New Esoteric P02 D02

Hi Csmsart, as X-01 appears to be quite sensitive to footers configuration when used as a transport into Aeris, I suspect that the use of more advanced / newer Esoteric transports like K-01 or P-02 might yield even more desirable results.

I agree about Aeris's fantastic qualities and break-in requirements... I have now about 250 hours on it. While very good initially, with relatively rapid evolution for the first 30 hours, further evolution was slow until about 220 hours. Until that time there were faint traces of treble overpressure.

Since then, frequency response has normalized into great musicality. All audible parameters appear to be blooming / maturing rapidly without signs of evolution slowing down... Aeris is becoming a real jaw-dropper.

For the last several days I have been feeding it a steady diet of large Bach organ works 24 hours a day... Seems to be a highly effective break-in therapy.

Do I prefer Aeris over D-02? Sorry... I have not experienced D-02 at all, so my answer is... I do not know the answer.

Guido

To Csmsart :

I compared all the Esoteric transports with the exception of the new p1.
There is a big leap from p05 to p03. You can find very good prices for a second hand or demo. There is another big leap from p03 to p01 vuk (I liked upgraded vuk version better). P02 has a different sonic signature with less mid bass thickness or warmth, but with more openness and bigger sound stage. I personally liked the p01vuk and p03. Older transports are more susceptible to right "footing" or isolation. For the price performance ratio I strongly recommend a demo or less used P03. You wont be disappointed. Happy New Year.

Hi Pharma, have you tried X-01 as transport? Could you comment on audible differnces between X-01 as transport and P-03?

Guido

To Guido:

Yes, I did with the regular p01 and p03 side by side. It sounds more smilar to p01 than p03. P03 or P01 sound more refined, smooth and musical than x-01 as a transport. The highs are silkier on p03 and p01 versus X-01. There is more clarity, bass extension (especially with p01)and the sound stage is bigger. There is more of a natural free flowing character that is usually attributed to analog with p03 and p01 versus X-01. I recommend either of them and either of them sounds better than x-01, but for you p01 vuk would be a better choice in my opinion due to similar sound signature they have. I compared most of the transports with D03 dac. So, since you have a different dac and system I recommend to compare it in your system.

I rank Esoteric transports like this :

1-p01 vuk and p02
2-p03
3-p05
4-x-01

Dacs when playing pcm/cd:

1-d02 and d01 vuk
2-K01 as dac
3-d03
4-d05

Dacs when playing DSD/SACD

1-D-03 and D-02 (my favorite is D03 with SACDs)
2-D-01 (it down converts sacds to 88k or 176k pcm)
3-D-05

This is just my personal opinion and taste your observations may be different.