Esoteric K-01

dear Matjet,

thank you for your reply. I am hoping to listen to the K01 again with my Stax headphone rig (I would wanna do that prior to purchase), then I'd be better able to address the performance in terms of instrument separation / imaging. I know this is mainly a loudspeaker forum and might feel strange about talking of imaging performance from headphones, but the Stax Omega 2 and soon coming C32 are amazing at precise placement in both width and depth.

It's actually hard for me to put some qualitative attributes (like low level resolution) from the brief listening I made but at least the A/B vs. the P-05/D-05 lead to far from subtle differences!

regards,
arnaud

I have never spent much tme evaluating headphones, so I am unfamiliar with what can be accomplished with a great se of headphones. Do you use a special head phone amp?

I think comparing the K01 to the P03/D03 would be interesting. The P03/D03 will probably be updated within the next 18 months. I suspect that the K01 will out perform the current P03/D03.

A question to throw out there. Does the K-01 sound equal rca vs. xlr or has anyone made the comparison. I have heard from a reliable source that rcas were used in the voicing of the unit which seems a bit odd to me given that much is made by esoteric of balanced operation. Just wondering.

I have been using balanced with my K01. Maybe I'll try out single ended connection.

Anyone compare balanced to single ended on the K01?

Matjet,

The AK4399 DACs have balanced outputs. In order to provide SE output, a balanced to SE converter is required. To me, this appears as an additional stage on the signal path. So I'd be very surprised if RCA outputs sound better compared to the XLR. Of course, you can always experiment.

BTW, where in the US are you located, if not a secret?

Best,
Alex Peychev