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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
tweak1
3,563 posts
 
I bought a 105 new and played it that way for years. It is well know that the 105s biggest issue is/was the power supply. One day while surfing ebay I came across upgrades to the power side. First I did the Furutech- silver wire and a jumper to bypass the 110/220 switch. I was shocked at the level of improvement, so then replaced the OEM power supply with something like this, the product page included excellent DIY photo/instructionss. The combination was about $500 and well worth it to me.


Note that I use the XLRs for SACD, and for redbook I have it connected via 1.5m Pangea Premier SE digital coax cable to my Audio Alchemy DDP-1 + PS 5 power supply. IMHO, I would have to spend 2-3Xs more to better it


https://www.ebay.com/itm/123213854445?hash=item1cb01e36ed:g:tVUAAOSw7aBVFwZv

https://www.ebay.com/itm/383918790756?hash=item596357d864:g:upEAAOSwa3BgDr~X

hth

fred60 OP
121 posts
 
@tweak1: Thanks-- that looks really interesting, I think that I'll try the Furutech sliver first.

buddyboy1
106 posts
 
I have a Denifrips and Topping DACs which I love...but when I try to play SACDs thru my Marantz SACD player ...No sound comes out and I was told that a DAC won't play a Sony licensed SACD.....What's up...You guys all sound like there's a way to play SACDs thru a seperate DAC.
fatdaddy2
368 posts
 
Of the choices you mentioned I'd go with the Esoteric.  I recently acquired a (used) Luxman D-06u and it puts my Oppo UDP-205 to shame; a full degree of magnitude better, IMO, and I imagine the equivalent offerings from Esoteric would do the same.
goose
675 posts
 
Luxman will be coming out with their 05 and 07 SACD players but I don't know the dates.  
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