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The choice of my new CD player

I’m using a Esoteric K-03SE CD player more than 5 years, currently I’m interest to get a new CDP, my target are:

Esoteric K-03X
Audio Research CD-9
Metronome CD-8 Signature

I love my Esoteric very much, it built like a tank, work very stable and reliable, very analytical and transparency sound. I heard the latest K-03X even sounds much better (Surely K-01X is better but out of my budget). However, I’m interest to try something new, and I heard ARC CD-9 and Metronome CD-8 also sounds very nice. Does anybody compare these CDP? And what is your choice?

PS: In the future, I’m interest to get an external DAC which has complete different sound with my CDP. At the beginning I won’t use it for CAS, what I will do is to use my CDP’s transport and this external DAC to produce different sound, in this case I can have two different choice of sound. So my primary idea is K-03X because the transport system are extremely good.
mm622
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,529 posts
 
MM622-

while I have not demo'ed the Esoteric K-03 nor Metronome (no local representation), I have spent time w/ the ARC CD9.

The CD9 claim to fame is that it has a killer DAC section for computer audio applications (and its ilk) If this is your thing the ARC is right for you.

I have had the pleasure of auditioning the DV-50/60 series and really like the SACD playback -1st and foremost.

Keep me posted as you audition these other players and Happy Listening!
calvinj
2,605 posts
 
Modwright Sony 5400 with Sophia 6sn7 and vintage rectifier tube is the way to go. I just got one and I am very impressed 
in_shore's avatar
in_shore
596 posts
 
MM622 As a previous owner of a Esoteric KO3 which replaced an EMM Labs SACDSE playback from both players were enjoyable with the beautifuly built Esoteric edging out the older EMM Labs.
   Back to my dealer earlier this year a new player was on the my radar , the Esoteric  KO3X , I was a total convert and was set to buy it however I got distracted in another listening room where the PS Audio Direct Stream Memory Player and their top dac the Direct Stream Dac playing through Focals Maestro Utopia speakers which I have at home . 
I had the sales rep hook up the Esoteric 03x in this room and compared both players through speakers I am totally familiar with ,..

PS Audio ? Well I heard of them of course but didn’t know a single thing about them . Through the PS Audio I never heard sacd playback like this , never ,.and CD playback of known superb recordings is something you have to hear for yourself. The Direct Stream Memory Player is not your typical disc spinner , it’s not at all .
in_shore's avatar
in_shore
596 posts
 
Wow , I just noticed how old the OP question was ,..Opps , too early in the morning , should of had that second cup of coffee ..
denon1
349 posts
 

in_store, can you please give more details on comparing the Esoteric k-03x with PS audio direct stream what did you like better, what is missing?. Did you end-up buying PS combo? Currently I have esoteric k-05x and would like to upgrade to better sounding cdp or cd transport ad DAC. Your comment s are appreciated.

Thank you.

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