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Any experience with Esoteric K-05?

I have an aging Cary Audio 306 SACD and thinking about a replacement soon. The K-05 is in a similar price range (at around US$8k) and I wondered whether there was any experience out there with this relatively new machine?

I would be interested in hearing from owners or people who have auditioned the Esoteric K-05. What are the players strenghts and weaknesses? What are its sonic traits? If you listened and did not buy - why not?

The rest of my system is a Gryphon Diablo integrated amp, Raidho Acoustics D-2 (diamond) speakers and Nordost Valhalla cables. Thanks!
kiwi_1282001

Showing 5 responses by ritmo

ritmo
99 posts
 
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
ritmo
99 posts
 
As much as I like the K-05, if I could do this all over again, I would seriously consider the K-03. I feel the 05 is outstanding at its price point and a top contender in the sub $10K price point. The K-03 is better but the price is 30% more as well.

Mike
ritmo
99 posts
 
I've owned the K-05 for the last 3 months. It is. Beautifully made player. Cosmetics and mechanics are terrific. Quiet player. Top is extended and detailed yet non fatiguing. Terrific soundstage. Bottom end is controlled and with adequate detail. A very musical and satisfying player.

The K-05 replaced an Oppo 83se and ARC DAC8 in mys system. Yes, to my ears, the Esoteric sounds better than the Oppo/ARC combo.

Mike
ritmo
99 posts
 
Jeff,

I own the Salon 2's driven by ARC (Ref 5SE and DS450). The K-05 sounds terrific in my system. I will confess that I've been tempted to upgrade to a K-03. I do not find the K-05 to be too neutral or "cold" - it is quite musical, not fatiguing with nice extended highs, nice and wide soundstage and darn good imaging. Compared to my ARC DAC8 (which I still own along with the Oppo 83SE), I feel the K-03 sounds better.

Mike
ritmo
99 posts
 
In reference to my comment on 4/12 - the last sentence should state - "I feel the K-05 sounds better."

I incorrectly, typed "K-03".

Mike
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