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
@larry5729 because CD’s sound better than streaming. I’ve tried Tidal and Qobuz and easily preferred my CD’s. 

I’ve also went as far as to rip my CD’s to my external HD and then copied to my Aurender N100H. Using my Oppo UDP 205 connected to my Bryston BDA-3 as well as the N100H connected to the BDA-3 every CD played sounded better than listening through the N100H. 
I also have a PS Audio PST on order. 
@fred60,Just like you, I like SACD/DSD. I think you have made a great choice going with the Esoteric. One piece of information is that the Marantz SA-10 converts everything to DSD internally.Also, ignore posters who say that players/DACs do not make a difference. Your system is highly resolving. So it WILL make a difference. Would like to hear from you once you get the Esoteric.

I highly recommend the PS Audio Perfectwave SACD transport. I dont think there is anything out there that can beat it at its price.