Confusion re Esoteric X-01 Limited and X-01D2

I wonder if the differences between the D2 and P5D5 has more to do with the inferior transport versus the dacs? I personally believe the transports can have a huge impact on the sound. This is why I got the P3 transport instead of the P5 transport. It would be interesting to ask Teac if they have compared the P3D5 combo versus the D2. That being said, I would have probably got the D2 but I wanted to also use the DAC as an input for the digital music server.

Before I got my P3D5 I did own the X-03se which is of course several steps down from the D2. The P3 uses the same transport as the X03se. I found the P3D5 to be much better at separation than the X-03se. I also heard more detail.

frankg, I have heard the same thing. The VRDS NEO in its various incarnation is inferior at least from the materials point of view to the original VRDS used in the X-01. Now, whether or not this makes a difference is another matter. I believe this is why APL chooses to use the X-01 as its foundation for its line of cdps. The transport used on the new P-05 is definitely inferior. I believe it uses some sort of ABS plastic as well as other cost saving measures.

Great question Guido. I feel the same way. I guess the sonic differences will also be due to the other quality parts in the D2. Whether or not these differences are worth double the price is really up to the individual.