Any experience with Esoteric K-05?

kiwi, would love to hear your continued observations. I too was getting swayed by the AA fan club, as well as Alan Taffel's incredible reviews of the K-03 and the D-07x dac. However, while there is no doubt the Esoteric line offers great sound, upon a little more investigation combing through the web, it's definitely a specific sound that may possibly border on the analytically neutral side, or as you call it, a cooler presentation. Thats not necessarily a bad thing, but it implies (as is usually the case) that personal preference as well as system synergy will still matter. If you have a cool system or prefer a warmer sound, this may not be the perfect solution, as Denon1 properly suggested. I don't know what to make of this characteristic, but I'm still very interested in the K-05 or K-03. My only concern is, at this price point, can I find anything else that has this much detail and dynamics, but also provides possibly a more fleshed out, soulful, and dare I say warmer sound.

Jon, I have a combined HT/2ch system with the 2ch gear being Revel Salon 2s as mains, a Mcintosh MC452 amp doing mains power, and a Krell S-1200 processor doing double duty as preamp and processor. Source is Oppo BDP95, the final necessary replacement. Im about to run out of money, lol, so the DAC or CDP/DAC will be my last purchase along with a music server for the final piece of the puzzle, computer audio. No more money or room for a separate tube pre. Hence my concern. Looking forward to more commentary from Kiwi, as the K-03 (or 05) could be an excellent one-box solution as both outstanding CDP/SACD and DAC

So Kiwi, how is it sounding compared to your Cary 306? I'm also considering the 306 Pro but it may be a bit older in techynology.

Thanks Kiwi. Very interesting and distinct comparison. I was really leaning towards the Esoteric units, but you stopped me cold with the Cary win-points. You used the word "trumps", which in my mind means decisively better. Is either unit actually weak in the areas it was trumped, or are they still very good, but noticeably weaker just in comparison to the other's strengths?

Kiwi, btw, where is your blog?