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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 1 response by phillyb

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phillyb
395 posts
 
Who listens to CD’s these days when you can stream hi-res Tidal?

Well, I do and 1,500 and counting. They sound great if mastered well and I heard streaming my dealer with a hi-end DAC and Streamer and nice but not at all impressed, my CD sounded better and the sales guy said well, it hit and miss at times. I grew up on vinyl like I tell my friends to tell me why I should start buying vinyl to just replace 1,500 CDs I own, same for streaming. I enjoy touching and holding a disc, same as well I had my large vinyl collection. Trends are followed, I guess if I had zip I might look at streaming, but I got more music that I can listen to and many recordings will not be on vinyl or streaming, and what would the cost be to just replace the vinyl with 1,500 LP's, Plus turntable, etc. For me, that be $10-15K. 
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