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Esoteric K01: What are the best settings for CD?

The Esoteric K01 has several up-conversion and filter options for CD play-back. Unfortunately, each up-conversion option and each filter option requires approximately 500 hours of 'break-in' to sound it's best. I have owned the Esoteric K01 since it's release. It is a superb SACD and CD player. I have 'broken in' some but not all filter and up-conversion settings. I am still unable to decide which combination I like best. I am currently using S_DLY1 (for digital filter) and 2Fs (for up conversion). I would like to know what settings other Esoteric K01 owners like best. It would be helpful if If you can explain why those settings sound better to you than other combinations. I wonder which settings the experts at Esoteric/Teac would recommend?
matjet
bvdiman
491 posts
 
@Audiolabyrinth,
mmh.. I think Flash was referring to Krell's top line, amp Evo.1 and pre Evo.2. ;)

@Flashunlock,
Noticed from older threads you were using all Tara Cobalt ac cords before? How/in what ways do they differ from your current Siltech Ruby DC? Thanks.
flashunlock
175 posts
 
OK....here goes.

With and without the Mio La Clock is like the icing on a cake. Everything just falls into place and enhances everything that the K-01 is great for. You will hear much more into the music with the 10mhz clock. The sound stage becomes even bigger, instruments placement are more precise, the vocals brings on a further human like sound and the bass have a much tighter authority. Some experienced clocks with their K-01 and found no gains but for me, it's well worth the effort just for the gains I've mentioned.

In regards to the PC's. I still run Tara Labs Colbalts for my pre and Pwr which does a great job for now. The Siltech Ruby DC is on another level to the Colbalt especially for the K-01 where it is being used. Lets put it this way, the Colbalt was the best sounding PC I have owned/used and the Ruby Dc just makes mince meat out of it in every possible way. It has to be heard to be believed.

Footers also makes a huge difference to the K-01, as I have mentioned before that I'm using the Alto Extremo Neoflex BK, they are sitting on a solid block of Welsh slate 5 inches thick which kills any vibration etc for good.

I have slightly modified the player myself by changing the stock IEC socket to a better material one as well as the internal +/-/earth cables. I have further damped the chassis and changed the stock XLR output sockets to the top line of Furutech. Last but not least is a Acoustic Revive RGC-24 for better earthing.

Hope this helps and cheers.
jon2020's avatar
jon2020
986 posts
 
Flashunlock,
Thanks for your detailed observations.
With regard to your various modifications, I guess you feel they would be worth it even as they would void the warranty.
Happy listening! Cheers!
Jon.
flashunlock
175 posts
 
Jon2020,

My warranty has expired so no worries. Besides, Esoteric make their players like tanks and the mods done are reversible and YES they are well worth the effort IMO.

Cheers.
bvdiman
491 posts
 
Flashunlock,
Appreciate the feedback, I could relate well to your Ruby DC experience..

Did test them also on friend's Scarlatti, Vivaldi, P01/D01vu, K01 (all different systems).
One thing in common though, with them feeding, we always noticed music flows with an
added uncanny analog-like sense of ease (liquidity, with nice 'humanly' tone), as well,
unbelievable authority ~ A combination of goodness which we all found endearing.

*Do try to give the Empress DC ic a go on your K01 > Evo2 and I believe you'll be in for
another real treat. In my system, they complemented the Ruby DCs really really well..
Enjoy!
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