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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
136 posts
 

ghdprentice

"contemporary technology"?  what does that even mean?

I'm talking about using the Esoteric K-05XD (msrp $7500 or 8000) vs. the PS Audio Perfectwave SACD transport (msrp $6500) and the Holo Audio May DAC (msrp $5500) at a total cost of $12K.

There is no way any streamer or "contemporary technology" would equal either of the above choices.  I would argue that either choice above would better any turntable/cartridge under $50K.  Just like the Esoteric K-03XD.

 

jafant's avatar
jafant
20,028 posts
 

fred60

 

Esoteric vs. PSA/Holo Audio May DAC, either way, you cannot go wrong.

I look forward in reading more about your purchase decision.

Happy Listening!

ghdprentice
7,395 posts
 

Fred,

 

I am not trying to be argumentative.

 

It is difficult to seriously discuss what you have said. But, first, a well chosen $50K analog leg will definitely sound way better than your Esoteric K… whatever. Second, by contemporary technology I mean an independent streamer and DAC. Well, that is highly dependent on your choices… but the combo of a transport, streamer, and DAC in a box if for a brief time is a sweet spot,.. it will not last long… or be cost effective when you have to buy music on a physical media.

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,258 posts
 

Op I own Marantz SA10 sacd player, with good balance interconnect like Tyr Nordost this player will compete to less than 10k maybe more.

allanblissett
163 posts
 

I went from a OPPO 105 years ago, to one of the very last 205 produced, sold it for more than double the price,  bought a Marantz 30n, loved it for awhile,  but the disc part wasn't getting much use as I started to stream more. So I sold it and bought a Sony UBP-X1100ES that plays everything,  sounds great and frees up lots of money for other streaming stuff.

The funny thing is, since I got the Sony,  I tried a few bluray audio disc, and I think they are a bigger improvement over CD than SACD. Too bad they never caught on.

 

 

 

 

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