2. digital
  3. 1308902120

esoteric x-05 player

Hi all

I've just connected my newly bought esoteric x-05 player and compared it (a/b)to my Lecotr 7 CDP.I bought the Esoteric without audition as I don't have a dealer here and just based on its rave reviews. I was very disappointed (after a few hours of listening) to find out that the Esoteric's overall presentation compared to the Lector is quite harsh and metallic while the lector is very smooth and rich.

Is it just a break in period time (how much to anticipate) ?
Will an outboard (tube?) DAC (in redbook mode) will smoothen the presentation ?

thanks to all repliers in advance
icorem

Showing 2 responses by chayro

chayro
3,026 posts
 
I had an X-05 in my system for 6 months. The sound never changed, IMO. I just couldn't make it work, but that's my opinion. I would definitely give it a month and see if it improves to your liking.
chayro
3,026 posts
 
I do belive that components take some time to break in, but I honestly cannot understand what exactly is being broken in after say one month of normal use. I think it's partially the owner getting used to the new component as much as the component actually settling in, but 1000 hours?
Yet, I've heard many people say similar things about Esoteric, so maybe there's something to it. As I said above, I had an X-05 for 6 months and I don't think it ever changed after an initial one-month break in period.
More to discover