Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Impressively pristine sonic presentation with exceptional clarity and detail resolution
- Solid aluminum block construction, crafted with precision
- The VRDS-ATLAS 05 drive ensures undisturbed readout and smooth rotation of discs
- Exceptionally open, transparent sound
Product Considerations
- Price puts it beyond the means of most
- The floating top plate can be disconcerting upon unpacking
Takeaway: The Esoteric K-05XD is a beautifully built and high-performing SACD/CD player that plays back music with integrity. It is filled with top-notch electronics and mechanics to portray the emotional facets of music in all its nuances.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
K-05XD
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
Description
Uncompromising quality refined with flagship technology. Beautiful styling. High-quality sound worthy of the term "high-end".
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Esoteric utilizes the VRDS (Vibration-Free Rigid Disc-Clamping System) Atlas transport mechanism, a meticulously engineered design to minimize disc vibration and improve reading accuracy, setting them apart in CD/SACD player technology.
- The brand develops its own discrete DACs, such as the Master Sound Discrete DAC, instead of relying on off-the-shelf chips, aiming for a unique and full-bodied sonic reproduction that captures the energy and vibrancy of live music.
- They focus on internal construction that promotes physical separation of components like power supplies and audio circuits and a multi-layered chassis to minimize internal vibration, contributing to the sonic purity of the equipment.
- Esoteric implements the ES-Link Analog output transmission system, which aims to deliver a high-current signal to connected components, minimizing impedance problems and maximizing signal integrity.
Select products
Select product comparisons
K-05XD
- Positioning: The entry-level model in Esoteric's high-end lineup.
- Description: Features the VRDS Atlas transport mechanism, which is also found in more expensive models like the K-03XD SE, ensuring precise disc reading and reduced vibrations.
K-03XD SE
- Positioning: The mid-range model in Esoteric's lineup, offering advanced features at a competitive price.
- Description: Features the VRDS-ATLAS SACD transport mechanism and Master Sound Discrete DAC, providing superior sound quality compared to the K-05XD.
K-01XD SE
- Positioning: The premium model, positioned just below the flagship Grandioso series.
- Description: Esoteric's most iconic digital player, featuring the VRDS-ATLAS transport mechanism and Master Sound Discrete DAC, similar to the K-03XD SE but with further refinements for enhanced sound quality.
Grandioso K1X SE
- Positioning: The flagship model in Esoteric's lineup, representing the pinnacle of their audio technology.
- Description: Features groundbreaking advancements with its VRDS-ATLAS transport mechanism and Master Sound Discrete DAC, setting it apart from all other models in the lineup.
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Avg. Product Price
$10,001-$20,000
Used For Sale
179
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
44
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
25
Founding Year
1987
Our take on the brand
Esoteric is a Japanese hifi brand that manufactures CD and SACD players with their unique VRDS technology, which provides superior stability in disc playback through a rigid disc-clamping system. Their products are built in Tokyo with proprietary technologies like the Master Sound Discrete DAC, and their Grandioso series is considered among the world's best for sonic capabilities.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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Used
ESOTERIC
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
ESOTERIC
K-01XD SE
25000
25000
/
1
Reviews
Esoteric is a Japanese hifi brand that manufactures CD and SACD players with their unique VRDS technology, which provides superior stability in disc playback through a rigid disc-clamping system. Their products are built in Tokyo with proprietary technologies like the Master Sound Discrete DAC, and their Grandioso series is considered among the world's best for sonic capabilities.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Glorious sound
- VRDS-ATLAS mechanism is used for reducing vibration and improving sound quality
- Master Sound Discrete DAC is designed in-house
- Four high-capacity toroidal power transformers
Product Considerations
- High price
Takeaway: The Esoteric K-01XDSE is a CD player that offers excellent sound quality and advanced features. It's built with high-quality components for a great listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Esoteric is a Japanese hifi brand that manufactures CD and SACD players with their unique VRDS technology, which provides superior stability in disc playback through a rigid disc-clamping system. Their products are built in Tokyo with proprietary technologies like the Master Sound Discrete DAC, and their Grandioso series is considered among the world's best for sonic capabilities.
Product Page
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Metronome
AQWO 2
22000
22000
/
6
Reviews
Métronome give more to Audiphiles with AQWO 2 : the famous Métronome analogue sound with your CDs and SACDs, a highend converter and now a network player. Its new 7-inch 21:9 screen allows for easy monitoring of the current reading at a comfortable distance. Like many other Métronome devices, AQWO 2 can be provided with a analog tube output, installed at the factory or later by your technician. As a converter AQWO 2+ manages both PCM and DSD formats up to 512 (x8). Robust and massive, AQWO 2 is available in Silver or Black finishes.
Métronome is a hifi brand that lets users choose between tube or transistor output modes in their DACs, and offers dual conversion lines (ESS and AKM) in their flagship c|AQWO 2 model. Their products support high-resolution formats including PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD512, while their transports uniquely allow up-sampling and down-sampling during playback.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Combines CD/SACD player, DAC, and streaming client into one unit offering versatility for digital content
- Excellent build quality, featuring a solid, elegant design and high-quality materials, such as the smooth sliding CD top plate
- Has a large, clear, and intuitive touchscreen interface for easy control and access to settings
- Delivers excellent sound quality with detail, dynamics, and a touch of warmth, making music enjoyable
- Offers a modified SACD D&M transport mechanism ensuring high-quality playback
Product Considerations
- The included remote control might not match the luxurious feel of the rest of the unit
- The Delrin puck is small and could be easily lost
- Streaming updates via firmware, and the DAC cannot be upgraded
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The AQWO 2 offers SACD functionality and streaming, while the MBL is limited to CD playback
Takeaway: The Metronome AQWO 2 is a beautifully made, versatile digital source that combines multiple functions into one high-performing unit, offering flexibility and excellent sound for audiophiles who want the best from CDs, SACDs, and streaming. It is a great choice to enjoy a wide range of digital music at a very high level.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Métronome is a hifi brand that lets users choose between tube or transistor output modes in their DACs, and offers dual conversion lines (ESS and AKM) in their flagship c|AQWO 2 model. Their products support high-resolution formats including PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD512, while their transports uniquely allow up-sampling and down-sampling during playback.
Product Page
Product Page
Accuphase
DP-770
26575
26575
/
2
Reviews
The high-rigidity, high-precision drive traverse mechanism equipped with an outer rotor brushless DC motor drive rotates discs smoothly and delivers accurate data reading, while the 8MDSD (DSD signal) / 8MDS++ (PCM signal) type D/A converter driving the ES9028 PRO (ESS Technologies) processor in 8 parallel channels converts the inputs into highly precise analog signals. The DP-770 also incorporates numerous noise suppression technologies like ANCC* to create an unparalleled musical experience.
Accuphase is a highly respected Japanese amplifier brand, renowned for its ability to deliver lifelike sound reproduction. Their amplifiers are known for their exceptional phase coherence, which creates an engaging, natural listening experience that appeals to musicians and audiophiles alike.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptionally well-made and accurately constructed
- Versatile player that professionally handles all types of media and files
- Excellent resolution and dynamics
- Super-quiet background with zero electric hash
- Bass performance is well-controlled, firm, and finely articulated
Product Considerations
- New buttons have a low stroke, and it is hard to feel when they are pushed
- Front panel print looks a bit like a cheap screen print with too much paint used
- Sensitive to power cables
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The DP-770's bass is better controlled, firmer, and more finely articulated; it moves the soundstage a bit further behind the speakers, creating a deeper soundstage, while the Accuphase DP-720 presents vocals more upfront
- The DP-770 provides punchier transients, grippier and tighter kicks, better textures, and lower noise
Takeaway: The DP-770 is a digital player masterpiece that provides better sound from CDs and SACDs. It is resolving, dynamic, differentiating, and versatile in playing all types of media and files.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Accuphase is a highly respected Japanese amplifier brand, renowned for its ability to deliver lifelike sound reproduction. Their amplifiers are known for their exceptional phase coherence, which creates an engaging, natural listening experience that appeals to musicians and audiophiles alike.
Product Page
Product Page
dCS
Rossini Apex CD/SACD Transport
26500
26500
/
1
Reviews
dCS Audio is distinguished by its proprietary Ring DAC technology, which uses a custom mapping algorithm to reduce distortion, and its dCS Expanse headphone processing platform that enhances spatial sound. The brand's products, particularly the Bartók Streaming DAC, are favored by professional recordists and mastering engineers, while their Vivaldi and Rossini APEX systems have earned recognition for setting new standards in digital playback.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- The dCS Rossini Transport can handle both SACD and CD silver discs
- The Rossini DAC doubles as a network audio machine, with the ability to play from local storage and online streaming services
- The Rossini DAC can be used as a preamplifier, connected directly to a power amp or active loudspeakers
- The Rossini DAC is compatible with Spotify Connect, Deezer, Tidal, and is Roon-ready
Product Considerations
- The Rossini Transport is a purely digital device, with no onboard DACs
- The Rossini Transport relies on the DAC for its upsampling capabilities
- The various pictograms on both units take some familiarization
- When using the Rossini Transport with the DAC to play SACDs, the transmission is carried in an encrypted DSD format
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Rossini Player is a one-box CD-only player, while the Rossini Transport/DAC v2 is a two-box CD/SACD-playing package
Takeaway: The dCS Rossini (Transport and DAC) offers flexibility with disc playback and network audio capabilities. It is a high-end system that provides a range of features for those invested in both physical media and digital audio sources.
Video review
Our take on the brand
dCS Audio is distinguished by its proprietary Ring DAC technology, which uses a custom mapping algorithm to reduce distortion, and its dCS Expanse headphone processing platform that enhances spatial sound. The brand's products, particularly the Bartók Streaming DAC, are favored by professional recordists and mastering engineers, while their Vivaldi and Rossini APEX systems have earned recognition for setting new standards in digital playback.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Metronome
Le Player 4+
10800
/
Released
2022
The Player 4+ is the affordable premium DAC and CD player for all audiophiles, characterized by fabulous sound reproduction. The converter part is accessible through the USB or S / P DIF input and decodes all audio file formats up to DSD 512.
Métronome is a hifi brand that lets users choose between tube or transistor output modes in their DACs, and offers dual conversion lines (ESS and AKM) in their flagship c|AQWO 2 model. Their products support high-resolution formats including PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD512, while their transports uniquely allow up-sampling and down-sampling during playback.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality
- Superb sound in a single box
- Recreates music effortlessly and naturally with reference-level clarity, coherence, and transparency
- Offers a digital streaming option
- Commendable connectivity
Product Considerations
- The streaming app functionality was found to be sub-optimal, specifically the mconnect player
- The remote control doesn't match the same quality as the unit itself
- If the existing system is lean/analytical, the Metronome might not be the first choice
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Performance is a little more on the lively side of neutral, but still very well composed, and not so far from the Gryphon's performance
Takeaway: The Le Player 4+ offers superb sound and build quality with the added bonus of a digital streaming option, which is great for audiophiles still interested in CD collections. It functions as a complete digital hub, negating the need to purchase separate components.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Métronome is a hifi brand that lets users choose between tube or transistor output modes in their DACs, and offers dual conversion lines (ESS and AKM) in their flagship c|AQWO 2 model. Their products support high-resolution formats including PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD512, while their transports uniquely allow up-sampling and down-sampling during playback.
Product Page
Product Page
Accuphase
DP-570
13975
/
Released
2021
Equipped with quiet and smooth disc loading, the high rigidity and low center of gravity of the SA-CD/CD drive vastly improves readability, while the MDS+ type D/A converter with four parallel circuits accurately reads disc information and converts analog signals. It also supports a digital connection with a voicing equalizer and provides a programmable playlist feature that lets you enjoy listening in the order you prefer.
Accuphase is a highly respected Japanese amplifier brand, renowned for its ability to deliver lifelike sound reproduction. Their amplifiers are known for their exceptional phase coherence, which creates an engaging, natural listening experience that appeals to musicians and audiophiles alike.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Plays CDs and SACDs
- Lower noise floor than the DP450, resulting in a darker sound
- Bass notes are richer sounding compared to the DP450
- More soundstage in terms of width and height compared to the DP450
- More three-dimensionality in sound compared to the DP450, with better placement of instruments
- More texture and detail to the sound
Product Considerations
- Not the cheapest option for a CD/SACD player
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs DP450: DP-570 has a lot lower noise floor, so it was quite a lot darker sounding, and also the bass notes were particularly richer sounding
- Vs DP450: DP-570 has more detail, better positioning of elements, and sound stages
- Vs DP450: DP-570 offers a wider soundstage
Takeaway: The DP-570 is a great CD/SACD player if you are looking for richer sound and detail. It offers great improvements in soundstage and dimensionality compared to other models.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Accuphase is a highly respected Japanese amplifier brand, renowned for its ability to deliver lifelike sound reproduction. Their amplifiers are known for their exceptional phase coherence, which creates an engaging, natural listening experience that appeals to musicians and audiophiles alike.
Product Page
Product Page
T+A
MP 2500 R G3
14990
/
Released
2024
The MP 2500 R G3 stands as one of the most meticulously crafted multi-source players ever conceived by T+A. While it shares its conceptual and technological lineage with the MP 2000 R, this device elevates the experience of high-resolution audio to new heights. Replacing the CD drive with a high-end SACD mechanism, the MP 2500 R G3 offers an even more refined rendition of this timeless medium. Coupled with an array of external SP-DIF devices, a high-performance tuner featuring FM/FM-HD, DAB+, and Internet radio, alongside the latest streaming services and connect functionalities like Apple AirPlay 2, the MP 2500 R G3 becomes the heart of any music system—a centrepiece whose prowess is matched only by its understated elegance.
T+A is a hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Equipped with the same SACD drive as T+A's high-end SACD player, the MP 3100 HV
- Developed to reproduce high-resolution audio files without any trace of compromise
- Equipped with both symmetrical (XLR) and asymmetrical (RCA) analogue outputs, it features a jitter-free digital output
- As a source controller, it is equipped for pretty much every contingency
- The built-in digital tuner offers FM, FM-HD, and DAB+ capabilities
Product Considerations
- The Music Navigator app refused to acknowledge the presence of the MP 2500 R, a message appearing that the app was only compatible with T+A's Cala CDR/SR and MP8 network devices
- There was no sign of the player on the Roon network, so clearly this will come in a future update
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs MP 3100 HV: The MP 2500 R comes equipped with the same SACD drive as T+A's high-end SACD player—the MP 3100 HV
Takeaway: The MP 2500 R is a versatile multi-source player that can play SACDs, stream music, and tune into radio. It has high-resolution audio capabilities and offers many connectivity options, making it a convenient addition to any hifi system
Video review
Our take on the brand
T+A is a hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.
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Metronome
Le Player 4
10800
/
Released
2022
Le Player 4 is the high-end "top-loading" CD Transport that all audiophiles were waiting for, with its classic design and high-end sound reproduction. Without an integrated DAC, Le Player 4 reads and upsamples your CDs up to DSD 128, for optimal listening pleasure.
Métronome is a hifi brand that lets users choose between tube or transistor output modes in their DACs, and offers dual conversion lines (ESS and AKM) in their flagship c|AQWO 2 model. Their products support high-resolution formats including PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD512, while their transports uniquely allow up-sampling and down-sampling during playback.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The CD transport on Le Player is considered a pleasure to use, with a satisfying mechanism and tactile experience when loading CDs
- Le Player and Le DAC have a clean, detailed, and dynamic sound signature
- Le Player's top-panel capacitive-touch controls are elegant and avoid fingerprints
- Metronome products are known for impeccable build quality
- Le Player offers both CD playing and streaming capabilities, providing versatility
Product Considerations
- The remote included with Le Player is functional but not as appealing as the electronics themselves
- Le Player was not Roon Ready at the time of the reviews
- The CD player functionality on Le Player 4+ was considered a bit sparse
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Lampizator Big 7 with Stack Audio streamer—the Lampizator has a more 'pleasing' sound, while the Metronome is considered less colored and more hifi
- Le Player 4+ is considered to have a closer allegiance to the Denafrips Terminator +, characterized by density and minor warmth
Takeaway: Metronome Le Player and Le DAC offer a blend of detailed and dynamic sound with high-end build quality. With both CD playing and streaming capabilities (on some models), it provides a versatile option for enjoying both physical and digital music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Métronome is a hifi brand that lets users choose between tube or transistor output modes in their DACs, and offers dual conversion lines (ESS and AKM) in their flagship c|AQWO 2 model. Their products support high-resolution formats including PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD512, while their transports uniquely allow up-sampling and down-sampling during playback.
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Audionet
PLANCK²
15732
/
Released
2024
PLANCK 2 is Audionet's final statement re. the classical compact disc. No other machine on the market plays with such utmost precision, formidable ease and deep-rooted musicality. PLANCK 2 even surpasses our worldwide successes VIP and ART.
Audionet is a hifi brand whose Ultra Linear Amplifier technology, originally developed for medical applications, provides exceptional signal purity and stability. Their products, particularly the MAX monoblocks and DNP/EPX combo, are known for extraordinary dynamic performance and bass control.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Superb clarity and dynamics, delivering well-known music samples with clarity and dynamics directly from the package
- Accurate timing that cooperates successfully with technical improvements, leading to speedy actions in attacks and releases of the music
- User-friendly and inspires confidence, with a well-designed, metallic remote control
- Delivers a lot of information without details exposure, differentiating recordings remarkably with ease and grace
- Exemplary build quality
Product Considerations
- The finish of the player (light bronze) is not found on any Audionet preamplifier, which is a cosmetic issue for some users
- DSD capability of the USB input is omitted
- It builds slightly smaller phantom images than some other sources
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Planck can do its job even more accurately than ART G3, especially in the time domain, improving articulation and clarity of music performances
- Planck is not as soft and warm as MSB
- Planck is not so open and perfectly defining the sound as dCS
- Planck builds slightly smaller phantom images than CEC TL0 3.0 and DA0 3.0
- The definition of sound can be more precise than the Rossini model and Reimyo DAP-999EX PROGRESS High Fidelity Edition
- The lower end is as good as the Gryphon Mikado's
Takeaway: The Audionet PLANCK offers superb clarity and dynamics combined with user-friendly design, offering a natural listening experience. Its solid build quality and ability to differentiate recordings with ease makes it an excellent choice for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Audionet is a hifi brand whose Ultra Linear Amplifier technology, originally developed for medical applications, provides exceptional signal purity and stability. Their products, particularly the MAX monoblocks and DNP/EPX combo, are known for extraordinary dynamic performance and bass control.
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