Attention Esoteric CD/SACD Players Owners


I have a Esoteric UX-3 Universal player that went for around 8,500.00. Presently I am using a MIT AVT 1 interconnect from the player to my preamp. I really love the sound of the system as is, but I am wondering if I am really hearing all the player has to offer by using a 200.00 cable on an 8,500.00 component. Other than using the Esoteric branded cables which are waaaay too expensive, what are other Esoteric owners using? Do I really need to spend a lot of money to get a good match, as I want to keep the price reasonable.
128x128stereo5
Reasonable is a moving target. Price has little to no bearing at all once you get past the really cheap generic stuff.

Each and every system is different and so are your ears and taste.

It will be impossible to know without a lot of trial and error on your part.

I have had very good luck with Morrow Audio MA4 and Mac Mystic RCA and XLR interconnects.
I think the Audience AU24 cables are excellent for the money and will not bottleneck your system. There are several pairs up for sale now at very decent prices. Hook them up and forget about them.
I really like the sound with the MIT AVT1 cables. I tried 2 other sets of cables in the 200.00 range and still liked the MIT's best. I just wonder if I am reaping the full benefits of this player with the associated cable?
You are not reaping the full benefits of your player, though cables options are endless. I like Transparent Audio Super MM2 XLR. Used cost is reasonable and they hold their value very well. Or if you like the MIT look higher up their line.
I am using a pair of High Fidelity CT-1E on mine - great cable. They are new and catching on quickly. Very revealing of both micro and macro details, but musical at the same time. You can demo from Cable company. Not cheap, but an excellent value at their price point. They will definitely show off what your player is capable of.
Not a fan of cables with networks since they tend to blunt the sonics, IMO. You also need not spend large coin on cables either. You may have to try a few different cables to see if it will make an improvement.
If I could afford an Esoteric player, I'd still keep my Mapleshade ICs. Like others said, you need not spend a lot to get great sound.

All the best,
Nonoise
You have a $8500 CD player?? Why balk at spending an equally ridiculous amount on cables. You either buy in or you don't. Too late to use common sense now.
Cheers
I replaced the MIT AVT1 cable with a Kimber Silver Streak which I bought used on the Gon. It has done exactly what I was hoping it would do and I am very happy..

stereo5

 

Re-viving an older thread here. I purchased my 1st Esoteric spinner. A DV-50 in mint condition. A little older, I know. Hopefully not long in the Tooth.

 

Happy Listening!

@jafant   Excellent player. If you get a chance, the new Graceline cable from Black Cat cable, or the Zenwave cables from Dave are a superb match up with Esoteric Digital gear. 

daveyf

 

Thank You for the Black Cat suggestion. I seem to recall your owning an Esoteric player? Which model?

 

Happy Listening!

@jafant,

I forgot to mention in our correspondence that I am now using Acrolink cables on my Esoteric player.  I use a pair of Acrolink stereo interconnects, an Acrolink digital cable and Acrolink power cord. It made a huge and worthwhile difference and buying second hand didn’t hurt the wallet that bad.  

stereo5

 

Thank You for the tip on Acrolink cabling.

 

Happy Listening!

@jafant  I own a Esoteric DV60. More than impressed with the SQ of this model. I use the DV60 for audio only, where it shines on Redbook or SACD playback.

daveyf

 

I did enjoy SACD playback only, on the DV-60. I did not like CD playback.

 

Happy Listening!

@jafant I actually think Redbook sounds incredible on this player. However, you have to turn off the video components of the player, otherwise the SQ seriously suffers. I also noticed that the player ( like most others) really responds to different cables. For Redbook, I have found a copper based cable is required, the Zenwave cable I am now using is a match made in heaven.

daveyf

 

Thank You for the follow up. I will keep Zenwave in mind.

 

Happy Listening!

Using Esoteric 03XD with Purist Corvus 3 balanced sounds great its not overkill.

Hey Stereo5

 

I have a XO3SE and a K01 and have had really impressive results (to me) with Triode Wire Labs interconnects.  I run both through tube systems and enjoy the presentation and detail.  I have used Goertz, MIT, and audioquest and prefer the Triode Wire Labs.  

If you want to borrow a pair I could lend you a set and you could use your own ears and I have a real soft spot for Goertz and you could run them as well if you want to play around.

In any event TWL will not break the bank and Pete makes a hell of a cable.

Have Fun. pm me if interested

Happy Spinning

68pete

 

Thank You for the TA cable mention. Did you have TA calibrate your Reference XL for the Esoteric?

 

Happy Listening!

Hi jafant

Yes purchased from transparent dealer and calibrated for the equipment it ia hooked to

68pete

 

Thank You, as always, for the TA follow up.

 

Happy Listening!