2. digital
  3. 152994-18277

ESOTERIC N-01 Replacement For My PS Audio BHK Preamp & Directstream Dac with Brige ll

I have Auditioned the Esoteric Grandioso K1 on several occasions and I cant seem to find anything that comes close. My thoughts where to replace my BHK Preamp and Directream Dac for the Esoteric N-01 Network Player Dac since it is the same Dac as the Grandioso's minus the Super Audio CD Player. My thoughts is to go with the Esoteric N-01 XLR out to my Audio Research 160S direct and use it as a digital Preamp only out to my Focal #2’s.
128x128blumartini
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
6,030 posts
 
dznutz
This Esoteric nomenclature is getting a little silly isnt it?
Compared to what?
The Most Moronic Nomenclature Award has to go to Schiit, imo.
blumartini's avatar
blumartini OP
224 posts
 
I was fortunate to have had an opportunity to A/B the Esoteric Grandioso K1 which is the Same Dac as the N-01 against the DCS Vilvaldi. We listened to them back to back for over 4 hours and I must say that the Esoteric hands down was the most musically engaging of the 2 no question imho ofcourse. Now the last piece of the puzzle will be to audition the Lumin X1.

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,853 posts
 
Bluemartini Dcs has always favored resolution over musicality.

The lumin will easily challenge the NS 01 yet costs $6k less.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ Lumin dealers
blumartini's avatar
blumartini OP
224 posts
 
@audiotroy

I am on a mission to try the Lumin x1 against the Esoteric N-01. I truly hope it does give it a run for the money, I could really use that 6K savings:)
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
And please do report back, I'd love to hear the outcome.
More to discover