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Esoteric X-01 Limited or new D-03/P-03

I’m torn between a new X-01 Limited or the new D-03/P-03 combo. If I went with the D-03/P-03 combo, I would start off with the D-03 and add the P-03 later on. The X-01 uses the tried and true Burr Brown 1704 Dacs and converts DSD to 88.2 kHz PCM. The D-03 on the other hand uses Analog Devices AD1955 Dacs and can do the following: DSD>DSD, PCM>DSD, and PCM>PCM (upsampled) and not sure about DSD>PCM. The P-03 utilizes the latest VRDS-Neo transport although there are probably not many differences to the one used in the X-01 Limited.

Even though the X-01 was just updated to “Limited” status, it is still an older based product, whereas the D-03/P-03 was just released to the U.S. market at CES 2006 where it received some very positive press.

Any thoughts, comments, or more information are welcome.
Thank you.
cdw57
lawyerman
30 posts
 
The Esoteric X-01 Limited is a HUGE upgrade in performance in comparison to the Esoteric X-01. I could not believe the difference. X-01 Limited player made the X-01 sound very outdated.

We did many hours of comparing and listening at an Esoteric dealer with both palyers.

The X-01 player was a good player but the new X-01 Limited is head and shoulders above it and worth every penny !
cdw57 OP
14 posts
 
Thanks Lwyerman. Is it possible for you to expound on some of the difference between the two players? I assume both players were hooked up under the same parameters (cables, balanced mode, etc.)

Did the dealer mention the P-03/D-03 at all?
vin_wei
8 posts
 
Hi, I am considering to upgrade my X01 to P03/D03, has this set arrive at dealer show room? and what is the dealer price?
fcrowder
191 posts
 
I can only concur with Lawyerman. I purchased the X01 LE shortly after hearing it at CES and received one out of the first shipment to the US. It is still breaking in but is already extremely good after about three wekks of continuous play. Suggest that for the money that you would spend on the separates, you might want to do the LE with a really good power cord, some mechanical isolation and possibly an external clock later.
babybear's avatar
babybear
106 posts
 
I would have to agree with both Lawyerman and Frowder. I just received an X-01 LE after having the regular X-01 for about 9 months. As good as the X-01 is, the X-01 LE is even better. I've only had it for 6 days and so it is still breaking in, but the improvements that come with the X-01 LE as I hear them in my system are:
1. Individual notes have more depth and texture – this is very apparent on accoustic guitar.
2. The bass appears to be deeper, tighter and even more powerful that with the X-01 - which was quite surprising to me.
3. The top end has more sparkle – very noticeable on piano and electric keyboards.

Overall, the sound is more natural and effortless with a touch more air around performers within the soundstage.

I have not heard the P03/D03 combo, but for almost double the retail price of the X-01 LE and then considering that you would need a great digital interconnect, a second really good power cord (as the X-01 is sensitive to power cords and IC's)and more than likely the Esoteric G0s clock ($13K retail) to get the most out of this 2 box unit - I would really think hard about going that way, epsecially given how wonderful the X-01 LE sounds. But, i am sure you know, that the only way to know for sure is to hear them side by side in your system. Good luck with your decision.
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