Esoteric k-01xd vs k-03xd


Has anyone compared these 2 units side-by-side or heard both? Huge price difference, is it worth it? 
Have a great day

billandsol

I have not.  There are some threads about the Esoteric XD series on the AudioShark Forums:

Esoteric (audioshark.org)

Here is a quote from a dealer posting there (Mike from Suncoast Audio):

The historically speaking there wasn’t always a major difference between the K1 and K3. But with the XD series, there is a significant difference between the K-01XD and K-03XD. I believe the K-01XD carries triple the number of delta-sigma chips over the K-03XD. Sonically, there is greater layering and a smoother presentation with the K-01XD. That being said, the K-03XD is a super performer at $14k and it’s the product that got me hooked.
 

I m wondering how much differences in sq between the k-01xd vs k-03xd. I can't test here as there are no demo set. I need to decide and sign on t dotted line without listening. Initially I was interested in Luxman D-10x, price just above the k-03xd by abt $3k but its not my kind of sound. Any pointers on t k-03xd vs t k-02xd. Currently I m loving my dated k-05. Bought the new Luxman d-03 when t d-10x was not in stock but sold it away, don't like the Luxman sound, just not my kind of sound. I love t esoteric signature sound, very dynamic n pull u into the music with interest. 

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