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Unsatisfied with Esoteric K-01: Alternatives?

I lived many blissful years with my Reimyo CDP-777, but finally decided it was time to start the transition to PC audio. I opted for the Esoteric K01 in order to have the maximum playback flexibility with CD, SACD, and asynchronous USB DAC. Fast-forward about 6 months and I find myself really missing the warmth, tonal richness, and musicality of the Reimyo when listening to to the rather cold, dry, and neutral K01. It is not a bad player by any means, but I've just come to realize that I'm a musicality guy as opposed to an analytical guy.

Now I'm in a bit of a quandary in regards to how to maintain that flexibility with something more to my taste. Are there any CD/SACD/asynch USB players (or combos) that lean more to the Reimyo's sense of musicality? Harmonix's current line still doesn't do USB input, or decode any thing but PCM up to 44.1. I'm starting to to think my only option is to buy the Harmonix for CD playback and then have a completely separate system for SACD/PC audio playback, but I would love to avoid that if at all possible. Any suggestions are welcome.
no1willfan

Showing 2 responses by decibell

decibell
70 posts
 
I'm a bit late but found your discussion about the K-01 and hope you didn't sell it after all? I had exactly the same problem with mine and was frustrated that the player did not musically satisfy even though it had amazing and holographic resolution. Fast forward appr 1000 hrs and I can tell you that I will not look for any other player! My unit took much more than 500 hrs to break in to combine highest resolution with breathtaking musicality. I listen to vinyl a lot, but since the K-01 is broken in I find myself listening more and more to CDs again.
A big step up for me came with an active vibraplane platform for the K-01 and very good silver interconnects. I use slow delay 2 and 4x upsampling setting. It is an amazing player - you just need to give him enough time to break in, a quiet base, first class interconnects and electronics of the highest caliber and the K-01 will amaze even vinyl freaks like me ...
decibell
70 posts
 
Syntax - don't assume everybody operates like you do! If I don't like what I hear I replace it. The K-01 in my system was lucky, because I was close to getting rid of it - or at least use a copper cable to calm it down a notch. However, after further break in the player lost it's initial analytical touch. Today it is extremely satisfying and musical. I owned the X-03SE for a few years - no comparison! The X-03SE had a rather corse resolution and was not even close to the K-01's beautiful and open liquidity. Again - invest a bit more in a good base, top notch interconnects and a good power cord and the K-01 will give you goosebumps every evening! BTW - you're welcome to listen yourself! I'm located in Houston.
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