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esoteric x-05 player

Hi all

I've just connected my newly bought esoteric x-05 player and compared it (a/b)to my Lecotr 7 CDP.I bought the Esoteric without audition as I don't have a dealer here and just based on its rave reviews. I was very disappointed (after a few hours of listening) to find out that the Esoteric's overall presentation compared to the Lector is quite harsh and metallic while the lector is very smooth and rich.

Is it just a break in period time (how much to anticipate) ?
Will an outboard (tube?) DAC (in redbook mode) will smoothen the presentation ?

thanks to all repliers in advance
icorem
chayro
3,052 posts
 
I had an X-05 in my system for 6 months. The sound never changed, IMO. I just couldn't make it work, but that's my opinion. I would definitely give it a month and see if it improves to your liking.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Okay, first off, figure a thousand hours on the player if you brought it new. Second, it likes good isolation, good ac cables, balanced outs and, again, good cables. It needs a good line conditioner. It isn't "bright" but incredibly detailed and transparent. It will reveal the recording and it will also reveal your system.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
BTW, there are quite a few X-05 and X-03's for sale used because the owners never gave them the rediculous burn in time they needed.
icorem OP
149 posts
 
thanks to al

seems that patience is the name of the game. I'll try to be patient while the player breaks in and i'll also connect it to a promitheus DAC I own and report the outcome.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
I have happily own an Esoteric X-01 Limited for several years. I must echo the need of 1000+ hours of break-in with Esoteric players before they stabilize and give you what they are truly capable of. You will really have no idea if the sound is for you until X-05 has reached peak performance .... and even then, ICs and power cords are likely to make a considerable difference to the sound.

G.
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