Esoteric X-01

[Mr_Sukebe]

I finally got to have a dem outside of a show of an X-01 this week. I've heard a LOT of good things about them, and wanted to see whether they really were worth the effort/money, or whether "diminishing returns" made them overpriced and overrated.

For comparison, there was a Bel Canto PL1 CD player, which is apparently about on par with a BC DAC3 that is somewhat better known on these forums.

The result was pretty straightforward, the X-01 walked all over the PL1. Less grunge, less hash, better detail, more 3d depth. The X-01 simply did a better job of putting the band in the same room, which IMO is what it's all about.

Would I spend the cash on an X-01? If I had it to spare, yes.

 

[Sleestack]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_Sukebe /img/forum/go_quote.gif I finally got to have a dem outside of a show of an X-01 this week. I've heard a LOT of good things about them, and wanted to see whether they really were worth the effort/money, or whether "diminishing returns" made them overpriced and overrated. For comparison, there was a Bel Canto PL1 CD player, which is apparently about on par with a BC DAC3 that is somewhat better known on these forums. The result was pretty straightforward, the X-01 walked all over the PL1. Less grunge, less hash, better detail, more 3d depth. The X-01 simply did a better job of putting the band in the same room, which IMO is what it's all about. Would I spend the cash on an X-01? If I had it to spare, yes.

Big Esoteric fan here. Use the P-03/D-03 myself. X-01 is a fantastic SACD/Redbook source with typical Esoteric immaculate build.

I also had the Bel Canto PL1-A universal. Also an excellent source, but I never got the feeling that anything about it justified its price.

In the end, I got rid of the PL-1A b/c I felt my Denon 5910ci offered everything it had on the audio end (except XLR outs) and the best video bar none.

I believe Bel Canto has a CD-1 too, which just does Redbook. It was originally around $5K, but I have seen dealers selling them new for $2,500.

 

[Ruppin]

Where can one buy the esoteric line?

 

[Sleestack]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruppin /img/forum/go_quote.gif Where can one buy the esoteric line?

Through a dealer. If you are interested, let me know, b/c my dealer gives me great prices.