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For SACD fans only

Want to upgrade my SACD playback, currently have Oppo 105-D, which has been fine, but the weak link in my setup. I have a Hegel H390, Raidho XT-2’s and Ansuz cabling throughout, including the DTC distribution box. Currently love the system synergy, sound and setup, but want to upgrade.

So my question for the forum is-- I have narrowed it down to a couple of options and would like to hear thoughts...

1- PS Audio Perfectwave SACD transport, which is now on sale for $4000, and a DAC. I could wait for PS Audio’s forthcoming new Directstream DAC, which they say will utilize the same galvanic isolation in their Perfectwave transport. The reason for the match is the I2S connection, which can deliver "pure" DSD. I believe that a Sony chip is necessary. Another DAC option is to go with a Holo Audio May KTE DAC for around $5000. It has the I2S input, but I don’t believe it will play the "pure" DSD layer.

2- Esoteric K-05XD or Esoteric K-07XD SACD player. Two players not currently available but will be in the next month or 2, for I believe $8500 and $7500 respectively. Esoteric has confirmed to me that they will be available shortly. The nice thing here is that you get 2-in-1, both a high-end transport (one could argue the best available transport at any price) and also a fantastic DAC. I have read reviews of the Esoteric K-03XD, which is available and has the "Master Sound Discrete" DAC. The K-05XD and K-07XD will also use the "Master Sound Discrete" DAC-- reviews are that this is a big step up from previous Esoteric models, and sound fantastic. They have a USB input and other digital inputs, so you can utilize the internal DAC if I should use a server or go the streaming route-- or both.

Currently don’t use a server or streamer, but both options give me that flexibility. One box or 2 boxes? (Holo May DAC would make it 3 boxes!)

Won’t be able to audition unless I buy both and then return one.

Thoughts? Thanks


fred60
fred60 OP
160 posts
 
@achipo: yes, I did think about the D.BOB, but I'd need to add a DAC like yours-- the Holo Audio May KTE is definitely on my short list.  But thinking that the Esoteric is 2-in-1, best transport available at any price, plus a fantastic DAC, for $7500-8500.  So 1K for the D.BOB and 5K for the Holo Audio May DAC puts it at $6000.  BTW the DAC in my Hegel doesn't cut it for me.  Demo'd the Oppo as a transport into the Hegel and the sound just isn't comparable.  Better via the Oppo.

@secretguy: "no actual improvement"?  you think that a step up from the Oppo to either a PS Audio Perfectwave SACD transport with a Holo Audio May DAC-- or-- an Esoteric K-05XD or 07XD is not an improvement?  I think it would be a massive step higher in SQ, in either case.  IMHO.

@melm: It's not easy.  I've tried it.  For some reason the player will not respond to the software that I downloaded and tried on numerous occasions.  So it won't initiate a rip.

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,651 posts
 
I AM a SACD fan. It is a lot easier to rip and play them that spending bucu money and time to spin them live.
Over i2s to a DirectStream.
For me.

And no "actual improvement" statements are unsupported and meaningless.
It’s obvious that NO ONE wants to spend up for no improvement. That does not actualize it.

Ripping IS easy. PM me for details.
audiosaurusrex's avatar
audiosaurusrex
320 posts
 
Ever think about a mod for it. I know Daniel Wright from Modwright did have one for the Oppo. Not sure if he still does. He modded my Pioneer LX500 and it is stunning!
fred60 OP
160 posts
 
@audiosaurusrex: No he nor anyone does Oppo 105 mods anymore.  I think he said that the 205 is better than the 105 mod, so it's not worth it.  But thanks for mentioning.

Everyone is trying to save me $$$, but that's not the issue for me.  It's just trying to decide between the two options that I wrote about.

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,717 posts
 
Do yourself a favor and buy an Esoteric player.  They are one of the best built and sounding players.  I bought a Esoteric UX3 (same as X3 but also plays DVD audio) in 2012 and would not trade it for the world. I paired with an Acrolink (Esoteric brand) power cord and interconnects.  Best sound I have ever heard from digital. 
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