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For SACD fans only

Want to upgrade my SACD playback, currently have Oppo 105-D, which has been fine, but the weak link in my setup. I have a Hegel H390, Raidho XT-2’s and Ansuz cabling throughout, including the DTC distribution box. Currently love the system synergy, sound and setup, but want to upgrade.

So my question for the forum is-- I have narrowed it down to a couple of options and would like to hear thoughts...

1- PS Audio Perfectwave SACD transport, which is now on sale for $4000, and a DAC. I could wait for PS Audio’s forthcoming new Directstream DAC, which they say will utilize the same galvanic isolation in their Perfectwave transport. The reason for the match is the I2S connection, which can deliver "pure" DSD. I believe that a Sony chip is necessary. Another DAC option is to go with a Holo Audio May KTE DAC for around $5000. It has the I2S input, but I don’t believe it will play the "pure" DSD layer.

2- Esoteric K-05XD or Esoteric K-07XD SACD player. Two players not currently available but will be in the next month or 2, for I believe $8500 and $7500 respectively. Esoteric has confirmed to me that they will be available shortly. The nice thing here is that you get 2-in-1, both a high-end transport (one could argue the best available transport at any price) and also a fantastic DAC. I have read reviews of the Esoteric K-03XD, which is available and has the "Master Sound Discrete" DAC. The K-05XD and K-07XD will also use the "Master Sound Discrete" DAC-- reviews are that this is a big step up from previous Esoteric models, and sound fantastic. They have a USB input and other digital inputs, so you can utilize the internal DAC if I should use a server or go the streaming route-- or both.

Currently don’t use a server or streamer, but both options give me that flexibility. One box or 2 boxes? (Holo May DAC would make it 3 boxes!)

Won’t be able to audition unless I buy both and then return one.

Thoughts? Thanks


fred60

Showing 5 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
6,505 posts
 

You like SACDs. Why? They are not old enough to be nostalgic. I researched and researched SACDs… whenever they were a thing and waited just long enough for the market to collapse and CD players jump forward in performance as hiRez file purchase became a thing. Then, after that, streaming took the lead as higher resolution files and sound quality of streaming equaled vinyl or any other format. 
 

So, here we are. If you really like this niche then, great. I have 2,000 pristine vinyl albums and a world class turntable… although collected over the last 50 years. I try and play an album every couple days. I had an Oppo 105… I gave it away… it was from my home theater… I would never had used it in my audio system. If I was upgrading and not expecting to kick the bucket in the next couple years I would not invest in SACD. My streaming sound quality is equal to my vinyl and exceeds my CD player where high Rez files are played. Qubuz has over half a million hiRez albums… less that $14 / month… millions of albums. But if you really like SACD… go for it.

ghdprentice
6,505 posts
 
As Fuzztone brought up. Perhaps it is useful to remember CDs and SACDs are disks with computer files on them. Those files can be relocated to a hard drive, network drive, or they are available on internet servers through streaming services. The resolution is dependent on the amount of data and format of the files. A CD or SACD player is a box combining a physical transport, streamer, and DAC.
ghdprentice
6,505 posts
 

OP,

Sorry, this is a free forum. So, renegades like me are free to offer their honest opinion, even if off topic or contrary to what the author likes.

 

A SACD player is a transport, streamer, and DAC in one box. Three functions. As I said… if you love the idea of discs… no problem. I have a turntable. But if sound quality is the only issue… and total cost of ownership… equipment plus content… I would look at contemporary technology. 
 

I do not offer this advise to be argumentative… but helpful. I have often been surprised the horizons opened when a paradigm bubble is popped. 

ghdprentice
6,505 posts
 

@jafant 

 

Thanks. I assure you I made no prognosis of SACD’s capability by using an Oppo. It was never attached to my system. I was very impressed with the capability of SACD twenty years ago with Esoteric and other brands. No question high end players sound fantastic. But today they are such a niche, and you are spending money on the internal Streamer and DAC that could be used for a more contemporary system.

But, as I said. I own an analog end that cost more than a really nice contemporary new car… but for me there is a lot of nostalgia value.

ghdprentice
6,505 posts
 

Fred,

 

I am not trying to be argumentative.

 

It is difficult to seriously discuss what you have said. But, first, a well chosen $50K analog leg will definitely sound way better than your Esoteric K… whatever. Second, by contemporary technology I mean an independent streamer and DAC. Well, that is highly dependent on your choices… but the combo of a transport, streamer, and DAC in a box if for a brief time is a sweet spot,.. it will not last long… or be cost effective when you have to buy music on a physical media.

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