APL Esoteric X-01

Greg, when it comes to transport and DSP, the UX-1 and X-01 are identical. Just the X-01 has the DVD Video and Audio disabled.

When it comes to the APL re-design of these, it is also identical with absolutely the same end result. It's just that you will not be able to play DVD-A and Video on the X-01.

This said, the links that Puremusic(John) has provided above apply 100% for a re-designed X-01 as well. You can also look at the NWO-2.5 thread here on Audiogon

Regards,
Alex

Mgottlieb, I am perfectly aware (in-depth, down to the last component) what are the differences between the "normal" and "limited" UX-1 and X-01. There is no doubt that the "limited" is better, but it is still 90% similar to the "normal" version.

The "after-market modification", as you put it, involves complete removal of ALL original clocks, upsampler, digital filter, DAC and analog stages. The end result has nothing to do with Esoteric except for the beautiful enclosure and the superb VRDS-NEO transport. You are welcome to visit the links provided above and read more information about it.

Regards,
Alex

No doubt that the X-01 and X-01 Limited are two of the best sorts of "apples" money can buy, however, the NWO-2.5 is an "orange". Simply, the two can not be compared and just like Tvad said; they sound totally different.

So there is no point for further argument here.

Greg, please listen to the Limited. Even better, since we are almost neighbors, lets try to find a local SF Bay Area X-01 Limited owner who is willing to bring it over for A-B test. This way you can hear what the differences are and make up your mind easily.

Regards,
Alex

Deshapiro, there are number of NWO-2.5 players with the digital input (coax S/PDIF up to 192/24) so this option is available now.

The two other options which will be available in a month or so are Wi-Fi (wireless audio stream from PC) based on re-designed Squeezebox and Analog input.

Regards,
Alex

Alex, why don't you put the digital input n mine, so David can try it?

I knew this is coming... :-)

Ok, I will, although I don't really see what other digital source would outperform the Esoteric VRDS-NEO transport in the NWO-2.5. :-)

May be Deshapiro can tell us what he has in mind?

Regards,
Alex