Esoteric K-01 vs Media server with Audioquest Jitterbug

In the past week, I have been reveling in a stunning new discovery.

I have previously tried ripping CD's to WAV files with a third party ripping software and found this to be time-consuming and hungry for data space. Besides, the SQ is lower compared to CD's spinning in my Esoteric K-01 VRDS Neo transport. So, I simply put that experiment on the back-burner.

Over the weekend, I thought I would try again but with JRiver software ripping redbook CD's to FLAC files. This saves a lot of time and data space. Once done, I stored these in a thumbdrive and coupling this with the Audioquest Jitterbug, I ported the combo to the Marantz NA8005 media player used solely as a USB thumbdrive transport with coax out to the DAC section of the Esoteric K-01.

What came forth from the speakers was a SQ that was way better than CD's spinning in the Esoteric in EVERY sonic parameter. This is indeed a most stunning discovery and can only be explained by the quality of ripping by JRiver and the effect of the Jitterbug. Now, I am rediscovering my entire CD collection without having to change discs one after another. Convenience and sound quality to boot - audio nirvana at a whole new level!

The takeaway from this is that the venerable VRDS Neo Transport of the K-01 player is now superseded by a low cost USB thumbdrive transport with jitter well minimised, if not eliminated, by the Audioquest Jitterbug. I am flabbergasted to discover that the full potential of the Esoteric K-01's DAC section is not realised until now. The days of expensive CD spinners may just be over.

To those still looking for high end spinners, my most humble opinion is don't. Simply rip your CD's with about $50 worth of JRiver software and play from a $1k media server/USB thumbdrive transport with the $50 Jitterbug. I have not heard the Uptone Regen but going by the praises so far, that should work well too. 

Happy listening!

J. :)