Any experience with Esoteric K-05?

Agree with you Gordon. I'm part of that discussion in AA as well. Many audiophiles have purchased the K-03 and some have even upgraded to the K-01. The Esoteric K series players are outstanding.

Mike

Thanks Gordon and Mike. I have also read the commentary on AA including Mikes excellent overview. Looking for expanded input because the AA site seems to be a bit of fan club. Nothing wrong with that - but no product can be perfect for all systems and tastes and it is a very significant worry that there is vertually no criticism of the product. I have not been able to get hold of a K-05 for demo but have managed to get a K-03 to try and I am doing so at time of writting.

Kiwi, I had K-05 (in black),also had K-03 and now have K-01. K-05 is a good player but not as resolving as K-03 and K-01, it is very musical so. Also the one I got for the first 50 hours made audible noise (mechanical) during playback, but it went away after. I think the sweet spot in current esoteric line-up is K-03. I agree that AA forum is more like a fun club, especially that its moderator is a dealer for esoteric, but current K models when burned for at least 500 hours become very natural sounding players with great dynamics and details. When new they sound dry and little harsh.
You have great integrated and speakers, I think to hear their full potential you have to go with K-03 if you set on esoteric brand. Based on my personal experience, the esoteric service is outstanding. When I expessed my concern that my k-05 making noise they offered new player or upgrade to higher models without any hesitation.

Thanks for the comments Denon 1. My K-03 demo unit has over 500 hours on the clock. What filter settings are you currently using? 4x oversampling and no filter seems the most open in my system - but I find the presentation tonally cool. Remarkable resolution though.

Kiwi, in my system I differ between those two combos
4x overslampling and SDLy_1 filter or
2x overslampling and FIR1 - I'm still braking this one and starting to like this one more and more.

Please remember that each of the combinations need to be broken separatley (300-500 hours on each combo)

But if you looking on a warmish sound, I don't think the esoteric is the best choice. The K series are neutural sounding and when properly broken present with dynamic, highly detailed but natural sound without any coloration an digital glare. I also prefer esoteric K series for their ability to serve as a great DAC.