Esoteric K-01

Audioethic

Not sure I can live up to your high? standards..

The Esoteric site has a fairly detailed descriptive PDF for the K-01. See:
http://esoteric.teac.com/resources/pdf/k-01.pdf

It looks like K-01 uses 32-bit AKM DACs--8 per side. K-01 uses neither Burr Brown nor Analog Devices, making it potentially sounding different from X-01 D2 and P-03/D03. . This early in the game I would not venture to guess whether the K-01 exceeds the performance of the P-03/D-03 combo, or even of the X-01 D2. It is unlikely that any of the K-01 in the US right now are fully broken in. It may be a spell before we can get some detailed findings on this device.

G.

FWIW - I have the 2nd generation 32-bit AKM DACs in my APL - NWO-ME Super-DAC prototype that I use along with my upgraded Esoteric UX-1, which I believe has the Burr-Browns in it. While I realize there are way more DACs in the APL prototype, so that any comparison is 4 apples to 20, I can't help but be impressed by the AKM DACs. Pretty much more of everything and the ability to get much further into the music - like a veil or 2 are lifted.
It will be very interesting to see how the K-01 sounds, especially after break-in. The only concern I would have is accuracy vs. musicality - not sure how Esoteric will handle that. The APL uses a double tube output stage, but I didn't see any tubes in the Esoteric.

>>11-27-10: Sounds_real_audio
AudioFeil
Not sure I can live up to your high standards<<

Well I'm sure.

You can't.

APL NWO Master uses AKM 4399 DACs. K-01 also employs the AK4399. There are no tubes in K-01.... The Esoteric PDF file states: "A discrete buffer output circuit with a high voltage power supply of
+/- 22 V has been deployed for the analog audio output, following
the technology used in the D-01. [...] These powerful discrete buffer output
circuits are laid out symmetrically for each of the hot/cold signal
lines to construct a rich and fully balanced configuration for XLR
audio outputs. Additionally, a parallel buffer output configuration is
implemented to switch the buffer amplifier to a parallel
configuration, when RCA audio outputs are used."

As for K-01 being more/less precise/musical than APL NWO, I doubt that anyone has any hard evidence one way or another this early in the game.