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NEED A RECOMMENDATION FOR NEW CD/SACD PLAYER

My Esoteric K-01 player has just stopped working for the second time.
The transport works, but no audio on any source--no audio on CD and no audio from my server. I will send it back for repair. This is the second time for repairs in two years.

Can anyone recommend a CD/SACD player that is more reliable? I thought the sound of the K-01 was very good; I am happy to consider units that are better sounding and/or more expensive. But reliability is just as important.

I just don't want to deal with the unit going down again. . .
huntermusic
huntermusic OP
76 posts
 
Thanks for responding. Yes, the K-01 sounds great. I love the sound across the board on all kinds of music: orchestra, jazz, pop, acoustic, etc. The unit has a great DAC, and I also use it as the DAC for my music server (antipodes). But I guess I am used to top level equipment being 100% reliable. It is not as if it has any wear items inside the box.

Of course I will get it serviced---perhaps even updated--but I was wondering if anyone else is listening to a CD/SACD unit that they love and that is extremely reliable.

It is a drag that my system will be down for at least two weeks maybe more.
davt's avatar
davt
505 posts
 
boy, I am a big fan of esoteric. I have had my UX-3 since 2006. Did have a SACD reading issue a few years ago, Esoteric repaired for free and it has been flawless since. That being said. I did hear a Playback design, forget the model number but it was their top model that I also really liked. I am wondering if all of the different filtering choices and program options on the K-01 are a problem. One of the things I liked about the Playback was less unneeded options of adjustability as I recall.
elevick
2,638 posts
 
Why not Oppo? Not only is it a great value but, the customer service is the best I've ever seen.
tonykay
1,307 posts
 
My McIntosh MVP-871 is in for repair for the second time this year. Repairs are being done by Magnolia Audio/Video since McIntosh refused to warranty it as I purchased it as a demo. I can only assume they refused to warranty it as they anticipate problems with these units. When playing an SACD, or DVD-Audio, the unit displays,"LOADING...LOADING...LOADING," then stops. I can't think of anything more frustrating than an expensive piece of audio equipment breaking down, except maybe breaking down twice. I would consider an Oppo from all the positive reviews I have read.
french_fries
815 posts
 
Just get it repaired with a nice letter explaining that you have had an "unusually" frequent issue with (specific problems-etc.). they may opt to replace it with a new unit or... make sure you are not introducing the unit to smoke, hair, dirty discs, etc. or rough handling, or excessive heat.
the higher the resolution of a component the more fussy it can get.
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