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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
fred60 OP
137 posts
 

ghdprentice

I called this post "For SACD Fans Only" for a reason.  SACD or CD playback (with the right system) will sound better than any streaming.

And this from a review of the Esoteric K-03XD ($15,000) out of my price range, but not the forthcoming K-05XD:

"Well this is something completely different. I've not had it that long and am still running it through its paces but I'm coming to the conclusion that this outperforms any turntable that I'm familiar with. And this is coming from a true dyed in the wool, buried in the analog camp kind of person. It doesn't sound like a cd/sacd player or like any turntable that I'm familiar with. It sounds like master tape. Pretty convinced now that DSD is the way to go. No streamer i have listened to and I have heard some truly great machines don't sound like this. It has changed my world view about playback systems. The fact that some fifty cent discs from a resale shop can sound phenomenal makes it a game changer. Disc after disc in my collection sound like I never heard them before. I will definitely think twice next time some limited $135.00 plus disc comes out. That's it for now and I will be listening to a bunch of Mofi sacd discs recently purchased of music I already own on Mofi One Step pressings. It should be interesting. One more thing; it deserves an additional star." Score: ******

 

ghdprentice
7,543 posts
 

OP,

Sorry, this is a free forum. So, renegades like me are free to offer their honest opinion, even if off topic or contrary to what the author likes.

 

A SACD player is a transport, streamer, and DAC in one box. Three functions. As I said… if you love the idea of discs… no problem. I have a turntable. But if sound quality is the only issue… and total cost of ownership… equipment plus content… I would look at contemporary technology. 
 

I do not offer this advise to be argumentative… but helpful. I have often been surprised the horizons opened when a paradigm bubble is popped. 

ghdprentice
7,543 posts
 

@jafant 

 

Thanks. I assure you I made no prognosis of SACD’s capability by using an Oppo. It was never attached to my system. I was very impressed with the capability of SACD twenty years ago with Esoteric and other brands. No question high end players sound fantastic. But today they are such a niche, and you are spending money on the internal Streamer and DAC that could be used for a more contemporary system.

But, as I said. I own an analog end that cost more than a really nice contemporary new car… but for me there is a lot of nostalgia value.

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano
2,738 posts
 

The OPPO 105 combined with the DBOB digital extractor sounds very good indeed. Light years better than the Oppo by itself.

ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,576 posts
 

I had for a time the Direct Steam Dac and the corresponding Transport. The sound quality combo was pretty good, but the Transport had glitchy problems. Not reading disc, etc.

ozzy

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