Which setup is better?

Which source setup you think is better?

1. Esoteric X03 CDP (only)
2. Esoteric X03 as transport + NAD M51 DAC

What do you think?

Thanks!

wafflee10-23-2012 12:23pm

stereo5 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 6,388 posts 10-23-2012 at 11:23pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Esoteric X03.
wafflee OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1 posts 10-24-2012 at 06:30am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Stereo5, Thanks for your response. So, any specific reason why you think Esoteric X03 as a CDP alone is better? Thanks!!
zd542 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,339 posts 10-24-2012 at 03:06am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Esoteric X03 CDP
krell_man Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 827 posts 10-24-2012 at 12:45pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Maybe I'm missing something here, but why would you think that the NAD is even in the same league as the Esoteric?
cerrot Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,700 posts 11-04-2012 at 03:03pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I have the esoteric x03se (I think you emmailed me but cannot email yet due to storm). The x03SE is excellent and the NAD isn't close. it will not make it better. I do believe redbook cd's sound better with the x03se going into my g25u/berkeley dac but that also goes streight into my amps. I cannot compare the esoteric direct to the amps.