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To Esoteric P03/D03 owners: try iLink

Hi,

Remember a year and a half ago or so, talking here on best way to connect the two. All said best way was AES/EBU X2. it seems logical. You could use Esoteric ESlink, and all the "uping" they offer. That is what I did and sound was great. I chosed to listen converting to DSD.

Now the other day a Mexcell esoteric iLink cable felt in my hands by coincidence from old stock of an ex esoteric long time dealer. He told me to try it, and said I had been under using the separates capabilities since the first day. He gave it to me for free, since he does not sell these anymore for a long time... Since he had no economic interest at all, thought he could have a point, although from specs did not make a lot of sense, and decided to give it a try.

Well... The sound is much better. Not a minor change. In all areas. Please try it if you havent and if you can. The thing is like 800 USD, but well worth it, at least in my case. Try to borrow or test; your esoteric dealer should be able to offer a demo (well I got it free but would pay that if I had to). CDs will be played at 44 and SACDs in DSD. No other options. It bypasses the converdion electronics. im not really a tech guy. Seems with Ilink it does perfect bit reading and streams to DAC directly. The ex dealer said it was the best purest way and much cheaper...

Well, not sure on the tech aspects, but soundwise the is a difference, big one, for the better. Not in one particular area. All over; resolution, texture, bass, imaging... You name it. Highly recommended. Major upgrade... Hate those words when talking of cables but...

It could have to do with quality of Mexcell vs my older brand and not the type of cable? Could be but I doubt it very much. I like my old brand a lot and are high quality in all their offering. But regardless of how expensive, Have never heard such a change from swaping a brand of a cable. I will try to borrow the XLR versions of esoteric Mexcell althoug they are insane in price. But just to double check.

In any case just wanted to share this with you, nad if you havent try it I strongly recomend you do as soon as you can (but pkease borrow first. Could be something specific to my system... - doubt it- but do not want to be blamed for amking you guys expending money...)

Any views, experiences from other users?

Oh, and the SACD playing is just something else now....

Best
Eli
eelii08
kgallagh
31 posts
 
Thanks Eli, Tremendous effort on your part and I'm grateful for it, (and yes, glad to hear that your findings further validate my own!~) Just wondering, are you using an external clock, or did you have the P-03 slaved to the D-03 clock?

Thanks again. Kevin
eelii08 OP
169 posts
 
No clock.... Which makes me think...

I tried the clock in the past twice. Two different times I borrowed from my dealer. Both times I already was familiar with the 03s sound.

I was more than ready to buy if I could hear a difference for the better. Was actualy wanting, in a way, to hear the improvement. But none of the times I was able to hear any big improvement at all. Maybe a small one, but not even sure. Nothing conclusive after extended listening. So both times i declined to buy.

I wonder if the result would have been different if i had listened to the clock with Esoteric cables. Maybe not, but they did change the playing mode of preference big time, so who knows.

Wont be able to try. I already traded in the 03s and with the new 02s with only a few hours on them, clocked to the DAC, I dont have the intention to try the clock for a long while at least til Im familiar with these.

Best
Eli
kgallagh
31 posts
 
Makes perfect sense to me, and I wouldn't be too surprised to hear that the 02 obviates the need for an outboard clock.

Thanks again, and enjoy!

Kevin
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