Audio Research Ref CD8 vs Esoteric X03SE

get a simaudio

Just find a dealer willing to loan you both units and make your own judgements. It your ears!

i have the esoteric p3-d3 combo - this was compared side-by-side with the ARC CD-7. although the CD-7 is great for the $$$ the p3-d3 was easily its better. more low end control and better soundstaging throughout the spectrum.
the CD-7 is the best bang for the buck as its ALOT cheaper than the esoteric combo but its not quite as good if money is no object.
The p3-d3 also benefits alot by adding the G-Os word clock - another definite step up.
im using ARC Ref3 and Ref 610 monos driving Dynaudio Masters..
As somebody mentioned the ARC Ref 3 is a little bloated in the low end but its so incredibly musical that it has still bested every other preamp ive tried.
yes - another 2 cents worth..\
jimbooooooooooooooooo