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Esoteric K07X versus K05

Strictly for redbook CD listening to classic rock music, second hand sale. Which would you steer me towards?

I'm currently using a Plinius Hautonga integrated, Rega RP6 + Hana SH, Naim CD5X into Totem Sttafs in a dedicated two-channel listening room.

No interest in using the Esoteric as a dedicated DAC for streaming.

joerand
6 responses Add your response
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
If your hearts in Redbook CD, don't compromise on a "just in case" for downloads, as the Redbook will take a hit.

Cheers George   
joerand OP
5 posts
 

Right. I thought it might be nice to get a CDP with a quality up-sampling DAC in case I ever want to go the way of streaming in the future (unlikely) and also for better potential resale value. Reading up on the matter I'm starting to find that in my situation a dedicated Redbook player might be a better choice. I do enjoy the HDCDs with my current Naim player. Maybe time for me to upgrade to a Naim CDX2? Pity I really can't home demo a quality CDP from a local dealer. They no longer carry CDPs and only want to talk about streaming options.

Any suggestions welcome ....

jl35
3,982 posts
 
I would look other than Esoteric for Redbook only...
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
The older "Multibit" players that I listed are only dedicated, geared towards converting PCM (Redbook CD)

Where the newer ones "Delta Sigma conversion" may do sacd as well (which is DSD) with out the sacd flag. But for PCM replay as far as I believe and hear, pcm replay will take a hit. Hence the MoJo Music quote above.

Cheers George  
joerand OP
5 posts
 
Thanks George. Though I don't fully understand what you're saying I get the gist. Are you suggesting that the updates from 32 to 34 bit sampling on the newer X versions of the Esoterics improves only the streaming side and would not have any effect on direct CD replay?
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Both the used models you listed have bitstream delta sigma AK4399 converters so they can do sacd (dsd with flag) with.
If you seriously only want Redbook 16/44 24/96 I would look at a used Esoteric CDP that uses a Multibit converter as they do pcm (redbook) better.

Like these: as these are Multibit Esoteric players

ESOTERIC X-01

ESOTERIC X-03

ESOTERIC X-05

ESOTERIC X-1

ESOTERIC X-1S

ESOTERIC X-10w / X-10WD

ESOTERIC X-25

And the Naim CD5X you have is a very good redbook player as it is Multibit, my dream one is the Naim CD555 with 555PS power supply. I have a Linn CD12 MkIII (multibit) and that 555 Naim is the only one I would sub it for.



MoJo Music quote:

" When a PCM (redbook) file is played on a dsd, sacd or Bit Stream converter, the DAC chip has to convert the PCM to DSD in real time. This is one of the major reasons people claim DSD sounds better than PCM, when in fact, it is just that the chip in most modern single-bit delta sigma DACs do a poor job of decoding PCM.



Cheers George


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