If you like the Ayon sound signature, you may not like the Esoteric's.
If you are using a tube preamp (or power amp), the Esoteric may be a good match. It's more neutral. And of course the Esoteric plays SACD
But there's something magical about the Ayon's tube lushness. CDs sound "right".
FWIW, I am using the Ayon CD5S as a tube preamp now while the Playback Designs MPS5 SACD is the source.
If you are using a tube preamp (or power amp), the Esoteric may be a good match. It's more neutral. And of course the Esoteric plays SACD
But there's something magical about the Ayon's tube lushness. CDs sound "right".
FWIW, I am using the Ayon CD5S as a tube preamp now while the Playback Designs MPS5 SACD is the source.