Any experience with Esoteric K-05?

Hi Jeffkad,

Trumps as in plainly elevated above or prevailing...

Remember though, this is all subjective stuff; a comparison using my ears and my reference system does not mean one machine is better than the other.

All I can say is that located within a strictly neutral playback chain the Esoteric is simply not engaging enough. Little wonder then that many living with the machine are using either a valve pre-amp and/or warm cabling systems in a quest to connect to the performance.

04-14-13: Jeffkad
Kiwi, btw, where is your blog?

My blog is
here

I have owned both the Cary 306 (not pro) and numerous Esoteric unit (X-03, P3/D5 combo). To my hears, I just love the way Esoteric cdps sound. To me and my system, the Esoteric sounded more resolving and energetic. Dont get me wrong, the Cary 306 was very good but it sounded too lush for my tastes. At the end of the day, it was like splitting hairs for me between these two units but ultimately I chose the Esoteric.

I am now getting back into audio after a bit of layoff and am seriously considering the K-05 or -03, probably leaning towards the -05 only because I want to keep the amount of money I spend on this system in sane levels unlike my other system.

Hi Kiwi,

where do you source the micro diffuser blocks?

Are they available online?

TIA

Hi Kiwi,
I too have the Gryphon Diablo, but am using the Evolution Acoustic MMMicroOnes. Source is Resolution Audio Cantata which is a wonderful allrounder with CDP and DAC that even includes UPnP (which isn't ready for prime-time yet). A few days ago I got an Audio Aero Prima DAC (the DAC from the Capitole) for my brother and tested it in my system. I was very surprised as to how well it fared. I still prefer the Cantata in HF and LF extension, precision and overall resolution, but I have to say the the AA nails the mids.
Since we both have very neutral speakers (yours being probably in another level) I'd encourage you to take a look at Audio Aero. I know that I'm starting to look for that midrange and will probably look into AA (if I find something that gives me the resolution, extension and details that I want and need), PBD and maybe even AMR. I still want all the resolution in the world (I occasionaly use my system in order to evaluate mixes and masters), but I feel that the sound could be a wee little more engaging and musical without losing neutrality and details. Would appreciate suggestions.
Best regards