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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
119 posts
 
@audiosaurusrex: No he nor anyone does Oppo 105 mods anymore.  I think he said that the 205 is better than the 105 mod, so it's not worth it.  But thanks for mentioning.

Everyone is trying to save me $$$, but that's not the issue for me.  It's just trying to decide between the two options that I wrote about.

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,266 posts
 
Do yourself a favor and buy an Esoteric player.  They are one of the best built and sounding players.  I bought a Esoteric UX3 (same as X3 but also plays DVD audio) in 2012 and would not trade it for the world. I paired with an Acrolink (Esoteric brand) power cord and interconnects.  Best sound I have ever heard from digital. 
hamr
56 posts
 
Marantz SA10. Bettered my Esoteric K01 and sounds great on regular CD’s also.
fred60 OP
119 posts
 
@hamr: thanks for the idea.  K-01 is 2 or 3 generations ago for Esoteric.  I'd be interested to see a shoot-out between the SA-10 and the new Esoteric K-05XD or K-07XD.  But new Esoteric's not out yet.
ghdprentice
6,420 posts
 
As Fuzztone brought up. Perhaps it is useful to remember CDs and SACDs are disks with computer files on them. Those files can be relocated to a hard drive, network drive, or they are available on internet servers through streaming services. The resolution is dependent on the amount of data and format of the files. A CD or SACD player is a box combining a physical transport, streamer, and DAC.
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