Esoteric X-03se vs K-03

Yes, I've noticed from previous threads, etc. that we have similar equipment and sonic interests, Dodgealum. I wish it were possible for me to audition a K-03 along side our X-03se, but no regional dealers within a day's drive. Let's hope that one of our A'gon colleagues has had the experience.

I had the X03SE for a few years and upgraded to the K03 about a year and a half ago. If you would have told be the improvement upgrade before I did it, I would not have believed you. I did it just to upgrade as I went with new amps, so figured go with the times and get the new model. WEll, it does everything the X03 SE does and then add in some of the best digital I have ever heard. The K03 can be used as a dac, the X03 cant. The K03 is more resolving, deeper soundstage, more info, detail, gobsmacks of emotions, etc. Basically, it blows it away.

Thanks Cerrot for your perspective. Opinion in more than one publ. review seems to be that redbook CD playback is somewhat disappointing, although SACD's are stellar. Similarly with just using it as a DAC seems to be far preferred. Do you concur with this? Largely a redbook CD guy here, with a fair collection of SACD's as well. This is why I've enjoyed the X-03se all these years, and didn't really know how the K-03 compares in this format.

Hi Mbump, I disagree totally with that part of the reviews. Don't know what they were listening to. The redbook is awesome. I have a Berkeley DAC with a Tara Lab The One Digital Cable and the internal dac blew the Berkeley away. The K03's redbook is stellar. Most of what I listen to is actually 44.1k and NO dissappointments! I think the K03 is one of the ebst 44.1k players available. Run for an audition.

Thanks, Cerrot. With the X-03se, I've always been impressed with both redbook and sacd. Obviously, a difference in presentation bet. formats, but both with tremendous detail, staging, and frequency balance. Depending on the recording, the X-03se can, at times, come across as a bit analytical and with a slightly narrow stage/placement. This is perhaps some of the motivation/curiosity to the K-03.