Esoteric's N-01 network player ($20,000), which debuted at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in October, is now equipped to decode MQA. It was part of a system that produced very direct, fast sound and that, on LP, rendered Ray Charles' voice with exceptional clarity.
Arrayed on what looked like Grand Prix racks, the N-01 shared the spotlight with VPI's Prime Signature turntable ($6000) with Ortofon Cadenza Bronze cartridge ($2000); Esoteric's E-02 balanced dual-mono phono preamplifier ($9000), C-02X linestage ($20,000), and S-02 power amplifier ($20,000); Canton Reference 3K speakers ($15,600/pair); and a mix of AudioQuest's Wind and Fire all-silver cabling.
