Esoteric N-05XD opinions please

The new(er) XD series have a completely different DAC architecture compared to the previous series. You mentioned K-01, but is it the K-01 (period)? As far as I know, after the K-01, it was the "x" generation, the K-01x, then the generation of K-01xs, and now the K-01xd

Hi @thyname

Yeah mine is a very old K-01. And not even the earlier x version. I still think it works great as a  transport. And i was feeding it to a AMR dp-777 which worked very well. And to be honest, the K-01, despite its aged dac section still sounds very resolving to my ears. I have been using a Cambridge Azur 851N for streaming from Tidal so far. And want to invest in better gear to improve my streaming playback. Considering the gear I presently use, I would think any 5k dac will be a big improvement on my current gear. I woud ideally like to keep it to one box, as Iam limited by shelf space in a small urban dwelling. And I tend to hold onto my purchases for pretty long.

So was considering the N-05XD. But user feedback is pretty scarce on this one. Though I found a few online reviews which were positive, as can be expected. The plan was to clock my old K-01 to the digital inputs of the N-05XD. As i still spin a lot of CD's. And give the old brick a new lease of life.

The other contendors are the Lumin P1 ( But i dont need a preamp ) and a Aurender A15 ( i dont know how good their dac implementation will be). Thus, Iam mainly focusing on the N-05XD. Thanks 

Thanks and best regards

Mike Y

I presently use, I would think any 5k dac will be a big improvement on my current gear.

Mike @wrxsti : I agree with this. You will just to figure out which DAC. You are most certainly in the right path with the N-05xd, but of course, there are many great DACs out there, that have a streamer (network bridge) built in.

I have the N-01XD for the past 2+ years now, and it’s definitely my endgame DAC, until it breaks down I have zero interest in looking at other DACs. The N-05XD was released later / more recently, it’s below the 01xd line, but I bet it’s a great DAC, same sound signature as the N-01XD

What software program controls the streamer?

Esoteric own streaming app. It’s also Roon Ready

Thanks again @thyname

I would prefer to stay within the Esoteric line to the extent possible. Ive read great things about the N-01XD, but sadly cant stretch to it. And if the N-05XD has not fallen far off the tree, then i can buy it blind. The only thing needed is a little user confirmation, that in paring down the N-01 XD to arrive at the price point of the N-05 XD not a lot has been scarificed.

Iam mainly looking for a more relaxing sound, with slight warmth, but without sacrificing detail in the bargain. Does the new Esoteric sound fit this bill in your good opinion. Thanks

@mahler123 the esoteric's use the same app as Lumin. Ive read that esoteric has out sourced the streaming software and firmware updates to Lumin.

Thanks and best regards

Mike Y

@wrxsti :

Iam mainly looking for a more relaxing sound, with slight warmth, but without sacrificing detail in the bargain. Does the new Esoteric sound fit this bill in your good opinion.

To answer your question, but based on my N-01XD only, a resounding YES! Details and sparkle in spades, but not fatiguing or harsh in no shape or form. Best of both worlds, as unbelievable as this sounds. Cannot speak of the N-05xd as I don’t own it, but it should be pretty close. I have heard the N-05xd in a couple of audio shows, and that’s the extent of it.

esoteric’s use the same app as Lumin. Ive read that esoteric has out sourced the streaming software and firmware updates to Lumin.

Technically it’s Esoteric own app, called Sound Stream, but you are correct, almost identical to the LUMIN app barring some visual differences, and built by the LUMIN folks. The software that is, not the hardware. The streaming hardware is Esoteric own in-house

Thanks a ton again @thyname

Esoteric it is then :)

Thanks and best regards

Mike Y

Hi All, i am also considering to buy Esoteric N-05xd, but i also have the possibility to get the previous generation N 05 with a very good deal. I own Sopra no 2 & Accuphase E-480 and Naim ND5 Xs2, but i would like to upgrade Naim to Esoteric, because i am looking for more detailed sound and it is an old DAC/streamer, which doese not support MQA etc.

Do you think that N 05dx would make a big difference? specially in compare to N 05? I listened N 05 and my Naim one after another, but do not have that chance for N05xd.

Hi @doboree

The N-05 was launched sometime in 2015 if my memory serves me right. Today's dac's are almost a few decades, if not a generation ahead in technical advancements. Thus, the N-05 XD should be improvement over the older N-05 by a considerable margin I would presume. I have their K-01, which has a similar dac implementation to the N-05 with AKM chips. The newer N-05 XD is a completely newer implementation of their in house developed dac and a different sound completely.

Going for a N-05 today, will be a step back in time in my honest opinion. All the best. 

@wrxsti Thank you for your reply. I bought Weiss Dac 501 & i am quite happy with it.

@doboree

Hearty congratulations on your new acquisition :)

Bet it sounds fantastic :)

wrxsti

What other gear is in your System? Esoteric is a sonic match for Accuphase and Conrad Johnson, as both brands, add a measure of warmth that will off-set any analytical interpretation.

Happy Listening!

Hi @jafant 

Unfortunately I dont have anything from Accuphase or CJ. My preamp is a passive from MFA, and my main amps are LM 503PA from Line magnetic. The LM amps helps smoothen things out, and with the combination of the passive pre preserves enough detail with a tinge of warmth. Just the way i like it :)

I also have a preamp from T+A, a P1260R, but I prefer the MFA passive for its slightly better clarity. I either spin CD's or stream from a Lumin U1X. I also have a vinyl rig which sees much use.

wrxsti

Excellent system. Keep those CD/SACS(s) spinning!

Happy Listening!

@jafant

Thanks for your kind words sir :)

SACD(s) : Corrected.

Old thread but I have an N-05XD and have questions for other owners.

I first used the N-05XD with a dedicated music server I have (high-end custom build) that runs Roon.  It didn't sound great.  I never knew how limited it was until I turned off Roon-Only mode and ran the Esoteric using Soundstream app and an external 4TB SSD (via USB).  This setup is night and day better but I know that an external SSD connected via a USB-C cable is still sub-optimal.  In fact, as strange as this sounds, the sound quality actually improves/declines based upon how much the SSD is being accessed; better at the start of the listening session, not as good at the end especially if I am shuffling songs.  I'm no computer expert, but I'd guess it's got something to do with the internal heat of the drive.  It's the best Samsung I could find.

I'm thinking going to a NAS would be better.  I have room on my switch to install one about 60 feet from the Esoteric (which is also connected to the switch through a wired ethernet connection).  Any thoughts or suggestions on what I should buy?  Thanks very much.