Esoteric K07X versus K05

Both the used models you listed have bitstream delta sigma AK4399 converters so they can do sacd (dsd with flag) with.
If you seriously only want Redbook 16/44 24/96 I would look at a used Esoteric CDP that uses a Multibit converter as they do pcm (redbook) better.

Like these: as these are Multibit Esoteric players

ESOTERIC X-01

ESOTERIC X-03

ESOTERIC X-05

ESOTERIC X-1

ESOTERIC X-1S

ESOTERIC X-10w / X-10WD

ESOTERIC X-25

And the Naim CD5X you have is a very good redbook player as it is Multibit, my dream one is the Naim CD555 with 555PS power supply. I have a Linn CD12 MkIII (multibit) and that 555 Naim is the only one I would sub it for.

MoJo Music quote:

" When a PCM (redbook) file is played on a dsd, sacd or Bit Stream converter, the DAC chip has to convert the PCM to DSD in real time. This is one of the major reasons people claim DSD sounds better than PCM, when in fact, it is just that the chip in most modern single-bit delta sigma DACs do a poor job of decoding PCM.

Cheers George

Thanks George. Though I don't fully understand what you're saying I get the gist. Are you suggesting that the updates from 32 to 34 bit sampling on the newer X versions of the Esoterics improves only the streaming side and would not have any effect on direct CD replay?

The older "Multibit" players that I listed are only dedicated, geared towards converting PCM (Redbook CD)

Where the newer ones "Delta Sigma conversion" may do sacd as well (which is DSD) with out the sacd flag. But for PCM replay as far as I believe and hear, pcm replay will take a hit. Hence the MoJo Music quote above.

Cheers George