Esoteric SACD digital playback systems

[Big Dog RJ]

G'day maties,

Well, I guess that time has come... for a small upgrade in the digital front.
Going back 10yrs, I purchased the McIntosh MCD301 in 2010 brand new. I used it in various systems since, from Maggies, Quads, SF's, Infinity's, Theils, Wilson's, then back to maggies, Quads and now Martin Logan's. Also amongst those speaker systems were various CD players, ranging from Marantz, Arcam, Musical Fidelity, Cambridge Audio, Audio Research, CJ's DV2B, Meridian, Wadia and some I can't even remember. Anyway, none of these players lasted too long, some were superior to the big Mac but this Mac outlasted the lot! It's still going and hasn't missed a beat nor flinched even once. Whichever unit gave me better or a higher sense of recorded music was obviously the preferred option.

However, as the years passed and as my system developed into a more resolving, engaging, transparent and more immersive approach, after upgrading nearly every other aspect of it, including cables, wiring and interconnects, I began to realise that the Mac was not upto par as compared to the CJ gear or to the CJ phonostage to begin with. So I thought to myself, in order to significantly upgrade the digital front, I would have to spend some serious green notes. And so my quest began in 2013 after 3 years of having the Mac.

It has served me extremely well and has always been totally engaging, nothing short of musical. I will miss the big fella and I'm sure passed on to the next owner, will certainly look after it well. Afterall, it still holds strong and can playback SACD's.

So with that said, much searching and numerous auditions, research and development done over the years, history in the making, hard work and hard work... I finally managed to close a special deal on a brand new digital playback system marvel! Introducing to you the - Esoteric digital playback systems - K07XS.

Oh my goodness gracious! This is a serious level of digital playback and one that when fitted into a high quality system, the synergy is just superbly superior in every angle!
More to come with a few pics. I just took delivery on Thurs but couldn't get to it until now, so initial setup has been completed and only a handful of hours on it. There's, tremendous potential in this thing, I can feel it every minute it warms up... the only issue is, according to the manual/ other Esoteric owners, it requires over 200hrs to really get going, and once that happens, the marvel takes place.

I'll place a few pics this weekend, since I will be finalising setup. At least by then it'll have about 20hrs on it.

Cheers to digital!
RJ

[admin]

Congrats on the upgrade RJ. I am definitely looking forward to hearing your thoughts as you get some more hours on the unit. If you can post some pics that would be as great.

As a side note, you mention you had the CJ DV2B in your system at one point. What were your thoughts on that?

[AnotherJohnson]

Sounds great!!! Literally.

Have fun!

[Big Dog RJ]

Cheers maties!

Out of so many outstanding and not so outstanding digital playback systems I've used, owned, ordered and sold, even some very lofty ones which involved four stacked units, the CJ DV2B was a marvellous unit. The design was quite simple, nothing very fancy. It had two transformers, separate power supplies, isolated circuits and dedicated transformers for each main section, transport and dac including the output tube section.

It had a Phillips transport mechanism and Toshiba DACs chip set. It also had stepped digital attenuation which allowed the user to connect directly to main amplifiers omitting the preamp stage. At the time when we actually didn't have any CJ preamp due to being sold or given out for customer demos, we connected the DV2B directly to the big Manley 350's, driving maggies MG 3.5/r, it was superb!

The only drawback was it didn't allow precise settings as compared to a dedicated linestage. Also switching sources was not possible but if you were using just one source, being digital, the DV2B was untouchable.

After that we migrated, sold off the side gig and moved out. To this day, I really missed that sound of the DV2B, and those particular tubes used in it were hand picketed for precise sonics and pure musicality by the CJ team. It even a phase switch for out of phase recordings. It was such a superb unit, I was literally in tears when I learned that production ceased and that was it! Later on McCormack took over and units were built at the CJ factory under the McCormack badge but it was never a CJ...

That type of sound took me over 16yrs to get back, and only now this Esoteric thing reminds me a lot about that legendary sound. It's really a special thing, one that hits you straight away and you go "aaah" now that's more like it.

I'm still going through the manual and trying to optimise the settings, digital filters and so on... There are separate settings for each type of output and input. For example if using RCA SE connection you have to choose that particular one. The default setting is something else, I think digital to a separate DAC if required. Then there are settings for XLR balanced connection, which I don't use. Maybe I should try that not sure.

Anyway, I'll give it plenty of time to settle in, being going since last night. Since a few more hrs, I can really feel that difference between the initial run-ins. I'll get to a more precise review tonight, as long as I don't doze off...

Cheers to digital!
RJ

[Joe Appierto]

Best of luck with the unit, RJ.

There are few things more rewarding in this hobby of ours than hitting upon that "just right" moment.

Regards,
Joe

[Big Dog RJ]

Wow, wow wow! This thing just landed in the Starship Enterprise!

OMG! What a performance! Tonal density, transient control and speed, impact and frequency extension is superb!

Its clocked in about 10hrs, maybe less but every minute the potential is formidable, there's no doubt I can feel every nuance easily. There's so much to talk about, not sure where to begin...
I'll try to make it simple as possible because it's very very hard to type this whiles discs are spinning.

Features: amongst the usual goodies at this level, the special transport mechanism is superb, and the build quality is first class! The layout connections at the back are high grade stuff, and the Crystal cable power cord fits in snug and tight, as if it was made for this unit. There are a few settings you need to finalise before hitting the play button, until these are properly set no tunes play.
Two very cleaver features I really like are the fact that after a while of no signal at all the unit shuts itself off. Also after a certain time of playback the display shuts off leaving just pure music! What a great thing for the team at Teac to think of.

Sound performance:
1. The speed, clarity, definition and accuracy is superb! It captures anything and everything, macro, micro, which was on the Mac as well but in this case it's far more profound.

2. The energy pick up is superb! As if the musicians woke up from a dull nap... and suddenly drank a litre of Red bull and just started playing their socks off! The vibrant pulse and energy comes with great force, pick up speed and agility in all areas.

3. Having said point 2, with all this greatness in pick up energy and impact, also comes a fine sense of balance and control. It's just marvellous, nothing of too much of anything.

There's this one standard CD from Norman Brown - Better Days Ahead, that I always play whenever I install any new gear. I know it so well, dates back to my student days in the US purchased in 94. Each and every time I play this CD on any given system with whatever improvements, it keeps sounding better all the time. The last time I played this particular album was demoed on ML's Statements Evo-II's and that was awe-inspiring!
Now with the Esoteric K07xs this thing has shifted gears to such a level, I can state it's an easy 45-50% improvement, without a doubt! And it gets better..

Anyway, I guess my upgrade path is set for now because if and when I'm ready I will definitely consider the K03xs or K01. Can't possibly imagine what that would sound like, oh my!

As a closing statement, all I can say at this stage is that my system is now complete!
Cheers, and a mad woofty woof woof!
Best, RJ

[admin]

Very nice. The build quality looks amazing.

Noticed there is a usb digital input. Can the unit be used as a pure DAC? If so, have you tried it to see how the unit performs as a pure DAC?

[Big Dog RJ]

Yes, the unit can be used as a pure DAC with the USB input. The manual shows the layout with a pc or server based music system, so many upgrade options are available with this thing. It's just marvellous!

RJ

[roberto]

If I am happy, well happy with my DAC, now I can picture you with yours! What a beauty. It is an expensive toy! Good for you my dear RJ!

Happy listening!

[Big Dog RJ]

Cheers Robbo mate,
In fact price wise quite on par with the Japanese currency and as listed on the US market. For some good reason when items are imported directly from Japan to Aus, it's near parity and we only pay that bit extra for duty, gst etc.

If this same unit was coming from UK or US, the price would be double or three times more... I was on the lookout for something that would really surpass the digital front I was using since 2010. Pricing was through the roof and to match the rest of the gear (CJ & CLX's) the overall quality had to be top notch. From the numerous versions I did audition and trial, it seemed like there was nothing available unless it was over 20grand. However, this Esoteric I happened to stumble upon, highly recommended by a good mate and then later fully endorsed by more forum members here who are very passionate about their music.

So all is well and it's a superb player! The low frequency articulation, top end extension seem limitless coming from the CLX's and the bass panels really move with such speed it's a massive improvement. Of course that midrange warmth is always there delivered by CJ amps but this time round the midrange is more profound, with greater resolution and very fine inner detail. Even on standard discs, the quality playback is extraordinary.

Very very pleased with this purchase, can't think of anything better at this stage, and highly recommended.
Cheers mate, have a good one.
RJ

[AnotherJohnson]

These are not common in the US, though some suppliers say they can get them. As a consequence, auditioning one without ordering it is not easy.

From my limited knowledge, the Japanese are discerning listeners, and from your report, I’d love to hear one.

My own adventure down the Marantz SA-KI path has been gratifying. I still love them and have one at each house.

The Absolute Sound 2021 High End Buyer’s Guide came this week, and just to add insult to injury, they do not cover any of Esoteric’s CD/DAC product line. They don’t cover CJ either. I was disappointed.

I know how much fun I’ve had upgrading my digital sources this year ... I’m glad you’re getting the same dose of fun. It’s like a whole new collection of music. I am 100% sure that you have beaten the pants off the McIntosh, as good as it may have been.

Enjoy!

[Big Dog RJ]

Yes AJ, I certainly agree.

Another member was asking if I tried out any of the Luxman digital playback systems before finalising on the Eso...

As it was an interesting point;
In fact I did but not at home on my particular system, rather at the dealership. Going back to 2017 when I was on a quest to find my preferred full range stats, ribbon panels or horns, my short list being the ML Ren15a, AG Duo XD's, Maggie's 20.7/ 3.7i, and the CLX's, the place where I finalised my CLX's had an extensive range of products. So there I did manage to audition several versions and combinations over a period of couple weeks.

On the digital front it was mostly streaming through a PS Audio DAC setup and only a handful of digital playback gear, Luxman and Accuphase. Also a host of other brands on amplification, some I can't even remember but although they sounded pretty good none of them quite matched my preferred choice of CJ & CLX's. From what I can remember we tried, Jeff Rowland, Mark Levinson, Pass Labs, Accuphase, Ayon, Divialet... clutter everywhere. Then from speakers- Dynaudio, Wilson Benesch, Golden Ear, Paradigm, Harbeth, ML's, and a massive range of others, speakers were in every corner of the store... top & bottom. Probably more on the roof! Anyway, it was definitely a candy store and I spent many hours trying to finalise a short list.

I sincerely think the Luxman's were a great sound, no doubt. However, I walked away closing the order on the CLX's and didn't change my Mac sacd player, rather kept it until now. Since that time 2018, as the system has evolved to higher levels of resolution and transparency, having upgraded other gear and switched over to different cables, it was about time the digital end required some improvements.

The T+A was my final preferred choice but it was going to cost me some serious green notes. Something I just didn't want to get into especially when it goes over 30grand. Coming from Germany, I guess this is what the Aus retail market is when it comes to luxurious items like that, and so my quest continued...

I just happened to stumble upon the Esoteric gear, and what a marvellous combination it is! The particular synergy it has with CJ amplification and CLX's is outstanding! Couldn't have wanted anything more.
So I guess I'm an Esoteric member for life!

There's a dual chassis combination of the legendary P03 and D03 Eso system still available but it's in Adelaide Sth Aus. It was placed on eBay but had no offers. This is the one I stumbled upon and ended up contacting the owner, seemed very genuine and stuck to his offer. I guess he had his reasons since the P03/D03 combination was the SOTA mothership in terms of transport & Dac at the time. However, that's dating back to 2007... in the digital domain things have changed an awful lot since.

Referring to TAS & Stereophile, these are only mainstream magazines, they've been around for a while, and as you can tell they're all getting more commercialised now. Everything is pretty much paid for, so there's a lot of money being passed around for certain reasons to get ahead and get noticed...
Apart from those mainstream brands being reviewed, there are a host of wonderful sounding gear that reside on the other side of the world, they're hardly noticed and cater only to their local markets. To experience these gems once in a lifetime is truly extraordinary. I used to get this chance at least once a year or so whenever I visit Spore, and some of this gear is just mesmerising! Nothing like I've ever heard. For example, the Kondo Audio Note gear, Kogaru monoblocks and Ongaku amplifiers, oh my goodness!
Anyway, those are truly well and beyond my finances but to experience such items once in rare while is a lifelong memory.

Cheers to Eso, just gotta luv it!
RJ

[admin]

The Absolute Sound 2021 High End Buyer’s Guide came this week, and just to add insult to injury, they do not cover any of Esoteric’s CD/DAC product line. They don’t cover CJ either. I was disappointed.

A few months ago I subscribed to Stereophile magazine again and there has not been one mention of CJ in the last few issues that I have read. They had their "best audio products" issue the other month and not one CJ device. And they had some really questionable items on there as well. I was reading through their recommendations and was rather surprised by their choices. Not sure why the cold shoulder to CJ,.. maybe CJ is not buying ads in their magazine and thus they have more pressure to write reviews or make recommendations for other manufacturers that do?

[AnotherJohnson]

CJ does advertise in TAS. But I don’t think they send either magazine their products for review. They seem to stick with a couple of standards, like Tone.

Linn are not covered either. Linn do not want to put up with reviews.

Honestly, I’ve never been seriously influenced by reviews, except in my earliest years of system building.

My listening style, listen room, and listening goals rarely match up with those of the reviewer.

At this point TAS is quite weak. I buy it because it costs about a dollar an issue by subscription, and I usually get a dollars worth of fun out of it.

As an example of their incompetence, they covered the Marantz SA-KI favorably, but mentioned that it could be Ken Ishiwata’s last digital design. Well, duhhh! Ken died a year ago. I think it’s a safe bet that he won’t be designing more stuff.

[admin]

Completely agree with you on the worth of reviews in terms of making purchasing decisions. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what amp they are reviewing, unless their source, preamp, speakers, and the room are identical to mine, it really doesn't say much about what they "think it sounds like."

I have to admit that I do like looking at the pictures and sometimes they will give some tidbits of information about how it was designed or some background info that the company may provide them as opposed to the average Joe like me. It is also a good source of information for how the general market is turning.

At the end of the day, I view these magazines as entertainment and not a serious decision inducing source of information. I think I paid $4 for a year subscription to Stereophile so I do consider it a worthwhile entertainment purchase.

[Big Dog RJ]

Yes, definitely agree on that maties.

It's pretty sad to see something that for me initially grew as an intetest, then a hobby and now a passion, referring back to these mags, it's a complete mind field of payments going left, right and sideways... it's no man's land, it's all about the money!

Just compare any one of these current mags to any one of those that we used to read back in the day... they were far more descriptive, had good photos and genuine write ups. Take any one of them now, look at the front cover then look at the back cover... $$$ signs is all you see! And that's what it's all about.

CJ and quite a few others don't want to be part of this, and honestly speaking, I think JF is a smart chap. He will continue to march ahead with his superb designs and signature sound, I don't think he's even bothered one bit about any of this stuff. CJ gets recognition where it's required and that's all that counts.

I used to be an avid collector of both tabs- Stereophile & TAS, collecting every single issue until the stacks were piling up... over the last few years I just keep a handful now just to show people who visit what the highend is all about, sort of a price indicator, just to see if there are any newbie's and whether they would be interested in owning such systems. The rest of the mags have been dumped at the local second book seller, probably uses it as firewood.

This is where some of those specialist stores must keep open in order to educate the up-coming audiophile or the next generation of highend enthusiasts.
If they were to only follow the mags, I'm afraid they're going to be mis-guided. Sadly such specialist stores are also closing down, and only a handful remain.

I guess it's upto us to educate the next gen and welcome them to the wonderful passion of CJ. We'll try our best!
Cheers, RJ

[Big Dog RJ]

Update incoming....!

Well it seems like I've managed to just clock in around 50hrs or so of burn-in on this thing, and it has just shifted a few gears again! Apart from the top end frequency extension and beautiful midrange, that CJ midrange magical partnered with this beautiful work of Art from Esoteric is absolutely stunning, marvellous and outstanding! I think I've run out of vocabulary...

The most profound frequency range is the LF detail. The bass lines are so crystal clear and you follow each and every bass detail to the core, no fuss, no strain and the low extension is superb! Speaking of adding subs? Forget it! Not at all required. So, basically it was the source that made all the difference, without a doubt.

Now, referring to the title, "what just happened..."
I decided to play a particular CD from Russell Malone- love looks good on you album. On track 7 titled Amsterdam something, just around the 3.48min or so it skips and usually gets stuck. It just won't budge and you feel frustrated and need to skip the trach to track 8 then the CD plays as normal. I wrote to the recording label company and they replied with a "don't know, not sure sort of answer..." so that wasn't really helpful.

Anyhoo, I decided I must try this particular Russell Malone CD and just check what happens with the Esoteric on track 7... absolutely nothing! It plays flawlessly! No skipping no stopping nothing, just smooth sailing all the way to the next track. So I repeated the track three times, and nothing, all good crystal clear.

So what just happened? How come on my previous Mac it always skipped! 10 out 10, always skipped, just wouldn't play track 7...?

Anyone has the experience with such variations in digital playback? Or have I missed something or have I done something wrong with the Mac?

RJ

[AnotherJohnson]

I think this is not uncommon, at least with lesser CD players.

I’ve got some spoken word MP3 CDs, and I can take five CD players from no name EBay specials to B&O Synch3 compatible Ford to Cambridge Audio Azur and beyond. What skips varies from player to player, and it is like locked grooves on vinyl on some, and just annoying on others.

For whatever reason, the data get corrupted and the DACs demonstrate the ability to cope with the corruption to differing degrees.

My own opinion is that the Mac is usually strong in the deciphering department. But I think it’s a bit long in the tooth ... and the Japanese would pay a premium to avoid skips, so your esoteric is probably as good as it gets.

[admin]

Skipping/being stuck on a CD track can be due to many reasons. First, the CD itself can be damaged. The way CD players have their laser setup and associated tolerance can play a major role. Many use buffering systems so they are actually loading the data into memory and going from there. This means that some data of a CD can be completely destroyed but due to the encoding redundancy, you may not notice the lost data. The quality of the laser and the drive which can result in less wabble and easier tracking.

Despite Macs having a "high quality" persona, it's still cheap consumer level gear. Most likely the Estoteric has a much better drive.

[AnotherJohnson]

The Mac stuff is really robust ... but it’s really no more high end than other Mac stuff. It’s very quiet and very flexible as a rule. And very nice paired in a Mac based system. Whatever weaknesses Mac have, they’re only evident in comparison to the really high end stuff out there. Mac is often tempting. Until you compare it directly to a CJ system with something like the SAKI Ruby or Esoteric.