Esoteric N-05XD - what about a N-03T Transport and G-05 Master Clock

I now have the Esoteric N-05XD, but I’m currently evaluating a second hand Chord DAVE - running direct into ATC Active 100’s.

Very, Very happy with that sound, I’ll unbox  the Esoteric soon and evaluate that as well.
 

I was just thinking, a very good preamp is almost always a good choice for ultimate sound quality.

So, would / should my DAVE and say the Chord Ultima Pre 3 preamp as a combo out perform an Esoteric N-05 XD / Go-05 master clock combo ?

Long story short, a brand new Esoteric N-05XD has unseated my Chord DAVE.

And it wasn’t even close…. The DAVE will now be boxed up and sold.

I have also got a Innuos ZENith mk3 to replace a ZENmk3 & LPSU. Will unbox that this weekend. What would be the next logical step, Innuos Phoenix USB Reclocker, Phoenix Net - network switch or the Esoteric G-05 Master Clock ?

I am in no rush to decide.

Esoteric smokes anything else at its price point.

seadog 

we did a shootout of our 432evo aeon vs the 25,000 Innous statement with next gem psu.

The 7800 Aeon sounded just as good  so you would be best off selling the zenith and getting an Aeon which will outperform the zenith.

Dave and Troy 

Audio Intellect  NJ.

432evo Dealer