Esoteric K-01 and Aurender S10 compatibility

Hi Jon47,
It is good to know that the K-01 can be upgraded to dsd64. My guess is this is only possible via usb as spdif or aes does not transmit dsd64/128/quad data. Please keep us updated on your experience with dsd64 when you get back your K-01.
Cheers! J.

Jon2020...yes you are correct, it's a USB board replacement and firmware update and also includes 24/384. The K-01 upgrade goes some way to bridge the gap between the K-01 and the new K-01x. The K-01x supports DSD128 as well as improved SQ from the transport and DAC, compared to the K-01. I live in Singapore and my player needed to go back to Japan for upgrade, eagerly awaiting it's return. I believe Esoteric is upgrading USA product in the States, rather than shipping to Japan. DSD64 is important for me as my system includes a computer audio component, as well. If DSD128 ever really becomes mass market for content, I will look at biting the bullet and going for a stand alone DAC. That's not going to happen anytime soon!

PS: I have seen some comments that Esoteric is going to have an upgrade path to full K-01x spec for the K-01. I have confirmation from Esoteric Japan that that's not ever going to happen, as the K-01x uses a completely different board to the K-01 and that board is not compatible with the K-01.

My K-01 is back from Japan, good news is that it turns on and plays. Will have a first listen to the DAC with DSD64 on the weekend and will let you know how it sounds without run in.

All works as advertised. I hear the same improvements re CD to SACD. I assume there will be some further improvements with run in. Very happy, now no need for an external DAC upgrade.

Jon47,
Yes, hold on tight to your K-01. Its DAC section is still right up there for redbook/SACD SQ.
I recently acquired a new preamp, the Ayre K-5xeMP that is rated Class A by JA of Stereophile for approx US$3500. I can't believe it but this analog preamp alone has elevated the SQ of my entire system to a whole new level. It's like a completely new K-01 dac/player in a totally new system!
What I have discovered from this flabbergasting experience is that the K-01's dac section is already top flight as it is and upgrading the analog side of the chain brings out this previously hidden quality. We can now stop chasing the dac rainbow for redbook CD/SACD where the K-01 is concerned and start thinking of the analog component of the system. This analog preamp upgrade has made me rediscover the gorgeous quality of CD's spinning in the transport. It now trumps the hi-res dac section of the Marantz NA8005 media player which I previously thought to be better than the K-01's dac.
Cheers! Jon.