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My thoughts on my new Esoteric k03xd CD player.

Disclosure: I’m not associated with Esoteric in anyway, nor am I a dealer trying to promote this product.

Fluid without any edge or hardness is how I would describe this player right out of the box.
It’s a front row presentation without an in your face feel. Images are clearly defined with extension of all frequencies that keep everything in balance with one another. This player is replacing a Luxman d08u and is clearly superior to it in every way. It breathes life into every CD played. For those who say CD’s sound like S... haven’t heard what the latest from Esoteric has to say about that! 

hiendmmoe
thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 
riaa_award_collectors_on_facebook550 posts07-17-2020 6:36pmHere's a review of the K-01XD on Dagogo

@riaa : what did you end up getting? I see you had the Luxman D-u8 up for sale here.

I spoke with a dealer over the weekend who has both Luxman and Esoteric lines. According to him, the Luxman D-10X is better than Esoteric K-01xd in every single aspect. He told me "hands down", him and his customers who listened to them both in his showroom.

And the K01xd is Esoteric flagship, priced at $23,000 (vs. $16,500 on Luxman D-10x).

I have no idea whether he was BS-ing me. Just sharing what I heard.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Just ordered ESOTERIC K03Xd had K01xs I'm sure it will be much better not interested in Luxman as nobody builds a player like ESOTERIC.
rsf507
2,326 posts
 
They sure build them nice but just sooooo unmusical (sterile sounding) I know I owned one.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
You no nothing rsf507 what do you have now that is better.HELLO!!!!!!
steinedm2
3 posts
 
Good evening from Maryland.

After a fair amount of pre-consideration, I am now listening each evening as the Esoteric K03XD warms up (only 85 hours so far). (Alsyvox Tintoretto speakers, CJ Art 150 or McGary SA-1 amplification).

I must say I have been skeptical in the past about the claims for transformation of sound over warm-up periods (as others have said often, one "want to hear" improvement). I also have listened to earlier models of the Esoteric, including much more expensive combinations, and found them just too "aggressive." I was tempted by the Luxman 08 - so much more affordable - but (perhaps wrongly of course) it reminded me of my Zesto amp - a beautiful sound and so relaxing in the first many hours - but ultimately I came to hear a signature).  The 10 may well be big step forward but it was beyond the budget. But folks whose ears I trust suggested that this iteration of the Esoteric was creating a different listening experience. 

I am not trying to step on the lead: the first night I found it hard going - 45 minutes did it. Not so even 3.5 days later. But the changes mean that my best effort to offer what I hope will be thoughtful reactions must wait at least another week or more.




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