The original X-01 might have been on the cool side out of the box, but that changed some over time. The upgrade to Limited changes the entire center of gravity of the player from upper midrange to lower. With over a thousand hours on a Limited it is inconceivable that any careful listener could characterize it either as cool or mechanical.
Esoteric P70 D70 vs X-01 Limited
I am considering selling my Esoteric P70 D70 for the X-01 Limited. Can anyone give me some advice if this is upgrade worth investing in. I am dedicated to redbook CD's however I am considering getting into SACD, although it's not something I am in a hurry to do due to the limited amount of music available on SACD. The sonics of my present digital gear is outstanding, another benefit is I don't have to use a pre-amp, I hook the DAC directly into my McIntosh 501 monoblocks, if the X-01 will give me a definite upgrade in sonics and soundstaging over my present DAC & Transport, then I will invest in the X-01 Limited and a pre-amp. Please provide your feedback. Thanks