I preferred the Lector seperates overall to the Emm Labs combo - closer to my analog set-up.
Lector Digicode/Digidrive vs Esoteric and Cary?
I realize this thread should probably fall under the "wretched excess/leave well enough alone" category, but here goes:
For the past six months or so I've owned the top-of-the-line Lector transport/DAC combo, and I find it gloriously musical.
But my audiophile-neurotic imp is whispering in my ear that the Esoteric X-01 that I briefly owned a year ago was more involving and exciting, but maybe, just maybe, less musical and "right." And the old fingers are beginning to itch.
I don't really have the sonic memory to compare the two sounds in any meaningful sense.
Anyone out there with recent experience with the Lector combo and the new Esoteric X-01 Limited? I gather that the new Cary is also a "contendah." (I'm not quite ready to spring for the EMM combo).
I appreciate anyone taking the time to read this and respond.
For the past six months or so I've owned the top-of-the-line Lector transport/DAC combo, and I find it gloriously musical.
But my audiophile-neurotic imp is whispering in my ear that the Esoteric X-01 that I briefly owned a year ago was more involving and exciting, but maybe, just maybe, less musical and "right." And the old fingers are beginning to itch.
I don't really have the sonic memory to compare the two sounds in any meaningful sense.
Anyone out there with recent experience with the Lector combo and the new Esoteric X-01 Limited? I gather that the new Cary is also a "contendah." (I'm not quite ready to spring for the EMM combo).
I appreciate anyone taking the time to read this and respond.
12 responses Add your response
| Post removed |
The itch may turn into a scratch. You have another option- the new Emm Labs CDSA SE one box at $9995. Scratch away! Emm Labs CDSA SE I also owned the Cary 306 SACD and it was an excellent machine. I auditioned an Esoteric X-01 in my system and didn't care for it. Have fun! |
Bill, yes, the 861se with the statement mod is what I"am referring to. The 861se on its own is a very fine machine in its own right,but, imho, to get the very last drop of musicality out of it, GNSC- Steve Huntley and CO. have put some wonderful- magical "know how" into it and they have come up with the best redbook player that I have ever heard. I certainly have not heard everything out there, but with this machine, I indeed am done looking...8^) |