Esoteric X-05: Thanks Neil Gader!
JLeeMD -- Wed, 10/07/2009 - 11:04
Just took delivery of the Esoteric X-05 to replace my Sony SCD-777ES (SE version of SCD-1). I ordered it sound unheard based on Neil's recommendation. At this point, I am very impressed. SACD playback is better (the Sony in retrospect is quite good, especially for a first generation design) but CD playback is on a completely different planet! Thank you Neil!
I find the DSD Direct Mode sounds clearly superior...sounds like the S/N ratio went way up. I've read previous comments stating that this superiority was recording-dependent, but to my ears the superiority (more transparency, lower noise floor, better bass extension, more air, denser tonal colors, better leading-edge articulation, better microdynamics...in short a more vivid/tactile presentation) is consistent. I will say that because so many recordings are recorded in reversed absolute polarity (my Mark Levinson integrated amplifier allows inversion via the remote- an indispensible feature) the mixed results with different recordings might, in part, be attributable to this variable.
Again, thank you Neil!
Glad it's working out so well. Doesn't surprise me that Direct Mode is your choice, it bypasses a lot of filtering. It truly is a marvelous reference-quality player. Happy listening!
Neil Gader Associate Editor The Absolute Sound
Yea it probably does get better but it's gonna cost you! Rigs like the Meridian 808.2 or Spectral that RH reviewed no doubt improve upon the X-05 not to mention Esoteric's own flagship transports and DACs. But unless the rest of the system is capable of equally high resolution then you may likely be dissappointed. That's why one upgrade inevitably leads to another.
Neil Gader Associate Editor The Absolute Sound
Very Nicely said regarding the optimum performance extraction of one component being highly dependent on the rest of the system. The weakest link would hold back the best.
As the machine burns in, it is less clear which mode is better. This much is clear: the machine just keeps getting better and better and better. I share your sentiment Neil: does it really get better than this?
System: Esoteric X-05, Mark Levinson No.383 integrated amplifier, B&W Signature 805 speakers, Sound Anchors speaker stands, Shunyata CX Python power cords and Hydra power conditioner, PS Audio P600 Power Plant, MIT Magnum MA cables, Stillpoints Component Stands/Cones.
Congratulations on your decision. I also am very found of the X-05 which I have had now since March of this year and am very impressed with the performance on Red book and even better on SACD.
It still amazes me that people spend more on cables than on speakers...
I know...I know...
Let me explain:
1) The MIT cables were dealer demos. I didn't pay anywhere near retail.
2) My small-medium sized listening room allows me to assemble a reference-caliber system while spending far less on speakers and amplification. Of course, I don't get bass extension to 20Hz (the B&Ws in my room: -0db @ 40Hz; -6dB @ 31 Hz; audible bass @ 25Hz).
3) Looking at my system, I'm thinking my speakers are next in line for an upgrade...any suggestions? :-)
Yes, just like I recommended in another post, I think Von Schweikert Unifield model 3 is an excellent choice for small to medium room. Very open, transparent, detailed, but not bright. Anyway, I have MITs in my system and I think they're great...
Note to Esoteric X-05 owners: the DSD Direct and DSD Normal modes have inverted absolute polarities with each other! This is good if you don't have polarity inversion capability otherwise, because now you do. This explains why one mode will sound better depending on the recording...haven't tested the two CD modes in this regard.
Ridge Street Audio Sason can be another good option...
Branislav:
I ordered Dynaudio Confidence C1 speakers (retail $8850 with stands). I believe this should rectify your concern that my speaker cables were more expensive than my speakers :-)
Interesting approach in upgrading equipment.
The Dynaudio C1s are just about the perfect solution for my small-medium sized listening room and a good match for the rest of my system. My post above was a tongue-in-cheek reply to an earlier post commenting on the cost of my MIT cables. Don"t I get any kudos for not springing for the MIT Oracle cables?
I was actually going to say that now I know al least that you don't have Oracle since your speakers are more expensive that your cables, lol..anyway, congratulations and enjoy your system
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