Dorkwad: I like Dan's stuff...I own a 36.5 preamp and the KWA 150 amp. I am looking to Esoteric for the reliability as well as the sound. I am not sold on Sony reliability given the myriad problems people have had over the years with the various SACD players. The one thing I hate most is no music while a piece of my sysyem is gone to a manufacturer for a month.
Differences Between Esoteric SACD Players
I cannot find a dealer in my area that has the x-03se and the x-05. I am sure there are people who have compared them. Can you give me some idea if you think the x-03se is worth the extra $6-700 extra over the x-05? Finally, is the SA50 close to the x-05? I like the DAC accessability in that unit as I would like to listen to internet radio, but that is not a major decision point for me. I have a large SACD collection so that is the priority. Thanks for your help.