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Esoteric N-01XD SE vs N-01XD

I am looking to upgrade from my N-01 to the XD DAC technology.   I like the sound of mine and the soundstream music player, but the XD DAC technology sounds like a good step up.     

I would buy a used N-01 XD unit, since I know this is not a field upgrade, and i now see there are a few used N-01 XD SEs available.   

Anyone have experience with the N-0XD SE and what is the upgrade over the N-01XD?  Theres about a $3k difference in used pricing between them, so i am curious if it's worth it.

How long has the N-01XD SE been out?   

Am I seeing used ones because the N-01 line is due for another model upgrade soon?

mallen123
tubeguy80
108 posts
 

As far as I can tell the SE version came out early last year. I've read some feedback saying it was a pretty big improvement but hard to know for sure. I think those were people who sent in the original, and got it back with the upgrade, so no chance for direct comparisons. Looks like they upgrade the clock and also the analog circuitry to extract more from their proprietary DAC.

I think if one can afford something in that range it might make sense to just go to the top SE model. I guess it is easy for me to spend your money for you though!

maxdukecapone's avatar
maxdukecapone
65 posts
 

I had a K01 XD and replaced it with a N01XD SE. I traded the k01 so I didn’t have a direct A/B comparison. I got a good deal as the owner of the store used it a couple of months. I do think they did some tweaks to the analog side improving by tighting up the bass. I wish I could be more help but they are both so good I don’t want to spend your money giving an uneducated guess.

I will say I don’t regret the purchase!

bwguy's avatar
bwguy
231 posts
 

I upgraded from the N01XD to the XDSE.  Huge improvement.  Better dynamics, detail, and soundstage. 

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