Unsatisfied with Esoteric K-01: Alternatives?

I lived many blissful years with my Reimyo CDP-777, but finally decided it was time to start the transition to PC audio. I opted for the Esoteric K01 in order to have the maximum playback flexibility with CD, SACD, and asynchronous USB DAC. Fast-forward about 6 months and I find myself really missing the warmth, tonal richness, and musicality of the Reimyo when listening to to the rather cold, dry, and neutral K01. It is not a bad player by any means, but I've just come to realize that I'm a musicality guy as opposed to an analytical guy.

Now I'm in a bit of a quandary in regards to how to maintain that flexibility with something more to my taste. Are there any CD/SACD/asynch USB players (or combos) that lean more to the Reimyo's sense of musicality? Harmonix's current line still doesn't do USB input, or decode any thing but PCM up to 44.1. I'm starting to to think my only option is to buy the Harmonix for CD playback and then have a completely separate system for SACD/PC audio playback, but I would love to avoid that if at all possible. Any suggestions are welcome.

no1willfan01-19-2013 4:36pm

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georgehifi Details Discussions Posts This discussion 10,312 posts 09-24-2015 at 10:30pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete You just have to look at many of the very highend dac makers that are going back to implementing R2R Ladder Multibit conversion in their top players. Even though it's far more costly to implement, some even making their own discrete versions of it now. Because off the shelf ones are becoming hard to get like the PCM1704K, it's still available but so costly for Burr Brown to make, compared to Delta Sigma types, 10 x the price, they will stop making it one day. Cheers George
rhyno Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 649 posts 09-24-2015 at 11:32pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete 2nd what dob says. power cords and vibration control (sistrum!) works wonders.
zephyr24069 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,244 posts 09-27-2015 at 12:06pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I 2nd Guido's feedback; filter choices and upsampling choice make all the difference in the world with the K and P players from Esoteric. Also, remember, ever filter combination needs it own break-in cycle so if you've changed filters and not given each 350+ hours of playback, you have not heard the player in that config properly yet. Also, level of XLR cables, power cords, etc...make a hell of a difference just like everything else. The Reimyo player is one hell of a unit....very healthy competition and one I almost bought years ago.
rja Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,371 posts 09-28-2015 at 05:07am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete There's the newest EAR DAC, looks interesting. And the Aesthetix DAC, also very musical.
jafant Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 19,833 posts 09-28-2015 at 09:08pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Hello guys- so much good intel here. I am torn between a DV-50/60 or an X-03/X-03SE spinner. For those who want to comment on these (2) players, I will welcome your insight. Keep me posted & Happy Listening!