Something you may also want to consider is excellent separates. I have been using an Esoteric K-03x in both a speaker system and a headphones system. I decided to try a DENAFRIPS Terminator DAC and I found its SQ to exceed that of the DAC in the K-03x in every regard. The Terminator is simply in another class. I then substituted a Jay’s Audio CDT-3 dedicated CD transport and was further surprised at its superiority over the much vaunted Esoteric transport. Together, I am so impressed that I have ordered another set so I can have this standard in both my speaker system and headphone system. I simply cannot go back to the Esoteric. I have not heard a K-01x v K-03x but the K-01x would have to be way way better than the K-03x to match the CDT-3 / Terminator combo. I would guess that you could buy this combo new for a similar price to a secondhand K-01x. Do not be put off by their relatively modest price compared to some of the outlandish prices being charged by others. They punch way above their price. The CDT-3 however does not have SACD capability. I have a number of SACDs but many more CDs and prefer to maximize Red Book.
Ayre C-5XE MP, Simaudio Moon Andromeda, or Esoteric K-01X
Wanting to upgrade my Proceed PDT/PDP CD transport/DA converter from the early 1990's.
I am wanting to play many hundreds of Redbook CD's that I have collected, and I also want to start acquiring SACD's.
I prefer to listen to classical and jazz, but I also listen to some rock and pop music also.
2 channel stereo listening only.
I am running a pair of Mark Levinson No. 20.6 amps and a No. 26S preamp. B&W 801 Matrix Series 3 speakers.
Out of the 3 players listed:
Ayre C-5XE MP
Simaudio Moon Andromeda
Esoteric K-01X
I am wanting to buy a used CD/SACD player that will give me the biggest gain in 2 channel stereo reproduction. If the Esoteric K-01X sounds even a little better than the Ayre C-5XE MP and the Simaudio Moon Andromeda, I will spend the money. If there is another brand that you feel is better than any of the 3 that I have listed, please advise and/or educate me.
I know that the 3 players that I have listed cover a wide price range. I have talked to Ayre and they will hands down say that the C-5XE MP will compete sonically with anything out there. At the same time I would like to know if the Esoteric K-01X is sonically superior to anything up to its price range.
I have not kept up with the technology advancements in CD/SACD players for the past 25 years so I have been reading everything that I can to get caught up. Lots of people on the forums that own/have owned a lot of great CD CD players/transports/DA converters. A lot of great units out there. All opinions welcome.
I am wanting to play many hundreds of Redbook CD's that I have collected, and I also want to start acquiring SACD's.
I prefer to listen to classical and jazz, but I also listen to some rock and pop music also.
2 channel stereo listening only.
I am running a pair of Mark Levinson No. 20.6 amps and a No. 26S preamp. B&W 801 Matrix Series 3 speakers.
Out of the 3 players listed:
Ayre C-5XE MP
Simaudio Moon Andromeda
Esoteric K-01X
I am wanting to buy a used CD/SACD player that will give me the biggest gain in 2 channel stereo reproduction. If the Esoteric K-01X sounds even a little better than the Ayre C-5XE MP and the Simaudio Moon Andromeda, I will spend the money. If there is another brand that you feel is better than any of the 3 that I have listed, please advise and/or educate me.
I know that the 3 players that I have listed cover a wide price range. I have talked to Ayre and they will hands down say that the C-5XE MP will compete sonically with anything out there. At the same time I would like to know if the Esoteric K-01X is sonically superior to anything up to its price range.
I have not kept up with the technology advancements in CD/SACD players for the past 25 years so I have been reading everything that I can to get caught up. Lots of people on the forums that own/have owned a lot of great CD CD players/transports/DA converters. A lot of great units out there. All opinions welcome.