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Esoteric N05XD (DAC/Streamer/Preamp) review

Hi, I have this unit and love it. I had Denefrips Venus 2 w/Bluesound Node 2i, Lumin w/DAC and some other Streamer/DAC combos in for listening. I found the Esoteric was substanially more quiet dark backgrounds.  I have not seen any reviews on this unit likely due to the price but it really is a bargin for avoiding separates and interconnects.  Does anyone else have this unit and would care to provide what they hear and any other units this replaced or is being replaced by?

I am curious if adding a master re-clocker would make a difference.  

Love this stuff!!

Best JH

johnah5
2 responses Add your response
kota1
2,706 posts
 

On a scale of 1-10 what would you give the node? the lumin? the esoteric?

johnah5 OP
235 posts
 

Great question.  If I had my system as is and got used to it like I have at this point I could give an opinion based on having a reference system.  Honestly I don't know since I was new to all of this. I do remember the Lumin units were quiet like the esoteric.  The Node 2i was hooked to a Freya Pre-amp then Aegir amp, then First Watt and pass labs.  When I used the Lumin easy to notice how quiet/dark the background was.  Other than the quiet I don't recall hearing more or less of this or that.  When I bought my NSMT 100's the sound changed substantially.  I didn't have them when I was playing with streamers and dacs.  At present I would be able to hear the differences in units easily. 

Thanks  JH

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