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Esoteric Grandioso P1/D1

Hello, wanted to start a thread on the new flagship Esoteric Grandioso P1 D1 digital system. Haven't seen any out there and also there is not much information on the web either. Just a couple of reviews and that is about it.

Idea is to share experiences and knowledge on this digital playback system from owners, people that has listened to it, with first hand experience for whatever reason, or just for those who may be interested to ask questions as potential future owners...

If you are reading this, you probably know the system is composed of 4 pieces: A transport, the power unit of transport, and 2 mono DACs for each channel.

Additionally, you can use (and I do recommend it to a great extend) the clock G01, so overall a 5 pieces system.

This digital replaces the old 01 which has been in the market for a long time and brings new interesting features it will be nice to discuss in depth.

Some are quite new or at least not seen before in high end audio like the use of a proprietary transfer protocol (ES-LINK 4) using HDMI cables.

it allows direct DSD and 352.8kHz/48bit PCM ultrawideband digital transmission using an HDMI cable for each DAC.

http://www.esoteric.jp/products/esoteric/p1d1/indexe.html

But most importantly, to discuss it's music reproduction qualities and different configurations and experinces.

Despite being out there for a while already, I can't understand why there hasn't been much said about them. I guess Esoteric should expend a bit in adds to get the atention of the pro audio publications... :-)

Anyway, I have these for less then a month, and despite having very little hours on them, they are quite something. However they are still evolving so will wait on my side a while still to talk in detail about the sound.

Hope this thread is of use and helps owners, potential ones, and others gather and share lots of information.

Thanks
Eli
eelii08

Showing 12 responses by eelii08

eelii08 OP
169 posts
 
Hi G. That's funny. Have to wonder what she had in mind. Good to hear from you.
eelii08 OP
169 posts
 
Wow G, what's with you? All fine?
eelii08 OP
169 posts
 
HI Azjake.

I don't think it is only about set up options. The dedicated boxes with power supplies, specially keeping it far away from transport, plus the mono DACs do make a remarkable difference. I guess 4 or 5 boxes is the downside to it, but if you get a chance,try to listen to them in a familiar system. Would be great to hear your impressions.

Best
eelii08 OP
169 posts
 
02 is indeed very good. No wonder you are very happy with them. I have been happy a number of years with them, and had not heard better digital until the 01s.

01s are, as rare as it may sound if you are used to the 02s, a good step beyond. I started a project to build a new system a few years back: room acoustics, speakers, amps, preamp, cables and so on. Besides speakers, these have provided the best improvement in sound well above any other addition. And I was coming from the 02s, which is, as you know fantastic in itself. Highly recommend to try to listen to it in a familiar set up.
eelii08 OP
169 posts
 
Will try to do in the near future. Pictures are not my most beloved hobby, and updating all the list in the system is a bit of a pain (not really a bit...)

Latest pictures I have are of a couple of months ago with the system as it is right now but with the 02s still on.

Is there a way to send a private message here? I could send you in private.
eelii08 OP
169 posts
 
A nice review of the units a friend pointed out to me. One of the only 2 I am aware of.

http://www.soundmania.hu/files/tests/0/0/1/5/1/Esoteric%20Grandioso%20P01-D01%20-%20Hifi%20and%20records%20ENG%204-2014.pdf
eelii08 OP
169 posts
 
Yes I know what you mean. Many things to point out, but realism of reproduction is probably the most important achievement. All is just right. Bass, detail, expression, extension, sound staging... you name it. But it is altogether that gives realism levels not heard before. Listening to orchestral or symphonic music, it is amazing how there you are. I always remember when being in a concert, the sense of calm yet great dynamics when all the orchestra kicks in. But all in order and under control. This is best way to describe what I hear.

G I may be wrong, since early days and don't know in deep detail, but I don't think you can drive an amp directly from DACs. It does not have volume control. Or I have not seen it. Which for me is a plus actually since always have felt a good preamp improves sound and resolution over digital volume controls.
eelii08 OP
169 posts
 
Thanks John.

Ok finally updated my system. "My system" is called. Well actually builded a new one. Anyone knows how to get rid of an old system?

I have to agree with what Colekat mentions. It is that good.

Regarding preamp, and DAC volume attenuation, I always felt all my digitals sounded better with a preamp so for me it is indifferent. Alway I prefer if they don't have it. Assume Esoteric thought it was better that way and had a good reason for it, because it is true it could turn off some potential buyers.
eelii08 OP
169 posts
 
Interesting. I think they went for simplicity to achieve the purest sound possible here. Not only taking out the volume; If you go the recommended way in connecting them, ES LINK 4 using HDMI, the options available in terms of up sampling, filters and the like are very limited.
eelii08 OP
169 posts
 
Hi Fplanner. You should try to find ways to use the clock. It does have a great effect on the 02s. But assume you know that. As for the 01s, the difference with the 02s is not small. Better in many material ways. If you listen to them in a familiar system you will be able to tell right away.

I am wondering on the HDMI cables. It is clearly the way to connect these things. Just wondering what kind of effect can have the cables in SQ. They come with a model from VDH. But you don't find that many HDMI cables out there. Auidoquest have one model, I think Nordost just came out with another one and Siltech has one on their mid series classic anniversary. They told me they can't produce a Royal signature HDMI cable given the connectors are too thin for a cable of high diameter.

I will try the Siltechs, but if anyone has an opinion if HDMI cables do make a difference in sound it would be interesting to hear.
eelii08 OP
169 posts
 
HI Zephir,

I agree with you 02 are no joke...

Regarding HDMI I don't know if I misunderstood you. None of the 03s or 02s had HDMI connectors. They had ilink, or RCA or XLR.

The 02 uses ESLINK3 through 2 AES/EBU. This is the best way to play them. But the 01s uses ESLINK 4 only through HDMI. If you plug 2 AES/EBU you just go back to ESLINK3.

Regarding prices for HDMI cables, actually they are not that crazily priced as other digital cables. A siltech is sold for 280 euros (the only one they make), and the VDH that comes with them (their highest model) at 220 euros. If you compare this with the prices of AES/EBU cables or any other it is far away. The most expensive HDMI cable out there for 1 meter is prices around 1000 USD. I just wonder if there is any difference or not between them.

Siltech claims that they can not connect high diameter cables to a HDMI plug. They would have to make thin pure momo x silver (as used in the DC models but much thiner) and that would be too expensive and not sure if there is a market for that.

In any case I will compare the stock cables with the SIltech and see if there is any difference. IN forums people claim there is in terms of image, but for pure sound applications, there is not much info out there.
eelii08 OP
169 posts
 
01s at 400 or so hours and still improving. Nice change from 300 to 400 hours. It keeps surprising me how good these things really are. Nothing to do with any digital I've heard before. Pure magic and flow, detail, PRAT... Incredible.
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