Hello
I hope to do something appreciated by sharing my listening impressions regarding my new source, Esoteric K 01 XD SE, and the previous Esoteric K 01x. I realize that they are high-end machines, not very common and certainly not interesting for some, considering that today integrated CD and SACD players are less ambitious than DACs and streaming. However, it could still be useful information for those who want to approach the brand and understand what sound characteristics the two players present, which should also apply to the lower models, so that one can at least theoretically orient themselves among recent and older models, because, I can say right away, there are substantial differences in listening!
Let's start with the technical and construction aspects, just to open the description of the two models. The new XD SE, which I will now refer to in contrast to the previous x, has a tilting lid, resting and fitting but not fixed. It is said that electronics without a cover or with a movable cover sound better, I couldn't say. The remote control is different, but it is not an element that affects the sound; I just say that I preferred the previous one, which was longer and narrower. This last one is well-made but has buttons on both sides, which is rather unusual for a CD player... The display is different; the new model is much clearer and more readable, even though I am close to the rack, one appreciates the quality and clarity of the characters. The two reading mechanisms are different, and here we enter the aspects that "should" have more influence on the sound; the mechanism is the new Atlas version, I find it quieter, faster in reading the discs, even though it has a support area,it is more compact compared to the previous model, so you need to be more careful when loading the disc, which used to slide easily into the groove, whereas here it might stick out from one side of the circumference, so it needs to be centered carefull ...
Certainly, the most differentiating element is the DAC's conversion part, now based on proprietary r2r technology, unlike the previous player which performed digital conversion with the 32-bit AK4495S from Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation.
And at this point, I start posting some elements about the sound. When the XD SE version entered my system, I expected to hear differences, and that was also my biggest fear, that the latest version would sound like the first one, nearly 10 years earlier. Instead, I can say that the two CD players sound different, and not by a little. The XD SE sounds very natural, refined, and complete; it’s not that the x version isn’t all that, but now the sound is more organic, more engaging, with a rich midrange and a sound proposition that is richer in harmonics and textures, which were somewhat lacking in the previous model, favoring more dynamic focus and great precision. It's not easy to articulate; these are audible differences but not easy to compare, and especially to describe in words.
If I can make an inference with the CD machines I have had, the new XD SE is the best of various worlds, extended and precise like the previous x, but richer and comparable to my Emm Labs XDS1 with which I compared the Esoteric K 01 x, although the XDS1 lost in focus, extension and bass control, but showed a richer and more complete midrange and upper midrange. Today I can say that the sound of this CD and SACD player has remarkable maturity and results that do not impose too surgical a sound, but whose sound presentation seems to lack nothing in terms of great involvement and total immersion in the music. It will surely have some limits or flaws, like all Hi-Fi objects, but I consider it a pinnacle of very high quality; I believe one cannot expect more unless making extreme choices, perhaps multichassis, but with costs, bulk, and placement logistics that I cannot and do not want to face.
I am very satisfied with the way the music is presented, I find the result exciting. The fact remains that I could also continue to live with version X, it depends on the system, personal preferences, and what one seeks in music. If you want a precise, defined sound that is very focused and emphasizes certain aspects, version X has a lot to offer. For a softer and richer presentation, I believe the new XD SE is at the highest level even compared to important products from other brands.
If you have specific questions or if you want to delve into certain aspects, write to me. I have not been listening to it for long; I will be more precise in referring to pieces and audio works over time. I always take a bit to process a new sound from an object that enters my audio system, and I believe it should be that way, because immediate judgment can often be largely modified over time just with prolonged and thoughtful listening.
Regards, Dario
