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Accuphase or Esoteric?

I am getting ready to pull the trigger on a new CD player. I've had an Accuphase DP-78 that sounds wonderful, but has developed some mechanical issues, so I think it's time for a new player. I've been offered a great deal on a new Accuphase DP-600, but also very good deals on an Esoteric K-03 or K-01. The only one of any of these I've heard is the K-03. I have a friend who has one, and we auditioned his against my Accuphase side by side, and found them roughly equal in sound quality, although they were different and we preferred one or the other, depending on what was playing. I'm interested in whether anyone has heard the Esoteric against the Accuphase, and also how much better the K-01 really is. The Absolute Sound review was pretty unequivocal, but I never know what reviewers are thinking, and there is a big price difference. Any advice would be very much appreciated.
skreich
maccar
18 posts
 
Never heard Accuphase players, but I would love to and the only Esoteric I've heard the DV60 and I hated it.
I have an Electrocompaniet EMC1UP which I bought after demoing the likes of Audio Research CD5, Wadia 381, Krell SACD505 and Sugden PDT4-F, only the latter came close.
areamihc
4 posts
 
Heard accuphase dp700 & esoteric k03.

Accuphase for me. As per description of accuphase, it sounds very liquid, with clarity and a touch of warmth.

Esoteric sounded mechanical and lifeless..
nibeskov
2 posts
 
I didn't listen to Accuphase. But I have DV50S and X-03. X-03 (VRDS NEO) sounds cold, lifeless, a bad bass! And DV50S (modified Pioneer the mechanism) sounds heat and is clear, the correct bass!
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Esoteric over the Oppo. Definitely.
ladycharnet's avatar
ladycharnet
59 posts
 
I like the Esoteric DV50s better than the K-3, and it is a DVD/SACD multiple channel player. This Esoteric is going surpass about 99% of all CD and SACD players, hands down and you might find one under two grand.

The only problem i have with multiple channel for surround format is the speakers should be forward and spread wider than the main channels, not like a DVD.

Accuphase is the best SACD stereo I have heard, and if you do not care for other than stereo, then that is going o be the best one I know to buy.

I have the Oppo 105D and it is a super good Blu-ray player and I can see why some say it is all you need for all formats. Well, it is not as good on pure music as either the Esoteric, or Accuphase, but for many good enough. Nevertheless, the Oppo is a value at $1299 new, just about the best value out there.

McCormack UDP-1 will top the Oppo in two channel mode, with the plain RCA output with good interconnects. It will not best it with multiple channels, nor as a DVD player, I think Steve made this to be mainly a super good CD/SACD stereo player. It is softer than the Esoteric, not as detailed, but a bit more liquid.

The question is do you want the best SACD player? If so, go with Accuphase, if you can afford it?
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