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Esoteric K-03Xs Player

I just ordered a new Esoteric K-03Xs CD/SACD player. As I am previously used to excellent sounding EMM gear converting PCM to DSD, would any Esoteric owners recommend the similar PCM to DSD conversion setting with DSD filter ON, or are there strong recommendations otherwise. I’m not really a tweaker, and would prefer the digital engineers at Esoteric making these choices with their gear, as did Ed Meitner at EMM. Thanks for your kind input and recommendations.
audiobrian
audiobrian OP
186 posts
 
I’ve owned the CDSA (2007) and now an 8 year old XDS1. I decided to go with a new  K-03Xs, rather than a $7000 upgrade to the XDS1 V3, the XDS1 now a discontinued model. Anyway, as Esoteric has digital oversampling, DSP, PCM to DSD (as in Meitner gear) and digital filter options, I am looking for suggestions. Thank you.
mdp632
54 posts
 
@audiobrian congrats on the player. I’m also looking at the same . Did you cross shop any other brands? Eg the ps audio combo?

btw the new esoterics will play back in the original format or upsample to dsd if you desire.


whereas the emm is upsampling everything to DSD by default.
audiobrian OP
186 posts
 
I have favored EMM and Esoteric players for some time, so I did not look elsewhere. I also prefer integrated players.  As Esoteric continues to improve upon their players, they seem, for now, willing to support audiophiles who plan to spin the silver discs for the foreseeable future. I’m gonna use the PCM to DSD conversion with DSD filter ON as my preferred setting as I don’t care for tweaking from disc to disc. Thank you.
hifijunky
126 posts
 
I am using a K-05x 4X Upsample & SDLY2. Filter off for DSD. This what I read most people are using. Each setting takes a long time to break in. I am extremely happy with the Esoteric. The K-03x should even better. Enjoy it.
johnread57's avatar
johnread57
238 posts
 
Any update on you purchase and listening experience? This is one of three Esoteric range I am considering.
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