Esoteric K-01 vs K-01X

Mike

Mike

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Can anyone explain the differences to me?

Retail on a K-01x is $21,000. K-01's are going for $7800-$9000 on Audiogon. Is there that much of a difference?

From the Esoteric website, it says:

"Four years after the release of the K-01—the world’s leading all-in-one digital player—the new K-01X debuts as a more compact version of Esoteric’s flagship Grandioso model. Utilizing the same type of highly rigid chassis construction as the Grandioso and a similar four-transformer power supply, it integrates the Grandioso P1’s high-precision VRDS-NEO “VMK-3.5-20S” turntable with two independent monaural DAC units derived from the Grandioso D1 design, each configured with a parallel array of 8 individual converters, which are summed to optimize linearity and minimize noise.
Electronic circuitry has also been further improved with the latest technologies, including a new AK4495S DAC IC, an advanced 35-bit D/A processing algorithm, an HCLD buffer amp, a DSD-compatible USB interface, and a large, low phase noise clock, all ensuring the K-01X achieves the absolute pinnacle of sound quality."
 
The X version can be used as a DSD capable outboard DAC whereas the previous version can't. Other than that there are some internal upgrades but I haven't heard anybody comparing sound of the two head to head.
 
Thanks Howard.

I'm curious if anyone has heard and compared both.
 
Mike said:
Thanks Howard.

I'm curious if anyone has heard and compared both.
Click to expand...

I haven't seen anything written about the sound online or in print. I believe that the first wave of X version units only arrived in the states recently so there's probably not many of them around and fewer that are actually broken in. Might be some Japanese press on it that I'm not aware of.
 
Mike said:
Can anyone explain the differences to me?

Retail on a K-01x is $21,000. K-01's are going for $7800-$9000 on Audiogon. Is there that much of a difference?

From the Esoteric website, it says:

"Four years after the release of the K-01—the world’s leading all-in-one digital player—the new K-01X debuts as a more compact version of Esoteric’s flagship Grandioso model. Utilizing the same type of highly rigid chassis construction as the Grandioso and a similar four-transformer power supply, it integrates the Grandioso P1’s high-precision VRDS-NEO “VMK-3.5-20S” turntable with two independent monaural DAC units derived from the Grandioso D1 design, each configured with a parallel array of 8 individual converters, which are summed to optimize linearity and minimize noise.
Electronic circuitry has also been further improved with the latest technologies, including a new AK4495S DAC IC, an advanced 35-bit D/A processing algorithm, an HCLD buffer amp, a DSD-compatible USB interface, and a large, low phase noise clock, all ensuring the K-01X achieves the absolute pinnacle of sound quality."
Click to expand...


Hi Mike,

I think the second paragraph highlights the key differences, mainly DSD capability, 384khz PCM and 35 bit processing vs. 32 bit on the K-01. I read some initial feedback that said the K-01X sounded slightly better than the K-01, although the unit wasn't fully broken in yet.

Ken
 
Owned and have current one, k01 is a steal, as good as it gets.

Detail, bass, highs are just as good, differences in room, setup probably make a bigger difference.

I just wanted the latest.

Yes, new dacs and output stage do contribute to smoother and more natural sound. If you never heard, not to mention compared side to side, you wouldnt probably notice.

I used the same filter settings as before, hmmm good and couldnt recall that big of a difference.


The most and very significant difference is the new 8x filter, previously up to 4x on the old series. A world o difference in naturalness, going back to 4x is uacceptable.

I would consider a new k03x over a used k01 for this very reason.

A cooparision of the k03x and old k01 would be more interestig.

The k03x should represent a bargain in terms of overall improvements and features.
 
Owned and have current one, k01 is a steal, as good as it gets.

Detail, bass, highs are just as good, differences in room, setup probably make a bigger difference.

I just wanted the latest.

Yes, new dacs and output stage do contribute to smoother and more natural sound. If you never heard, not to mention compared side to side, you wouldnt probably notice.

I used the same filter settings as before, hmmm good and couldnt recall that big of a difference.


The most and very significant difference is the new 8x filter, previously up to 4x on the old series. A world o difference in naturalness, going back to 4x is uacceptable.

I would consider a new k03x over a used k01 for this very reason.

A comparision of the k03x and old k01 would be more interestig.

The k03x should represent a bargain in terms of overall improvements and features.
 
All,
just wanted to share my experience here. My new K-01X arrived at my place 12 days ago. I had previously a K-03. I also own a G-02 (Esoteric external 10 MHz clock). It took more than 1 week to my K-01X to sound almost correctly. It's interesting to note that I did already switch to 3 different filter settings to get the best possible sound. I know it will take my unit more a few weeks more to deliver the amazing sound experience I know it can deliver.
 
Laurent, what are your impressions of the K-01X with the G-02? I have a K-01X on order and am considering a Stanford Research Systems 10Mhz master clock. From web surfing I gather that the G-01 has a SRS core.

I just joined this forum and apologize for the sparseness of my profile. How does one attach an equipment list to the message footer?
 
David Garretson said:
Laurent, what are your impressions of the K-01X with the G-02? I have a K-01X on order and am considering a Stanford Research Systems 10Mhz master clock. From web surfing I gather that the G-01 has a SRS core.

I just joined this forum and apologize for the sparseness of my profile. How does one attach an equipment list to the message footer?
Click to expand...


Click on settings top right, then on left you will see edit signature.... ;)
 
Welcome Laurent. I am curious as to what kind of music you typically listen to through the Duevel speakers. I'm intrigued by them but have never been able to audition them. Thanks.

John
 
Hello John,

well, I realy love the ambiance of a concert, classical or jazz. The Duevels sound "almost" like a live performance. I love classical music and I have in my place tons of great CD / SACD recordings. But I also like electro / pop music. When I'm writing these lines, I'm actually listening to Polyamour from Clara Moto (electro, issued in 2012). My K-01X, coupled with a G-02 sounds great today. I have to say that I’m testing a new power cable from Furutech on the 01X: the Nano Flux. I don’t know if Furutech will finally decide to produce more than 200 units of this cable or if it will inaugurate a brand new line of power cables but trust me, it sounds really good.

I’m also using my K-01X as well as my DA468 (standalone dac) to listen to some HD files I’ve downloaded form Qubuz. But I must confess that I like to take a CD/SACD in my hand and put it on my player. That’s a sensation I’m not ready to get rid of.

The Duevel are more interesting with acoustical / live music than with electronic drums / synthesizers and very deep basses. This is probably due to their omni directional setting.
Before the Duevel, just for you to know, I owned LeedH E speakers. But in the high medium as well as in the bass registers, they suffer a lack of presence.
 
Hi Laurent,

What frequence is the G02 feeding you k01x, the 10mhz or 22mhz?

The 22mhz gives requires the clock input of the k01x to be set at masterclk. Wonder if you found this to be the best setting.
 
Hello,

this is a very good question. I spent a lot of time reading and reading again the owner's manual of both the K-01X and the G-02. Unfortunately, I must confess that I haven't found any clear recommendation about the ideal clock settings between the player and the G-02.

I'm using the 10MHz. Do you think the 22 would be better?

Laurent MAURY
 
10m is still under the wordclock selection in the k01x menu. 22m will require selecting mclk, which is masterclock. Interestingly, it looks that may be better, masterclock over wordclock.

Interested in your opion, as i myself have a 10m clock, but cant use masterclock option as i dont have 22m to play with.
 
justubes said:
10m is still under the wordclock selection in the k01x menu. 22m will require selecting mclk, which is masterclock. Interestingly, it looks that may be better, masterclock over wordclock.

Interested in your opion, as i myself have a 10m clock, but cant use masterclock option as i dont have 22m to play with.
Click to expand...

Depending on who's talking in the Audio and Pro communities, the terms master clock and word clock are sometimes used interchangeably. Nonetheless, the 10Mhz frequency in rubidium clocks seems always to be used as a "master" or "reference" for other clocks. Could it be used otherwise? I suppose Esoteric classifying it as a word clock on the K-01 menu is unrelated.

It's also puzzling that there are discrepancies in the G01 and K01 specs regarding matching impedances between these units. One says 75 ohms and the other says 50.
 
Welcome to Audioshark David!
The K-01x is on my radar.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Thanks, Mike! I can't seem to get my system list entered within the Signature section. I filled in the box and hit the Save Signature button, but a subsequent return to the Edit Signature box always finds a blank box. Anyway, the system is:

Digital: Esoteric K-01X; battery-powered dual-mono Twisted Pear Buffalo IIISE DAC with Audio Consulting Silver Rock transformer output: battery-power Sony SCD-1 transport. Analog: Kenwood L07D; Technics SP-10 MkII; modified Trans-Fi Terminator; Micro Seiki MA-505; Technics EPA-100; Ortofon MC2000; AT ART7; Grace F9 w/Soundsmith OCL; Stanton 981LZS; Denon DL-S1; Precept PC550ML; Sonus Blue/Gold; Preamps: modified AtmaSphere MP-1 MkII.2; Pass Labs XP-25; modified ARC PH-2. Amps: Pass XA-160.8, modified BAT VK-75SE. Speakers: modified Merlin VSM-MX with ClarityCap MR & Duelund Res & wire, custom BBAM; modified Velodyne DD-15. Power: Signal balanced DU-5; Wires: speaker/custom 1.5 lbs. silver foil; IC/ Connex-DH Labs BL-Ag; AC/ Furutech Alpha-3. Tweaks: Star Sound SP-1 & Apprentice platforms, Stillpoints Ultra 5, Ultra SS & Minis; Schumann resonators.
 
David Garretson said:
Thanks, Mike! I can't seem to get my system list entered within the Signature section. I filled in the box and hit the Save Signature button, but a subsequent return to the Edit Signature box always finds a blank box. Anyway, the system is:

Digital: Esoteric K-01X; battery-powered dual-mono Twisted Pear Buffalo IIISE DAC with Audio Consulting Silver Rock transformer output: battery-power Sony SCD-1 transport. Analog: Kenwood L07D; Technics SP-10 MkII; modified Trans-Fi Terminator; Micro Seiki MA-505; Technics EPA-100; Ortofon MC2000; AT ART7; Grace F9 w/Soundsmith OCL; Stanton 981LZS; Denon DL-S1; Precept PC550ML; Sonus Blue/Gold; Preamps: modified AtmaSphere MP-1 MkII.2; Pass Labs XP-25; modified ARC PH-2. Amps: Pass XA-160.8, modified BAT VK-75SE. Speakers: modified Merlin VSM-MX with ClarityCap MR & Duelund Res & wire, custom BBAM; modified Velodyne DD-15. Power: Signal balanced DU-5; Wires: speaker/custom 1.5 lbs. silver foil; IC/ Connex-DH Labs BL-Ag; AC/ Furutech Alpha-3. Tweaks: Star Sound SP-1 & Apprentice platforms, Stillpoints Ultra 5, Ultra SS & Minis; Schumann resonators.
Click to expand...

OK, let me see what I can do from my end.
 
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