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Wadia S7i vs Esoteric K-01/K-03 vs MSB

As I want to upgrade from Sony XA5400ES has someone compared the following:

-Wadia S7i
-Esoteric K-01 or K-03
-MSB with Platinum Dac IV plus, Signature Platinum Power Base, Upsampler 384 kHz and Platinum dac IV transport or any other MSB device.

I got already a great deal on a used Wadia S7i, which however is discontinued now.
I have no possibilities to compare any of these and apparently there is no specific information available on the net.

Thanks for making any efforts.

sequence56

Showing 2 responses by gpgr4blu

gpgr4blu
810 posts
 
I'm sorry Sequence, don't know sq.
gpgr4blu
810 posts
 
I have heard all 3, the Esoteric K 01 and Wadia S7i in my system as well as Cary and DCS (all) the MSB (top configuration and analogue DAC in a few other systems. I've also heard Bricasti (but not long enough and in enough systems to evaluate--but sounded v impressive and I think in the top tier on redbook), Playback Designs, Zanden and Reimyo. My favorites over all are Wadia, Esoteric and MSB. Do not think I could do Wadia as that model is no longer in production and it does not play sacd. Also it was the only one that suffered from transport glitches which are unacceptable in a $10,000+ cdp. But the sound was powerful, rich, deep---wonderful. That leaves Esoteric and MSB both of which sound great in every aspect. The proverbial window to the source. So it depends on your goals. Want the last player you will ever buy? I'd go Esoteric. Want future adaptability at greater cost? Go MSB. This is of course my highly personalized opinion.
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