For SACD fans only


Want to upgrade my SACD playback, currently have Oppo 105-D, which has been fine, but the weak link in my setup. I have a Hegel H390, Raidho XT-2’s and Ansuz cabling throughout, including the DTC distribution box. Currently love the system synergy, sound and setup, but want to upgrade.

So my question for the forum is-- I have narrowed it down to a couple of options and would like to hear thoughts...

1- PS Audio Perfectwave SACD transport, which is now on sale for $4000, and a DAC. I could wait for PS Audio’s forthcoming new Directstream DAC, which they say will utilize the same galvanic isolation in their Perfectwave transport. The reason for the match is the I2S connection, which can deliver "pure" DSD. I believe that a Sony chip is necessary. Another DAC option is to go with a Holo Audio May KTE DAC for around $5000. It has the I2S input, but I don’t believe it will play the "pure" DSD layer.

2- Esoteric K-05XD or Esoteric K-07XD SACD player. Two players not currently available but will be in the next month or 2, for I believe $8500 and $7500 respectively. Esoteric has confirmed to me that they will be available shortly. The nice thing here is that you get 2-in-1, both a high-end transport (one could argue the best available transport at any price) and also a fantastic DAC. I have read reviews of the Esoteric K-03XD, which is available and has the "Master Sound Discrete" DAC. The K-05XD and K-07XD will also use the "Master Sound Discrete" DAC-- reviews are that this is a big step up from previous Esoteric models, and sound fantastic. They have a USB input and other digital inputs, so you can utilize the internal DAC if I should use a server or go the streaming route-- or both.

Currently don’t use a server or streamer, but both options give me that flexibility. One box or 2 boxes? (Holo May DAC would make it 3 boxes!)

Won’t be able to audition unless I buy both and then return one.

Thoughts? Thanks


fred60
Marantz SA10. Bettered my Esoteric K01 and sounds great on regular CD’s also.
@hamr: thanks for the idea.  K-01 is 2 or 3 generations ago for Esoteric.  I'd be interested to see a shoot-out between the SA-10 and the new Esoteric K-05XD or K-07XD.  But new Esoteric's not out yet.
As Fuzztone brought up. Perhaps it is useful to remember CDs and SACDs are disks with computer files on them. Those files can be relocated to a hard drive, network drive, or they are available on internet servers through streaming services. The resolution is dependent on the amount of data and format of the files. A CD or SACD player is a box combining a physical transport, streamer, and DAC.
I have the Oppo 105D and The PS Audio DSD Dac AND their Direct Stream Memory Player with the I2s And it's AWESOME!

I have an oppo 203 but bought a $42 Sony and ripped all my SACD and all other formats to my NAS. I use Roon (you can use other pc programs like jriver) to send to my Sonore Signature SE which uses optical to disconnect the computer network from my system. From there to matrix spdif 2 to I2S to PSAudio Directstream. I am super pleased with result. Complex setup but other Sonore Rendu and maxtrix can be done for $1500 and you have the I2S to Directstream. No Discs to change.