My thoughts on my new Esoteric k03xd CD player.

A few months ago I sold my ARC CD6SE and replaced it with an Esoteric K-03XD that I purchased on Agon. Two reasons, one ARC d/c’d all CD players due to Phillips stopping production of the spinner/laser and ergonomic issues with the top loading in aging hands. The Esoteric is well built with smooth and seemingly robust mechanism. Frankly, however, the sonics are little better than the 6SE which was good, but nowhere in the league of a high quality vinyl rig. The 03XD did not cost me a lot to acquire, but I would approach a retail acquisition very carefully, comparing various players side by side ideally, and including some at lower price points. I have not heard either the 01XD (24K) or the 1X (37K) but at those prices I would strongly suggest due diligence.

2nd-

as above, there is much Life left in CD/SACDs.

Happy Listening!

Have you read What HiFi' review of the Luxman?  They were pretty emphatic about it having and I quote; " However, the Luxman falls short in its ability to communicate the passion in music, and that makes it a talented diversion rather than an essential listen."  A lean and analytic sound was pretty much their description.  A dealer near me has carries both Esoteric and Luxman.  They will get in the K-03XD but I'm not sure about the10X.  I am looking hard at the Esoteric but now I'm curious about the Luxman.

Ive just purchased the Luxman 10X...already have the K-01DX.  Im pretty sure as far as comparisons go it depends on what kind of music you listen to and the presentation you like.  It's probably like comparing a Klipsch Speaker to a Harbeth.    Forward presentation vs Laid back. No right or wrong.  The bad side to the Luxman is you cant add a Clock to it.  You can greatly improve the capabilities of a Esoteric by adding an external clock. The new Grandioso clock is scheduled to be released sometime next month I believe.  I also know with the Esoteric you can use the DAC inside of it while using an OPPO or other Universal player like AYRE SACD/DVD-A/Blu-Ray players as the transport. You can bridge them using D.Bob Digital breakout box made by Geerfab Audio.  This is an INCREDIBLE development for those with Multi-Channel 5.1 setups being able to use the Esoteric Dac instead of the Ho-Hum Oppo Dac.  Im not certain but Im gonna guess the Luxman doesnt have this capability so for my purposes ( having a large Quadraphonic library from the 1970's) its a big advantage for the Esoteric.

Good evening from Maryland.

After a fair amount of pre-consideration, I am now listening each evening as the Esoteric K03XD warms up (only 85 hours so far). (Alsyvox Tintoretto speakers, CJ Art 150 or McGary SA-1 amplification).

I must say I have been skeptical in the past about the claims for transformation of sound over warm-up periods (as others have said often, one "want to hear" improvement). I also have listened to earlier models of the Esoteric, including much more expensive combinations, and found them just too "aggressive." I was tempted by the Luxman 08 - so much more affordable - but (perhaps wrongly of course) it reminded me of my Zesto amp - a beautiful sound and so relaxing in the first many hours - but ultimately I came to hear a signature).  The 10 may well be big step forward but it was beyond the budget. But folks whose ears I trust suggested that this iteration of the Esoteric was creating a different listening experience. 

I am not trying to step on the lead: the first night I found it hard going - 45 minutes did it. Not so even 3.5 days later. But the changes mean that my best effort to offer what I hope will be thoughtful reactions must wait at least another week or more.

You no nothing rsf507 what do you have now that is better.HELLO!!!!!!

They sure build them nice but just sooooo unmusical (sterile sounding) I know I owned one.

Just ordered ESOTERIC K03Xd had K01xs I'm sure it will be much better not interested in Luxman as nobody builds a player like ESOTERIC.

riaa_award_collectors_on_facebook550 posts07-17-2020 6:36pmHere's a review of the K-01XD on Dagogo

@riaa : what did you end up getting? I see you had the Luxman D-u8 up for sale here.

I spoke with a dealer over the weekend who has both Luxman and Esoteric lines. According to him, the Luxman D-10X is better than Esoteric K-01xd in every single aspect. He told me "hands down", him and his customers who listened to them both in his showroom.

And the K01xd is Esoteric flagship, priced at $23,000 (vs. $16,500 on Luxman D-10x).

I have no idea whether he was BS-ing me. Just sharing what I heard.

For the Esoteric aficionados:

Is the DAC section (via USB and Transport) on K-03xd the same with K-01XD?

The network DAC, the N-01xd intrigues me more. No transport, but network included built in for streaming (Roon Ready too). However, I cannot seem to figure out the following for the N-01XD:

1 - Is it the same DAC as in K-01xd?

2 - Who makes the network bridge / card that is inside?

Anyone knows? Thanks!

Thanks for the report

I picked up a K01 XD so far with the little time I spent listening it sounds very good .
I have it paired with a Taiko Extreme 

Here's a review of the K-01XD on Dagogo

https://www.dagogo.com/esoteric-k-01xd-sacd-playerusb-dac-review/

Thanks, RIAAetc, it did have a look there and found it very interesting. 

PALEO,  Do yourself a Favor. Go to the AUDIO SHARK Forums and go under the ESOTERIC Topic. Differences between the NON DAC CHIP Players vs the New Models (Specifically the 3XD) are clearly laid out as to the sound characteristics. There will also be a shootout coming shortly of the Luxman D-10X vs the K03XD

I am thinking of getting a K03xd so I found your impression interesting.  I have a K05x at the moment. 
Have you had earlier Esoteric cd players before?  If so, how did you find the K03xd compares?As far as I can see, the difference between the K03xd and the K01xd is the transport.  I am not sure that would justify the rather large price difference.  Did you compare both machines?

Ignore the bottom feeders living in the past. Not worth your time to respond.

Heard Playback designs about ten years ago also. Believe me what I heard and felt doesn’t even come close to the realism of the K03xd. Words can’t impress only hearing is believing.

Doesn’t sound so impressive. Emm Labs, Playback designs and many others achieved this level of performance a decade ago. 

My K series player sounds fine with Cds. Some Cds sound unpleasant, but it’s not the player’s fault.

I’ve heard good things about the X10, but decided to change routes.
Couldn’t be more happy. I believe the new Luxman will sell for $16500.

There is a lot of life left in CDs.  As replay equipment improves, their true worth increases

Wonder how it will compare to the new Luxman "10". Dont know the MSRP of the 3XD but the 1XD is more than twice the price of the new TOTL Luxman. Looking forward to the reviews of both from people like yourself. Thanks for the input

Thanks for the review.  I own a plain old K series Esoteric and I like it a lot.  Maybe one of these days I'll make it up to the K XD series.