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Esoteric . . . your thoughts please

Does anyone have any experience with the Esoteric P-05/D-05 combination?

I was also wondering about others' experience with different Esoteric products. I am considering trading a McIntosh Mcd301 for an Esoteric unit, in an effort to obtain better build quality and superior sound reproduction. Any insights would be appreciated. I am aware that Esoteric has a newly released D-07, which has more digital inputs than the D-05. Eventually, I want to include a computer server into my two channel system. But my primary interest is in having the best sounding two channel system playing cds. The P-05/D-05 combination is priced at the maximum dollar amount I would be willing to spend.

Thanks for your thoughts.
thefirstchorus
suteetat
435 posts
 
I had D05 for a year before switching to Berkeley Alpha DAC. Both were used with my computer based music server via Lynx AES16 card. In my system, Berkeley has smoother sound, richer midrange but fatter, slower bass. I think D05 is more fun if you are listening to a lot of rock, pop type music. But if you are listening to classical, vocal, jazz, Berkeley may be better. However, if you are going to get P05 as a transport, ultimately, D05 is probably better choice as you can use external clock. D-05 also sounds better in dual XLR mode than single XLR which Berkeley does not support.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
I can also confirm that during a single 2 hour listening session in my system, Berkely Alpha DAC has slower somewhat thicker bass than my X-01 Limited. On the other hand, Alpha is somewhat sharper and less relaxed than X-01, with X-01 seeming also to yield a more defined stage. G.
fplanner2010
283 posts
 
I've had a UX-1 upgraded to a UX-1pi by Esoteric and a G-0s rubidium clock for over 2 years now and couldn't be happier. Retained the UX-1 VRDS transport. Build quality is great and they are really nice people to deal with. You can take their gear up another notch or 2 with proper cabling for your system - they respond very well to my SR and Mexcel digital cabling. I'm using an external APL prototype 32-bit Super DAC with incredible (at least for me) results.
acurus
140 posts
 
If you want the snappy, quick bass and control of the Esoteric D05 along with a smoother, more musical presentation you need to look at a Wadia 521 GNSC. I owned both the 521 (still own the 521) and the D05 and did extensive comparisons. I sold the D05 as the Wadia 521 with mods was just in a different league musically. So much more musical through the mid band, but retained all the detail, grunt and low end of the D05.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Who perform the modification to the Wadia 521, and what was modified/changed, and with what perceivable audible differences? G.
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