Esoteric K-01

Esoteric K-01 and EMM XDS1 side-by-side in the same system may be a rather fun experiment...

As always, and it will be sure conclusive, but for the given audio system both components (front-ends) are being evaluated. And make sure you have a really nice power conditioner or power re-generator for the EMM gear.

Of course, you are correct; it will be fun, one way or the other. Part of the "hobby", right? :-)

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev

Of course Alex, it is important to keep independent variables at a minimum.... Hence 2 well broken in CDPs should be in the same system, fed into identically broken in inputs of the pre, connected with identical and equally broken in ICs, and fed by identical power cords. Ideally, the two devices may be best set side-by-side on a rack, rather than on different shelves.

Interesting observation Alex about power conditioning on EMM.... Is EMM particularly sensitive to power conditioning? .... Why would this be the case more so than on Esoteric K-01?

Saluti, G.

I have found comparing pces in general as mentioned above really isn't all that easy due to so many varibles that come into play.

#1 rca and xlr connections sonic characteristics vary.

#2 which connections are preffered and/or the strengths of the actual pce. I wouldn't use rca if xlr were the strengths visa versa.

#3 one IC that works well with one pce may not with the other.

#4 just removing an IC and connecting a different pce there can be a difference.

#5 some cables need to relax and seem to change once they have been removed and replaced

#6 Power cords, which one, just because one works well with one pce doesn't mean it's the ideal match for the other.

#7 Isolation, just because one works well doesn't mean the other one will be as ideal

#8 power conditioning also, same as #6 & #7

#9 there are other variables to consider depending on the rest of your set-up, one pce may convey something that you are missing or prefer. Lets say bass, maybe product "a" appears to be providing bass that you haven't heard in your system before but product "b" isn't.

Does this make product "a" better than product "b"?

So how are you really being able to compare or does it just come down to a personal what you like and prefer?

Just my two cents

Of course Alex, it is important to keep independent variables at a minimum

My point was that, there will still be variables which apply for the particular audio system in which both front-end units are being tested. Some will find the outcome helpful, some not. But I agree it will be fun, as always. :-)

Interesting observation Alex about power conditioning on EMM.... Is EMM particularly sensitive to power conditioning? .... Why would this be the case more so than on Esoteric K-01?

Because EMM has a switching power supply and the K-01 does not. So the EMM is much more sensitive to the power source compared to the Esoteric.

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev

Dev,
Excellent points, it is difficult to eliminate the many variables when attempting to fairly compare components in an A/B format.