something else and it comes down to ones personal preferences. Awhile back I was comparing a Wadia unit in a showroom against the MCD-500. I preferred the MCD-500 because it presented a slightly more forward sound, especially on vocals. Some individuals place negative connotations on a "forward" sound, but either I define it differently or I just prefer it this way. The Esoteric D-07 is not quite as forward as my MCD-500. Later this evening or tomorrow I will re-insert the MCD-500 into my system and see if I can confirm the differences I think I have been hearing. Questions I am asking myself. 1) Do I really want to go back to separate DAC and Transport? 2) Do I want to cobble up my system mixing the look of McIntosh and Esoteric? 3) If I go with DAC/Transport here comes the extra expense for additional power cords and interconnects. 4) Do I borrow a D-05 or D-03 to match up with the D-07? I think I will be calling the dealer to talk . More to follow. Jim |
#13
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Jim.......More questions than answers right now. This is interesting.
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Dan STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113 VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A |
#14
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Out of curiosity, how much is the DAC by Esoteric?
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Main: McIntosh XRT1K MDA1000 MC402 | JL F113 | Bryston BUC-1 | WireWorld Cabling | RGPC1200C | PPP
Office: Bel Canto S300iu 24/96 | KEF LS50 | REL R218 | WW Mini Eclipse | 18 TB Media Server Mobile: McIntosh MX406 MDA5000 MCD4000 MCC420M | JM Lab/Focal Utopia |
#15
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I think the list price is $4800. I have a call into the the Dealer.
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#16
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Yes, I do believe the list price is $4,800.00
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#17
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I was told the same thing from a local dealer. He was only willing to take $3-400 off the list price.
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2CH: W4S DAC-2, W4S STP-SE, W4S SX-500, Custom ScanSpeak/SEAS Towers, Hot Rodded Rega TT and Jolida JD9 Phono Pre, Asynch PC Transport, WireWorld Gold Eclipse 6 XLR HT: Marantz AV7005, W4S Mini MC-5, Custom Waveguide Towers, SVSPB12-Plus/2 |
#18
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Jim,
When I was using the D-07 my previous reference player was sold, so all I had on hand was an Oppo BDP83 SE for comparison. My initial observations almost mirrored yours: -Lower output level even with the D-07 at maximum output. -Biggest difference was in the midrange presentation. -Smoother sound with less forwardness. -Bass seemed similiar once the Esoteric was fully boken in, however I am still not convinced that the bass on the Esoteric is as robust, but without question very accurate. Fun to read your observations after what I just encountered for the last 6 weeks or so. Buddy |
#19
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Face,
I can help you substantially with the price if you are interested in buying one. PM me and I will be glad to help. Buddy |
#20
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Quote:
Yes, I am glad that you experienced much of what I am hearing. I think the swap to the Transparent Power cord really brought back most of the missing bass. If I get real ambitious tonight I will see if I can get the unit to accept the SACD output from my MCD-500 and see how it handles the 24/192 signal from my Olive 4HD. Jim |
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