New Esoteric P02 D02

Sorry for the delay in responding, been traveling with the family over the holidays and had to put my time elsewhere! Please understand my remembrance of Tara, Synergistic, Audioquest, Transparent and other cable brands now goes back to their top models 2-3 years ago so take my feedback on them with that in mind; the top Synergistic cables that I heard at the time were very well rounded and high-performing cables. They did a very nice job giving full range response, big sound stage (in 2 dimensions though, the 3rd lacked extreme depth in many cases as with many other brands I've tired) and musicality with a bit of a rolled off top-end. I remember being very happy with the overall performance and sound but as with others, not being left with a feeling of finding a cable that could be called a 'destination cable'. This is true of both the digital and the XLR balanced analog offerings I've tried. Contrast that with Kubala Sosna Elation (for AES digital) between my P03U and D03 which gives me a cable that I can confidently call a destination cable; the soundstage is huge in all 3 dimensions, all the frequencies well cast and images well defined. Attack and decay and air around each note is hyper-accurate and true to what I've heard or been a part of with respect to live music and you have a presentation and tonal picture of a cable that I really love. I've had a similar experience around David Elrod's Statement Gold interconnects, Power Cords and Signature Gold speaker cables; the system simply "came alive" with an energy, dynamics, huge soundstage (all 3 dimensions) and musically true result that I've never heard in my setup before or for that matter in many systems I've demo'ed or heard at shows, etc....The combination I have running today both before and after I changed speakers recently is something I've only been able to enjoy since moving to these cables. My front end, pre-amp and amp have been stable and in place for years; these cables were "the" defining step to get my system to perform up to what I now know is its potential. One thing that has held true of interconnects, speaker cables and power cords for me is that it is all about synergy with equipment, room, other cables in the system and types of music one wants to play so please take any feedback/impressions into consideration with that in mind…

To Colekat:

D-02 is a very good DAC, but it is a bit dry and forward for my taste. It is a matter of taste of course, like wine people have different tastes. Some like dry Pinot Noir, others Merlot with full body. I compared many other digital gear, and so far D02 had the highest resolution, biggest and most accurate sound stage with prper instrument delineation, space, size and right timbre.
I suspect that my complaints are coming from the output stage, not the digital circuitry. I prefer a more laid back and relaxed presentation. I also prefer a bit more mid bass. As for the SACDs , many people would disagree, I like my older D03 dac that sounds more analog. USB with hi-res material sounds superb, and can compete with the very best.
I like older p01/d01 vuk combo and Soulution 745 as well.
As for the amplification my favorites are Soulution, Dan D'Agostino and Audio Research. I liked Soulution monoblocks the best. My second best is Dan D'Agostino. If you like valves I would recommend Audio Research and VTL. It all comes to personal taste. Also dont forget, there is no such thing as perfect sounding gear. The magic lies in the right combination of the equipments and cables. Like Soulution pre/power with Focal Stella Utopia,etc..

Hi Guidocorona,

x01 as a transport has a similar sound signature, which is a bit on the thicker and warmer side, as the p01.

To Zephyr:

Thank you for the comparison. I will audition elation.

Happy, Healthy and Wealthy (so that we can invest more in high end) New Year !