Esoteric K-01

Are you saying the K01 is a nice warmish player (on redbook)?
Have you tried it on some poorly mastered CDs?

Did anybody tried the digital volume control on k-01 or k-03 running directly to the amplifier, it is intersting how does it compare with pre-ampifer in place. Thanks you.

I would like to attempt to answer the question posted by Rgs92. I believe that a good audio component should not only be transparent and accurate but also capable of providing a complete representation of the music recorded (redbook or SACD); so we will be provided with a "warm" sound which is different from "coloration". The K03 fails to achieve that while the X03SE does it but not as detailed as the K01. If you do a blind test to remove as much bias as possible (that you may have acquired based on previous impressions or because you like some line of products) and compare these 3 players while listening Ana Caram (Rio after Dark Album - 4th track) you very likely agree and understand my statement. Poorly mastered CD's sound like they are: " poor", not improved. Tks. Cat007

Hey Cat007, thanks for that very insightful answer that really answered my question well. Good writing! Best to you.

Anybody compared the Esoteric K-01 to the Burmester 089 yet ? Feedback would be appreciated.