Esoteric X-01D2

default -- Tue, 02/03/2009 - 16:12

I need help on esoteric players. I currently own all tube gear (arc only) but i think after my turntable upgrade my digital source is making me unhappy. I have upgrade from VPI scoutmaster to SME 30/2 and now i found myself in nomans land with my ARC Ref8 cd player.
i came across Esoteric X-01D2 and had the chance to audition them with Krell evo 202 pre and 400 monos..which were sublime...but i wasnt sure whether it was from the excellent krell that doesnt sound like krell or the cd player itself?
I think Robert Harley will be the best te help with this as he had some experience with the Esoteric player.

thanks alot for the input

oz

Robert Harley -- Wed, 02/04/2009 - 11:18

I don't have any experience with the X-01D2, but have spent quite a bit of time with Esoteric's P-03/D-03 combination, and with that pair augmented by Esoteric's G-0Rb rubidium clock. The P-03/D-03/G-0Rb is superb—on of the best digital sources I've heard. In addition, Neil Gader was extremely enthusiastic about the X-05 he recently reviewed.

It's really difficult to form an opinion about a front-end component when that component is driving an unfamiliar system. Any chance your dealer will let you try the X-01D2 at home?

oz (not verified) -- Wed, 02/04/2009 - 15:27

thanks Robert
I will have the chance to audition the X-01 D2 at home this week end.. Which is a second hand product with maximum 100 hours on it..i know the owner as well. But the original dealer also had the P03- D03 as well as the P05-D05 which he is willing to lend for me to try. my question was in reality the P03 and X01 D2 uses the same transport ( at least thats what i understood from the most complicated product line of any hifi company)
and there are some comments on the web that the new D05 is better. If the system were to match will it make sense to but the X01 D2 and pair with a D05 (cause its a newer version ) or with D03 as going for P03 wont change much (though i know it will as its not only about the transport mechanism) due to the same transport with X01 D2? as for the sonics in the system i will give it a try but my question is really matching with a Dac and later on with a clock..as for the clock rubidium or crsytal i am clueless to be honest...Your input in appreciated..thanks

jimbooooo (not verified) -- Tue, 05/12/2009 - 01:25

i have had both the X-01 D2 and the p3-d3-GORb side by side for a while to compare. i also have ARC pre and power (Ref3 and 610's).
the p3-d3 combo is FAR superior to the D2 - in fact i had the X-O1 Ltd and i liked that more than the D2.
even though theres 3 different DAC's in the D2 i didnt like any of them as well as the one in the Ltd.
p3-d3 really sings with the G-ORb but its also pretty damn good by itself.
every sonic test was easily won with the p3 d3.
of course all this to my ears....
speakers were Dynaudio Masters and Maxx2's.
jimboooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

jimbooooo (not verified) -- Tue, 05/12/2009 - 01:28

rubidium is far superior to the crystal.
if your ears are sensitive enough to hear the added dimensions with the external clock then i think you will also hear the difference with the rubidium engaged.
you can change back and forth between crystal and rubidium with the remote for easy comparisons.....