Esoteric K01: What are the best settings for CD?


The Esoteric K01 has several up-conversion and filter options for CD play-back. Unfortunately, each up-conversion option and each filter option requires approximately 500 hours of 'break-in' to sound it's best. I have owned the Esoteric K01 since it's release. It is a superb SACD and CD player. I have 'broken in' some but not all filter and up-conversion settings. I am still unable to decide which combination I like best. I am currently using S_DLY1 (for digital filter) and 2Fs (for up conversion). I would like to know what settings other Esoteric K01 owners like best. It would be helpful if If you can explain why those settings sound better to you than other combinations. I wonder which settings the experts at Esoteric/Teac would recommend?
matjet

Showing 2 responses by gocubs999

The K-03 I purchased came with an Esoteric CD for the K-Series USB Highspeed Drivers for Windows 32/64 Bit & MAC. It appears that esoteric at some point included this disk to avoid having to download from the website. It additionally came packed with an IsoTek Full System Enhancer & Rejuvenation CD mentioned above. Neither of these disks was mentioned the the User Manual.
Audiolabyrinth,
As you know, adding a source component is system dependent and I strongly recommend finding a local dealer if possible to audition before landing on a final decision.
I was looking for a CD/SACD/USB Player prior to buying the K-03. At it's used price range of $6,300 - $6,600, I find this unit to be one of the best in it's price range. Previously using an Ayre QB-9 for Computer Audio playback and an Esoteric DV50S for CD/SACD playback. The K-03 is a significant improvement than both previous units.
Needless to say, I am extremely satisfied with the K-03's overall performance.