I am happy to have generated this discussion. To fine tune my dilemma, I have always loved ARC gear. I had an old SP6C for years then went to the BAT31SE and it was quiet but too dark and went back to ARC ref 3. I enjoy the bloom and was thinking the Ref CD8 would provide system synergy and was leaning more toward it. Like others have mentioned, the X03SE is cheaper and I don't know if its bass is "better" or not, but musicality is important also. I guess I'm trying to convince myself that the bass of the CD8 is worth having and would be more analog like than the X03, unless I'm mistaken. Please, more input. Keep going, I love this discussion.
Audio Research Ref CD8 vs Esoteric X03SE
Looking to take my digital front end up a few notches and am looking at the CD8 and the X03SE. I have an Audio Research Ref3 preamp, Pass Labs X250.5 amp, and Magnepan 20.1 speakers and want a CD player with good bottom end control and extension. Need help deciding.