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Esoteric K-01X or K-03X??

I just sold my 6 years old Esoteric X-03SE CD player and 2 years old G-03X Master Clock today. So it’s time for me to decide which is my next CDP: Esoteric K-01X or K-03X?

 I have a friend who bought a K-01X four months ago, he listen to it about 2 months but not happy with the sound (He said not musical and lack of emotion…), then he put it into the box and continue enjoy his Vinyl. Because of our close relationship and this guy is rich, I can get his K-01X around USD 9400 only. If I buy a brand new K-03X, I pay around USD 7500. I know this is a very good deal, and I know many of you will say just go to get this K-01X. Yes, I saw hundred of posts about the good thing of K-01X, but I never have chance to compare it side by side with K-03X. Does K-01X really sound much better than K-03X? 

I’m thinking if we can use quantization to measure these CDP, if you give K-01X 100 scores, then score you give K-03X? 95? 90? 85? ....

So what about compare to K-03X and the my old X-03SE? If you give K-03X 100 scores, then what score you give X-03SE?

I’m thinking maybe I can save some money to buy other things like a 4K color new TV if I choose K-=03X. BTW, I’m not interested in CAS, so DSD has no meaning to me. I just use my CDP to pay my normal Red Book audio CD and SACD. Thanks a lot and have a nice weekend!




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mmbl622
dgarretson
2,599 posts
 
The 22Mhz master clock in the K-01X synchronizes to the PERF-10 at 10Mhz, and all other frequencies are derived within the CDP.You don't need a G-02.  If you purchase a Perf-10, get it with the optional 12Vdc power port for use with an outboard linear PS.

jl35
4,013 posts
 
maybe when your friend realizes he has not yet heard what his Esoteric is capable of, he will no longer want to sell, and you won't have a decision to make...
zephyr24069's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
zephyr24069
1,243 posts
 
"The 22Mhz master clock in the K-01X synchronizes to the PERF-10 at 10Mhz, and all other frequencies are derived within the CDP.You don't need a G-02. If you purchase a Perf-10, get it with the optional 12Vdc power port for use with an outboard linear PS."

Absolutely agree...the PERF10 is a true 10hz atomic master clock; the master clock in the K-01X (or the D-02, etc...) will use it as a reference and then derive even more accurate clock sync operation as a result.  

jafant's avatar
jafant
19,733 posts
 
Are both players excellent for CD and SACD?
One better than the other on SACD playback?
mmbl622 OP
58 posts
 

Because my friend’s K-01X don’t have any warranty service, but a brand new K-03X is include one year free warranty service.  And I can get t at around USD 7080 after negotiate, so finally I order K-03X and I will receive it this Thursday.

After I order my new CDP, I saw a pair of beautiful, excellent condition’s used walnut burl Avalon Opus Ceramique speaker in a 2nd hand audio shop. I always dreaming to own a pair of maple burl or walnut burl Indra for long time, but I cannot afford Indra. I’m also thinking to upgrade my Ascendant II if I can get a good condition Opus. So this is my destiny to meet this pair of speaker. Immediately I test it, I love the sound and then I use my Ascendant II, add some money to trade in this pair of Opus. A new CDP and a pair of speaker is a big investment for me, I got to be careful when using money in the near future….

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