Esoteric K-07 player SACD settings

[Kegumo]

Hi,

 

I just brought a second-hand K-07 and have a few questions.

 

1. When playing an SACD does the unit automatically default to DSD mode or do you have to set the "up-conversion settings" to DSD. Similarly can you adjust the digital filter setting to alter the SACD sound or will it always default to DSD.

2. If using XLR cables, can they transmit in DSD or is it converted to PCM. Seems to be differing opinions on the net.

3.  Any recommendations on cable matching for the esoteric would be appreciated. I have focal Sopra speakers and a Copland hybrid amp.  I Find my current wireworld rca cables can be a bit bright on some of the SACD's. However it may be the recording  ???  Cat Stevens - Tea for the tillerman is an example.

 

thanks for your help.

[Steff]

That's such a fine looking player, love the esoteric design.

The manual is quite instructive: https://www.esoteric.jp/downloads/products/esoteric/k-05x/k-05x_k-07x_om_efs_vb.pdf

1. dsd default

2. frankly I don't see why dsd would be "converted" to pcm using XLR. Firstly because "what" would be doing the conversion, and secondly, hybrid SACD discs already contain a PCM layer. Typically these are selectable on your player, so you can opt to listen to the PCM layer (I do this to amuse myself from time to time on my SACD player).

Thirdly, why would esoteric supply a unit with XLR output if that was signal-limited? Would defeat the purpose of the component.

And the manual doesn't indicate any XLR limitations.

3. It'll be the mastering of those SACDs.

But if you believe in cables having a major impact in relation to bright/warm tonal shifts, there's a world of choices out there. Consider some local OZ manufacturers first, like @Audio Principe or @SonicArt or any in NZ?

4. or decide to install some DSP to get some measurable control over those runaway high frequencies?

Edited December 23, 2024 by Steff

[Steff]

[SonicArt]

2 hours ago, Kegumo said:

 Any recommendations on cable matching for the esoteric would be appreciated.

I will send you a msg to discuss your setup and what you are looking to achieve.

 

In the meantime, have a read of the link below, it will give you more understanding of DSD and how it came about and how they are creating it commercially and how it may not be the golden egg the marketers would have you believe. Where at all possible I will stick to PCM and all the first pressing CD's I have, as the dynamic range coupled with cabling that removes little to no signal between components is more immersive and musically enjoyable to me (personally)

 

https://www.mojo-audio.com/blog/dsd-vs-pcm-myth-vs-truth/

 

[075Congo]

I am currently using the Esoteric K-05XD SACD player in my system and would recommend you look carefully at the type of Interconnects you use in your system. I recently used the Sonic Art Silver Reference XLR interconnects and was really impressed. I have moved up to Shunyata Research Alpha-X Interconnects recently and they are very high level performers. Point is you will notice a very positive result with the selection of cables no matter what level of investment you apply.

You can buy the Sonic Art Silver Reference with RCA connections too.

Cheers

 

[075Congo]

A minor issue in relation to Esoteric SACD players is cleaning the label side on all discs used. David and Michael at AV Gallery (Ringwood) advised me to use isopropyl alcohol to clean the label side of of discs to be played. Doesn't happen often but having a disc jam inside your K-07X or my K-05XD is a frustrating experience.

Anyway I do it all the time now......just in case!

Regards

[SonicArt]

just be careful as iso can ruin the label on older printed cd's.

[075Congo]

I notice you are using one of the COPLAND Integrateds,,,,,,,I have used the CSA 150 and changed the 6922 tube supplied for an Electro-Harmonix 6922 "Gold" Pre-amp tube. The result is worth the cost of the tube . They are sold at The Valve Store in Victoria for $98 AUD ..(www.thevalvestore.com.au). Your problem of "brightness" will be modified using the different tube.

[SonicArt]

The Gold pin EH6922 are a really nice tube,  I use them in my sonic frontiers pre.

I have quite a few spare pairs,  OP if you are interested in some msg me.

[075Congo]

Another cable option well worth exploring is the MONTAUDIO Interconnects made in New Zealand. The AH-1 (XLR) and the AC-1 (RCA) are beautifully constructed ...they make their own connectors .......very highly recommended.