New Esoteric P02 D02

For now my verdict is that D02 is one of the most detailed converters around. Unfortunately it is neither one of the smoothest nor the most musical with cds. It can be a bit harsh and forward with some material. Compared with it Accuphase is smoother but uninvolving and also seriously lacking in bass. D03 also is smoother but less detailed and smaller in sound stage.
I have high hopes regarding the new dCS Vivaldi...

Interesting and quite extensive try out. Congrats. That is the way to go.

I am not sure if when you get the P02 your impression of a bit of harsh and forward will change or not. I think likely not but we will see.

I don't know why you are getting that. Has to be system related or cables. or maybe taste/preference. The line between detailed and harsh can be thin. And these are detailed all right. but I do find them very musical too. More so with playing time.

I now added the new G-01. Increased musicality all around alongnwith the rest of things. But most impressive right now is the dynamics, impact and weigth of presentation. It is quite something.

These things with the clock are even more impresive. I have tried it in the past (the old model) with the P03 D03 and found little improvement. Had it home twice and never went for it.

Dont know why but with the 02s and the new G01 the improvement is very nice and evident. It may have to do with the fact that my speakers now are diferent and more resolving or the new componets are, or a mix. But the adition of the clock makes a large improvement I never heard before with this kind of gear. I recomend it.

Hi Eelii,

I absolutely agree with your comments regarding the clock. It makes it more musical, "more analog" with better dynamics. It sounds like areal event rather than a reproduction of it with the clock. Also the sound stage is now rock solid and bigger. It is more "3D".

About slight harshness, I observe it only with some cds never with sacds or well recorded cds. It may also the revealing power of the DAC. It cant change a bad remaster into a good one. I will try p02 just to hear if 352khz upsampling (similar to DXD) and the new aes link would make a difference. (p01vuk does 176 or 192k upsampling)