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.
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.