Esoteric K-01

APL NWO Master uses AKM 4399 DACs. K-01 also employs the AK4399. There are no tubes in K-01.... The Esoteric PDF file states: "A discrete buffer output circuit with a high voltage power supply of
+/- 22 V has been deployed for the analog audio output, following
the technology used in the D-01. [...] These powerful discrete buffer output
circuits are laid out symmetrically for each of the hot/cold signal
lines to construct a rich and fully balanced configuration for XLR
audio outputs. Additionally, a parallel buffer output configuration is
implemented to switch the buffer amplifier to a parallel
configuration, when RCA audio outputs are used."

As for K-01 being more/less precise/musical than APL NWO, I doubt that anyone has any hard evidence one way or another this early in the game.

>>11-27-10: Sounds_real_audio
AudioFeil
Not sure I can live up to your high standards<<

Well I'm sure.

You can't.

FWIW - I have the 2nd generation 32-bit AKM DACs in my APL - NWO-ME Super-DAC prototype that I use along with my upgraded Esoteric UX-1, which I believe has the Burr-Browns in it. While I realize there are way more DACs in the APL prototype, so that any comparison is 4 apples to 20, I can't help but be impressed by the AKM DACs. Pretty much more of everything and the ability to get much further into the music - like a veil or 2 are lifted.
It will be very interesting to see how the K-01 sounds, especially after break-in. The only concern I would have is accuracy vs. musicality - not sure how Esoteric will handle that. The APL uses a double tube output stage, but I didn't see any tubes in the Esoteric.

The Esoteric site has a fairly detailed descriptive PDF for the K-01. See:
http://esoteric.teac.com/resources/pdf/k-01.pdf

It looks like K-01 uses 32-bit AKM DACs--8 per side. K-01 uses neither Burr Brown nor Analog Devices, making it potentially sounding different from X-01 D2 and P-03/D03. . This early in the game I would not venture to guess whether the K-01 exceeds the performance of the P-03/D-03 combo, or even of the X-01 D2. It is unlikely that any of the K-01 in the US right now are fully broken in. It may be a spell before we can get some detailed findings on this device.

G.

Audioethic

Not sure I can live up to your high? standards..

Soundsreally is an Estoeric dealer and proper ethics dictate a disclosure when endorsing a line with a financial interest.

Dealer disclosure.

Haven't heard it yet. The retail is $22.500. I am still a fan of the X-03SE.

Heard it yesterday at the local audio show. Looks impressive. Couldn't gauge the sound quality as the entire setting was unfamiliar. The Esoteric rep thought that the P03D03G0Rb would likely be better (my old setup) but we didn't chat at length as I was there to buy Esoteric remasters and not audition gear plus he was super busy with a room full of devotees and aspirants.