Esoteric K-01X or K-03X??


I just sold my 6 years old Esoteric X-03SE CD player and 2 years old G-03X Master Clock today. So it’s time for me to decide which is my next CDP: Esoteric K-01X or K-03X?

 I have a friend who bought a K-01X four months ago, he listen to it about 2 months but not happy with the sound (He said not musical and lack of emotion…), then he put it into the box and continue enjoy his Vinyl. Because of our close relationship and this guy is rich, I can get his K-01X around USD 9400 only. If I buy a brand new K-03X, I pay around USD 7500. I know this is a very good deal, and I know many of you will say just go to get this K-01X. Yes, I saw hundred of posts about the good thing of K-01X, but I never have chance to compare it side by side with K-03X. Does K-01X really sound much better than K-03X? 

I’m thinking if we can use quantization to measure these CDP, if you give K-01X 100 scores, then score you give K-03X? 95? 90? 85? ....

So what about compare to K-03X and the my old X-03SE? If you give K-03X 100 scores, then what score you give X-03SE?

I’m thinking maybe I can save some money to buy other things like a 4K color new TV if I choose K-=03X. BTW, I’m not interested in CAS, so DSD has no meaning to me. I just use my CDP to pay my normal Red Book audio CD and SACD. Thanks a lot and have a nice weekend!




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mmbl622
I have a K03 and would KILL for that K01.  They need over a thousand hours of break in so could be the current owner never gave it enough time to open up.  GRAB IT!
On a newly released k1x, who cares about 1 year warranty.  Your friend can help you if that issue arises anyway.

i would've said you made a bad move going k3x
Sorry guys but 1000 hours to break up? How in normal condition  (4 hours playing  per day) do it ? Of course I may turn on the CD for a month but it is safe for the mechanism/ transport?
And the question is whether it is worth it
I consieder this CD but...
You just put the CDP on repeat and mute the preamp.  The mechanism is bulletproof.  Yes, you need to do it.