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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
fred60 OP
133 posts
 

jfant- I still haven't upgraded!  I was waiting for the Esoteric K-05XD to come out (it took a lot longer than I thought) and when it did, they priced it at $12K, above the $8K that I thought it was going to price at (because the yen/dollar conversion on the earlier Japanese version that's where they priced it).  I don't want to pay $12K.

Now I've moved and do not have a dedicated listening room--- yet.

So I've thought of other things, maybe going the d.Bob route.  PS Audio has also raised prices, their Perfectwave SACD transport has not gone on sale again (it's $7K, and their new Directstream DAC II is priced above what their old DAC's sold for (it's $8K).

Now I'm looking at McIntosh-- they 8950 Integrated with their MCT500 transport.

Net/net I'm stuck in neutral.

jymc-- I believe that the i2s connection on your Holo May will work with the PS Audio Perfectwave Transport-- in other words it will send the DSD layer all the way through.  But I would ask Holo Audio first.

 

duramax747
206 posts
 

fred60,

 

Why not consider an Esoteric K-01X on used market. They are sub 10k and will out perform a Esoteric K-05XD. 

Its a 70lb monster. US Audiomart has a few. 

fred60 OP
133 posts
 

I hear the the XD versions are far better than previous iterations.  I've looked at K-03XD used.  Thanks for the thought.

 

tomcarr
1,524 posts
 

OP- since you still haven't pulled the trigger yet, here's my 2c.

McIntosh MCD600 CD/SACD player that also has a preamp.

It replaced a Luxman 3X CDP and a Topping Pre90 preamp.

I run the Mac straight into my PS Audio M1200 monoblocks.

It sounds absolutely fantastic.

fred60 OP
133 posts
 

tomcarr-- thanks for the idea.  What I like about the McIntosh 8950 integrated is that the DAC can be upgraded when McIntosh upgrades their DAC-- it can be swapped out via the back of the unit.  They call it a "Digital Audio Module" currently they are on version DA2.  So when the technology improves, you can just upgrade the DAC.

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