Esoteric x series as transports

Hi Icorem. Nice system!!!

I have not heard the X5, but i have heard the X-01SE in my system as a transport. i preferred my Zanden DAC to the built-in DAC. probably a personal preference. That said, i definitely felt the X-series transport is sensational.

Depending on what you are looking for: SCarlatti DAC, Zanden DAC, MSB DAC (by reputation...never heard), Vekian DAC are all very, very expensive but also very very good. you may wish to try and see if you like them enough to go outboard DAC. good luck and pls keep up posted.

Agree.

i believe its called the never ending pursuit of perfection...;)! to be fair, i think the x5 is an excellent piece of equipment, and while there probably are DACs icorem might prefer...they will be expensive and require an expensive digicable as well.

Hi Icorem,

Yes, i think you could be right...but what you might try is power cables, or your IC, or isolation. the wave kinetics A10-U8 is supposedly stunning for isolation...not cheap...but much cheaper than a new DAC. these may help improve your x5 even further. good luck!..and enjoy an already great sounding player!

Agree with Cerrot.