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Esoteric n-01 xd vs DCS Bartok

Hi all
I have been changing my gears a bit now. I am in final step in finishing my set up. Now I am down to decide on a good high end streamer/dac.
My system is aerial acoustics 7T, with 2 REL S5/SHOs, Luxman 590axii, Lumin T2, acoustic zen absolute speaker cables, Harmonic technology power cords and cards cross XLR inter-connects. I primarily listen streaming on roon using tidal and Quboz.
Lumin T2 was actually purchased recently. I like it but want to step up. I wish I had decided to go higher dac before purchasing lumin T2, but now I want to get an end game streamer/dac lasting at least for 3-5 yrs.
After reviewing and hearing from people, I am considering esoteric n-01xd and dcs bartok. I have heard esoteric n-01 but not the xd version and they sounded great. My dealer says xd sounds awesome. Saw the specs and they use grandioso’s 64 bit dac and better clock and power supply compared to n-01. I have not heard dcs bartok but have seen rave reviews. I don’t care music being very analytical but like more musical, non-fatiguing with good 3D-soundstage. Is it worth going up the price to this level. I have heard lumin x1 but they are not my taste. Has any body listened these gears ? What are your thoughts and suggestions ? Appreciate your inputs. Other option I am considering is to use my lumin t2 as streamer and connect to dac like chord Dave or Bricasti. M1SE. 
Thanks in advance. 
On a lower price range, I am considering Naim ndx-2 or esoteric n-05.
romney80
romney80 OP
150 posts
 
@thyname.
Yes, I agree with you, "just buy the best and be done with it".

I made up my mind for Esoteric n-01xd and was talking to my dealer guy. He is talking about Luxman d-10x having excellent new DAC and is advising to go for it. He has listened to both and thinks it is way better than esoteric n-01 xd (he is esoteric dealer too). I am reviewing it and lots of buzz about it. Could not audition it, as they are very new and only on back order. I love all Luxman products and trust them to be very good, especially D-10X being their flagship. Looks like I might go for D-10x or N-01XD.
thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 
Hi @romney80
You and me are looking at the same thing. I assume you already know the Luxman D-10x does NOT have a streamer (network card / bridge), whereas the Esoteric N-01xd does have one built in. And of course N-01xd does not have any transport 
romney80 OP
150 posts
 
@thyname
Yes, Luxman D-10X has no streamer. It is a SACD player with DAC which has DSD/MQA and has USB (and few other digital) input, which I can use for a streamer. I will have to buy a separate streamer if I have to go for Luxman. That is something I have to decide (if I need to go that route). My dealer is really swearing on it, as one of the best DAC (apparently it is totally new DAC) and sounds remarkable. He has sold 10 in few weeks and have a bunch in back order. If I end up buying, I have to start researching on a good streamer with this. 
romney80 OP
150 posts
 
I have ordered Luxman D-10X and will keep updated how it sounds once I receive. 
thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 
You don’t fool around!

Yes please, share your impressions once you get it
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