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Esoteric K-01/K-03 Owners

Spoke today with the local Esoteric rep to get information on plans to upgrade existing K-01/K-03 users to the "X" model which is only sold overseas at this time. Here is the scoop. (Dates/$$ are only close estimates)

- Upgrades will be available in October 2014
- The upgrade will include the USB input mechanism to support 2.8 MHz DSD (Native Playback) and 384 MHz (PCM).
- There are several other upgrades to the K-01x/K-03x that are not included. (i.e. Upgrades to the DAC, Transport, etc that are direct descendants of the
Grandioso Model).
- Approx. cost is $1,000 (Not including 2-way shipping)
- The Upgrades will be provided in California

Info. on K-03x: http://www.esoteric.jp/products/esoteric/k03x/indexe.html

Beats having to buy a new DSD Dac in the meantime if patient.

Ciao
gocubs999
quadesl
4 posts
 
Thanks. So where can we download the new firmware/driver + the PDF instruction manual? I check the Esoteric website in Japan and couldn't find it. Thanks.

Esoteric/TEAC/Integra has announced in early April that the USB hardware upgrade (DSD compatibility) is available now. It is a $1500 US upgrade. I have tried to contact with them w.r.t. where to send my K-03 from Canada. I haven't heard back from them yet.
zephyr24069's avatar
zephyr24069
1,183 posts
 
I got the files directly from Scott Sefton; I don't believe they have a download site. Send me an in-mail with some means of an getting me your off-Audiogon email and I'll forward the whole email thread that he sent to me....Alternatively, you can ping Scott and have him send direct depending upon your preference.
gocubs999 OP
154 posts
 
Not sure if this would be the Service Center for Canada users, but; here is the notice for K Upgrades dated 4/1/15.

http://www.esoteric-usa.com/USB-upgrade.php
quadesl
4 posts
 
I got the files (K-series SACD players HA_2 async. firmware updater + new MacOS driver) from Scott Sefton yesterday. I have just flashed the new HS_2 async. firmware on my K-03 and installed the new driver on my Mac Mini. I have listened to a few hi-res. + CD ripped FLACs and it seems to have solved the problem. So far so good! BTW, after you have flashed the new firmware on your K-series player you have to power cycle it in order for it to be effective.

Now I have to figure out where and how to have my K-03 upgraded to the new USB board for DSD64...
gocubs999 OP
154 posts
 
Here is the information for the upgrade path. I will not have a chance to send my K-03 in for at least a couple of months. Would be interested to know what you think if you do so in the near term.

Tap Electronics Company
6920 Hermosa Circle
Buena Park, CA 90620
Tel: (714) 562-7400
Fax: (714) 562-7405

The cost for this upgrade is $1,500 which includes “white glove” freight costs both ways.

NOTE: *The USB Upgrade does not allow for compatibility with 5.6 MHz DSD files. This additional capability is afforded through the K-01X and K-03X models released in late 2014.
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