I bought a used X03SE in 2013 to replace a Sony SCD-777ES that I enjoyed but kept having TOC reading issues and had to send the Sony to Laredo Texas for service. After two trips I decided to research "reliable" transports. In reading about Esoteric I decided the build quality and knowing TEAC has been around forever would make them a possible purchase. I own and primarily use vinyl so cd/sacd was a backup/change and I would never pay retail or buy new due to the cost of the machines.
I like probably most here did a lot of background looking and reading about Esoteric. The criticism I read from users was that they tended to be on the analytical and more of a head than a heart type player. I am a tube/vinyl and SET fan and my taste is more toward the dark side as I find that more involving.
I contacted a gentleman about the X03SE he was selling. He was moving up to the than new K01. He stated the X03SE was a great player and I would be a happy purchaser (AND I fully realize he probably would not have stated it was dry and bright). I got a good price and we conversed about music, gear, etc. and he stated he was paying more for the K01 than the Honda car he was driving. When I got the X03SE and started spinning I was definitely impressed. It was the exact opposite (to my ears) of dry, sterile, lean or whatever term you might conjure. Rich, involving, and to this day I am extremely happy and glad I bought it. A friend had a 777 and his went to Laredo I believe 3 times. I let him borrow to compare and he sold his Sony and bought a used K03 only used by a guy for like 3 months (from a deep pocketed cat who decided the K01 was worth the additional cost). I thought there must be something wrong as why would folks spending big coin keep selling them but it was told to me (internet chatter and what I could glean) that a large contingent of Esoteric users just upgrade when new machines hit the market.
Now as to Teac repair I was figuring they would be a great place if I ever needed it. I made this judgment as a bottle of Teac tape deck rubber preservative solution had a California address on the bottle that I bought in 72-73. The current Teac repair facility still had the exact same address. Well, sometimes I make mistakes. I acquired a Teac X2000 reel to reel and sent it to Teac in California for repair. After a close to 400 dollar repair and shipping costs the Teac would still not record. I basically threw the money away by sending it to Teac. I was lucky enough to have Sam Palmero at Skywave get the Teac working like the day it was made. I also had a friend with a X1000 with a Teac repair nightmare.
So, I am extremely a satisfied and happy Esoteric digital owner. LOVE the build quality AND the sonics. Esoteric machines are killer good.
If it ever needs repair I will avoid TEAC California at all costs. I will go to the Japanese embassy and get an interpreter to have me get directly in contact with someone who can make it better or research WHO in the good ole USA can keep it rocking
Happy listening.
