Esoteric K-03X vs Accuphase DP-720

Think long and hard Mn62, once gone, that's it for the best Redbook you'll get. Here is a small excerpt from a review of it against it's more than double the price big bother separates, (PO5/DO5) that uses Delta Sigma based AKM 32-bit DSD/sacd converters.

A/B review:
"The most critical difference between both is their dynamic ability and sense of pace and rhythm. I concluded the review of the P05/D05 by saying that their only weakness was some raw energy left behind, a small lack of rhythm and speed. No such thing can be said about the X03SE"

This is exactly what I hear even from the latest Delta Sigma based dacs that can do DSD, when playing Redbook the R2R Multibit dacs (your unit)just has a jump factor and midrange body that Delta Sigma simply can't match on Redbook.

PS: from what I gather your X-03se can also do sacd/dsd which means it down converts to 24/96 of the PCM1704, you could feed it DSD files to it's digital input on the back.

Cheers George

Hi Mm622,
As some would kill for the X03SE dac, you can sell this off for a song and use the resulting profits for a new dac that you can audition at home before a purchase decision. System synergy is paramount, as always.
J. :)

X-03se is a player not a dac.
Silly to sell it for a song before you know your going forward in RB sound replay, as the OP said most of his collection is Redbook.

I'll buy it Mm622 if all it takes is a song.

Cheers George

The emphasis was on the dac section of the X03SE, not as a player. Would kill for it but would only pay the cost of a song. Put your money where your mouth is? Nah...

11-09-15: Bill_k
These two players have very different sound qualities. The Esoteric is more on the analytical side with exceptional detail. It's not lacking a natural sound, but isn't overly warm or rich sounding. The Accuphase excels at capturing excellent tonality of the music, with a fuller and more textured sound quality compared to the Esoteric. Both have excellent build quality.

That's a very good description Bill. I asked a friend who has a very good ear about Esoteric & he just said it sounds like "very good digital". The OP didn't ask for any other options, and both players mentioned are SACD players, so this might be a moot point anyway. But FWIW I would also consider the new Vitus SCD-025Mk2 which is RBCD only. I own this player & can say it is easily the best player or dac I've ever owned. Vitus sounds even more pure, analogue-like & musical than Accuphase imho, especially when paired with Vitus amps. Though I understand distribution is sparse in the states. This guy traded in an Esoteric K-01 for an SCD-025Mk2 - [url=http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?125842-ESOTERIC-K-01-6-months-old-Warranty.[/url]