Esoteric x series as transports

I am coming at this question from the opposite side of the equation. I have an Audio Note Dac3.1x being fed by a Mac Mini. I have a 100 or so SACD's gathering dust (but seemingly gaining in value)

I have been oscillating between staying with the "organic flow" presentation of a CEC/Forsell type transport which seems to be the natural partner with the non-upsampeling Audio Note philosophy and the Esoteric X series transports where I get an SACD player thrown in.

Sure would like to spend a few nights experimenting but I live in an audiophile desert. Anybody in North Georgia with an x-05?

Lokie: The CEC / Forsell (as well as Teac/ Esoteric transports) + AN dac combo create superb sound. I strongly recommend you follow that route -- it sounds very good. As a reference I usually listen to a Vitus Signature cd player.

To accommodate those sacd's, look for a reasonably priced integrated (used Lindemann, Magnat, Sony, etc).

I mean, you're not going to spend an incremental $6k for the Esoterics just to accommodate 10 sacd's are you:)

Lloydelee21

I could not answer Foster9 question more accurately - just seeking audio nirvana.From all repliers it seems that improving on the x-05 internal dac will cost more that the unit itself.

Hi Icorem,

Yes, i think you could be right...but what you might try is power cables, or your IC, or isolation. the wave kinetics A10-U8 is supposedly stunning for isolation...not cheap...but much cheaper than a new DAC. these may help improve your x5 even further. good luck!..and enjoy an already great sounding player!

I also feel you will increase performance more effectively by upgrading power cord, IC's (you gotta run it balanced for best sound), RCA caps for the unused, good isolation (I use Cera Pucs), line conditioner, etc. Cost a few grand but still cheaper than what you were thinking. And, if you don't already have - dedicated ac line.