Esoteric X-01 SE vs EMM CDSA SE

We have a new model scheduled for release in the spring of 2007. It is the X-01LE(R).

It is both limited and revolving.

I have had comparisons done in audio dealers between the following:
-Esoteric X01
-Esoteric P01 combo
-EMM separates before ES series
-Sony SCD1

The system was the same for all and got 2h with them for what it is worth.

I chose EMM hands down between these. The esoteric gear sounded lean, sort of like looking at the horizon, laid back. The EMM was more real sounding, more 3 dimensional and overall the sound filled space more accurately. This was at Dynamic Audio, the largest dealer in Japan. They told me Japanese customers were returning their Esoterics to switch to EMM. That was 2 years ago before anyone in the west had heard about the P01 and EMM had just arrived in Asia.

For those of you who dont know, it seems that the one box measures better than the separates. So if you do not need a preamp, the CDSA might be as good if not better than the separates. I have not heard it so I dont know for sure.

Most important advice: go listen before you buy. Taste plays a big role. And service, quality etc. Esoteric is ahead in that regard.

Finally, Accuphase played their new separates which also upsample 2x DSD at CES. Worth a listen, especially given the option for room equalization with a DG38.

Michael

Mixalis, last weekend I got together with two other audio nuts and for two days we were doing some interesting demoing in which the EMM CDSA SE player was involved along with a AUDIO RESEACH REF7, both are amazing players. I own the ARC Ref7 so when we did the blind tests I new every time when it was installed but I have to say the EMM was also a favourate. Two different flavours but both outstanding, I really believe in synergy so you are the one in the end who needs to hear which ever unit in your own system to make the final decision. Lets face it these are all top notch players, even the other units mentioned from others, Meridian, Wadia etc.

Here is one of two examples; friend (a) had Lin two piece and said it was the best bla! bla! bla! One of his freinds showed up in hand with the Wadia player and a long story short with this player in his system it was the best sound ever he had heard. Was the Wadia better hum! many will argue this but what I believe happened was synergy came into play and it just worked.

Example two; Meridian top of the line player in another freinds system, now he was open to hearing anything as I am. I brought over my ARC Ref7 and ARC3 MK2 player, the ARC7 did not sound like what I am usually use to hearing and my jaw almost hit the floor in shock. I went and checked to see if it was hooked up properly, changed cables with no success then changed to my ARC3 and it was much better but his Meridian still sounded better in his system set-up.

I will tell you no way does the ARC3 sound better than the ARC Ref7 so back to my place to hear my system along with my friends Meridian, if what I heard at his place is the same in mine I will be getting the Meridian.

Long story short Winner ARC Ref7, second Meridian and third ARC3 and we are talking hands down victory.

I dont know what happened in my freinds system, bad match issues, synergy what ever you want to call it but in the end I believe you really need to try it in your own system because this can happen to you.

I'm looking forward to hearing the EMM unit in my system in the near future.

Enjoy!

Mixalis yesterday I listened cdsa se...in one simple word AMAZING! Not in my system, but in a system I knew.
For me in the up to 15.000$ (maybe more) Emm cdsa se one box is the King and the good part is it's around 9000$.

Mihalis if I was to buy digital today, Emm cdsa se one box is the one for me. (I also heard and know Esoteric x01, x03 and ux03).

Before 10days I had in my system Esoteric P03/d03 also amazing, it was like I changed amplifier and source and room..... but EmmLabs sounds more like an expensive analogue setup. Not yet had the opportunity to try them side by side but believe me the EmmLabs cdsa se rival from Esoteric is p03/d03 and not any X01 in any version.IMHO.