ESOTERIC N-01 Replacement For My PS Audio BHK Preamp & Directstream Dac with Brige ll

@dznutz @audiotroy 

I will be doing a group panel blind test with the Esoteric Gradioso KY which is the same as the N-01 Dac against the DSC Vivaldi this Friday. The only thing missing would be the Lumin X1. Wish I could have heard them all together but this is as close as I can get.

I will update the thread with the results after the test,

Thanks your your help:)

I heard Chord Dave but never did a A/B with the 2. Chord Dave was excellent especially with your Pass 160.8 and Audio Research REF 10 or Ref 6 in the mix. I am shooting for a network streamer Dac combo to and to have less in the chain as possible.

I was fortunate to have had an opportunity to A/B the Esoteric Grandioso K1 which is the Same Dac as the N-01 against the DCS Vilvaldi. We listened to them back to back for over 4 hours and I must say that the Esoteric hands down was the most musically engaging of the 2 no question imho ofcourse. Now the last piece of the puzzle will be to audition the Lumin X1.

@audiotroy

I am on a mission to try the Lumin x1 against the Esoteric N-01. I truly hope it does give it a run for the money, I could really use that 6K savings:)

@dpac996

Thanks for sharing, I will see about getting a demo piece in if possible.

@dpac996 

Took your advice on the MSB Discrete Dac. Cant wait.

Cheers 

@ufguy73

I can tell you that the Grandioso is totally one of the best if not the best I have ever heard second to the Lampinzator Golden gate. As you already know the N-01 is the Grandioso without the transport. The only one that has totally peeked my interest "And Trust me I'm Pickey" is the LuminX1 based on what I have heard from a a very respected dealer who as owned all 3 lines. The Lumin is in the Cross hairs because I love FPGA updates and there Lumin App. With all that in mind I can't wait to here one live in my current system If you have any doubt reach out to Mike at Suncoat Audio in Sarasota Florida where all the HIFI Ballers buy high-end. He is easy and a sincere guy to talk with absolutely no pressure and might even entertain an in home demo for you.

Best,