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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
jon2020's avatar
jon2020
913 posts
 
Flashunlock,
You nailed it. The sooner this obsession with break-in stops, the sooner we can begin to simply enjoy the music fron this fabulous machine. Cheers!
matjet OP
111 posts
 
Flashunlock, Jon2020

You guys are correct, the K01 sounds great even without break-in. On the other hand, it is built like a tank, it would be pretty tough to wear it out.
kiwi_1282001
310 posts
 
I think nearly all would agree that the Esoteric K-Series is Teac Corps best effort yet.

This however does not mean it best machine for all listening tastes.

For some the Esoterics reading of music, which is neutral, may be considered analytical, matter of fact and aloof from musicality.

This is understandable and for such folks others options thankfully exist from Ayon, Cary, Reimyo, ARC, Zanden etc.

The point really is to "know thyself" when it comes to audio. If you understand your taste in presentation you will hopefully be better positioned to pick products which support that.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,483 posts
 
@ Kiwi_1282001, Hi, Well said my friend!, I am going to audition a k-03, However, I am parcel to the musicality group of listeners for digital players, God knows I have enough resolving, detailed sound and body to my sound, I will not have any analitical eanything in my system!, like I said, I will listen to Esoteric, Does not mean I will buy it unless it satisfies my flavor of sound,, cheers.
guidocorona
4,114 posts
 
Audiolabyrinth, if you audition K-03, include a listen to the Sdly1 filter... Its character might be in the general domain of your sonic preference. G.
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