EMM-Labs XDS1 vs Esoteric K-01

i agree that esoteric makes excellent cd players, well, from a technical point of view. I was once a fan of the X-series players when i started this hobby. the best part about esoteric is its transport and pick up system, that's all about this company could do: outstanding detail, powerful dynamics, solid and well defined images(high density) that no other cd players in its class could compete. i had an X-01 LTD for a short while and i tried x-03se, K-03, K-01(with high anticipation). Neither X-01 LTD nor K-01 sounded clinical or like mechanics, but i can tell you, all these Esoteric players that i had play around are "Soulless", they just dont know how to transform details into music. For the same price, i would pick some players with inferior hifi quality but better sounding.

I sold my Burmester 089 (excellent player FWIW), and bought a GNSC Statement Wadia S7i. I betters my old 089 in every way except the Burmester is a little "warmer". But, the S7i does take a long, long time to break in with the Black Gate caps, but every few weeks, it get more,"more". I am very happy indeed, and just as important, it is a great pleasure to talk with Steve at GNSC. I in fact, bought the Wadia based on his reputation, which he has lived up to, in each and every way.

04-18-11: Talk2me
I don't know how to be more delicate in saying this, but Burmester Top or Reference Line is the best in the world without a doubt, period, end of discussion. If you value all the best things from valves and vinyl with the reliability of solid state, Burmester is your answer. It is not even close. Even among the highest, most expensive players, Burmester is the best.
Talk2me (Threads | Answers | This Thread)

You put this unit for sale shortly after you posted this. Are you now trying to sell the GNSC modded unit?

Talk2me, what is your assessment of the Wadia direct vs. preamp?

Wadia is extraordinarily sensitive to power cords, footers, and shelves.

Audiofeil and AudioOracle, can you comment on K-01 and K-03 break in patterns?

I am getting the impression that K-01 upsampling rates and filter settings may need, to some extent, be broken in on their own.... E.g. after breakin in 44.1 Khz with filters off for about 350 hrs, DSD+FIR1 seems to need still some break in time of its own.

Guido

Disclaimer: Reviewer