Esoteric K01: What are the best settings for CD?


The Esoteric K01 has several up-conversion and filter options for CD play-back. Unfortunately, each up-conversion option and each filter option requires approximately 500 hours of 'break-in' to sound it's best. I have owned the Esoteric K01 since it's release. It is a superb SACD and CD player. I have 'broken in' some but not all filter and up-conversion settings. I am still unable to decide which combination I like best. I am currently using S_DLY1 (for digital filter) and 2Fs (for up conversion). I would like to know what settings other Esoteric K01 owners like best. It would be helpful if If you can explain why those settings sound better to you than other combinations. I wonder which settings the experts at Esoteric/Teac would recommend?
matjet
That's understandable Audiolabyrinth... to maximize enjoyment of Esoteric components, a steadfast patience is golden. G.
PERSPECTIVE: I owned the Esoteric X01D2 for several years before replacing it with the K01. I owned a Krell cd/sacd player (top of the line, I can't remember which model) prior to the X01D2. The X01D2 sounds much better than the Krell right out of the box, there is no comparison. The K01 sounds much better than the X01D2 on all settings, right out of the box, without warm up. The improvement is very obvious, A-B comparison is not required to appreciate how much better the K01 is than the X01D2. The Esoteric K01 is the best cd/sacd player I have ever heard, regardless of settings, warm-up and break-in. This is a fantastic cd/sacd player. The differences between each setting, break-in and warm-up improvement is subtle compared to the improvement over the X01D2.
I am absolutely delighted with the sound, build quality and operation of this beautiful machine.
well said Matjet!, I do want to audition one!,I am horrified at the many,many hassels to go thru to enjoy the player!, It seems like its worth it to you!,I just can't imagine breaking in all the settings, filtering settings and 2 to 4 hours warm up time just to listen to music!, And I can tell you I love music!, Happy listening!
Audiolabyrinth,
The break-in and settings are tweaks. This is a great sounding player in any setting. It sounds great without warm up, but improves with warm up. I'm sure your amps improve with warm up as well.
@ Matjet, You are beginning to bring me at ease!, The way this entire thread read of the product at hand apeared to be a nightmare!, Thankyou, Happy listening!