My thoughts on my new Esoteric k03xd CD player.

Good evening from Maryland.

After a fair amount of pre-consideration, I am now listening each evening as the Esoteric K03XD warms up (only 85 hours so far). (Alsyvox Tintoretto speakers, CJ Art 150 or McGary SA-1 amplification).

I must say I have been skeptical in the past about the claims for transformation of sound over warm-up periods (as others have said often, one "want to hear" improvement). I also have listened to earlier models of the Esoteric, including much more expensive combinations, and found them just too "aggressive." I was tempted by the Luxman 08 - so much more affordable - but (perhaps wrongly of course) it reminded me of my Zesto amp - a beautiful sound and so relaxing in the first many hours - but ultimately I came to hear a signature).  The 10 may well be big step forward but it was beyond the budget. But folks whose ears I trust suggested that this iteration of the Esoteric was creating a different listening experience. 

I am not trying to step on the lead: the first night I found it hard going - 45 minutes did it. Not so even 3.5 days later. But the changes mean that my best effort to offer what I hope will be thoughtful reactions must wait at least another week or more.

Ive just purchased the Luxman 10X...already have the K-01DX.  Im pretty sure as far as comparisons go it depends on what kind of music you listen to and the presentation you like.  It's probably like comparing a Klipsch Speaker to a Harbeth.    Forward presentation vs Laid back. No right or wrong.  The bad side to the Luxman is you cant add a Clock to it.  You can greatly improve the capabilities of a Esoteric by adding an external clock. The new Grandioso clock is scheduled to be released sometime next month I believe.  I also know with the Esoteric you can use the DAC inside of it while using an OPPO or other Universal player like AYRE SACD/DVD-A/Blu-Ray players as the transport. You can bridge them using D.Bob Digital breakout box made by Geerfab Audio.  This is an INCREDIBLE development for those with Multi-Channel 5.1 setups being able to use the Esoteric Dac instead of the Ho-Hum Oppo Dac.  Im not certain but Im gonna guess the Luxman doesnt have this capability so for my purposes ( having a large Quadraphonic library from the 1970's) its a big advantage for the Esoteric.

Have you read What HiFi' review of the Luxman?  They were pretty emphatic about it having and I quote; " However, the Luxman falls short in its ability to communicate the passion in music, and that makes it a talented diversion rather than an essential listen."  A lean and analytic sound was pretty much their description.  A dealer near me has carries both Esoteric and Luxman.  They will get in the K-03XD but I'm not sure about the10X.  I am looking hard at the Esoteric but now I'm curious about the Luxman.

2nd-

as above, there is much Life left in CD/SACDs.

Happy Listening!

A few months ago I sold my ARC CD6SE and replaced it with an Esoteric K-03XD that I purchased on Agon. Two reasons, one ARC d/c’d all CD players due to Phillips stopping production of the spinner/laser and ergonomic issues with the top loading in aging hands. The Esoteric is well built with smooth and seemingly robust mechanism. Frankly, however, the sonics are little better than the 6SE which was good, but nowhere in the league of a high quality vinyl rig. The 03XD did not cost me a lot to acquire, but I would approach a retail acquisition very carefully, comparing various players side by side ideally, and including some at lower price points. I have not heard either the 01XD (24K) or the 1X (37K) but at those prices I would strongly suggest due diligence.